What Are Corgi Races? Are They Ethical? Important Facts

Most of us are familiar with Greyhound dog racing, including the many controversies that plague the proceedings. However, in the summer of 2021, many casual sports fans were surprised to discover an entirely different breed of dog racing across their television screens one Saturday afternoon.

For some reason, a major sports network decided to show a replay of the annual Corgi Races held each year at a racetrack in Washington state. Social media was instantly abuzz, and suddenly everyone wanted to know: what are Corgi races? In this article, we’ll tell you about Corgi races and answer the most pressing question most pet lovers have: are these races ethical?

What Are Corgi Races?

Unlike Greyhound racing, which functions as an industry similar to horse racing, Corgi races tend to take place as yearly special events. They may be organized by a specific track, such as the Emerald Downs facility in Washington that held the televised race we mentioned in the opening.

Local groups of Corgi lovers organize other Corgi races, sometimes just for fun and other times as a fundraiser for a pet-related charity.

The Corgi races are usually organized like human track events, with multiple heats and a final championship race featuring all heat winners.

How Do Corgi Races Work?

The Corgi competitors are not professional racers but pets whose owners enter the event to enjoy a fun day out with fellow Corgi lovers and possibly end up on television.

Owners may pay an entry fee to enroll their pets. Because only a certain number of dogs can run in each heat, some popular races must use a random lottery to decide the entrants.

Corgi races typically don’t allow any betting and are designed as family-friendly, low-stress occasions. They frequently descend into mass chaos since the Corgis aren’t trained athletes but fun-loving family pets.

The general setup is that the Corgis wait with their owner at the starting line and race towards another favorite person waiting for them a short distance away at the finish line.

However, as you might imagine, many dogs never actually cross the finish line but instead run the wrong way, start to chase each other, or just flee the track entirely!  It’s all part of the appeal, and since everyone is just there to have fun, no one really cares.

Most Corgi races offer some prizes, depending on where they occur. For example, the Emerald Downs race awards an enormous trophy to the champion Corgi.

Where Do Corgi Races Take Place?

Corgi races can take place anywhere there’s space to let them run. However, most tend to take place at actual horse racing tracks. Corgi races are generally run between the day’s scheduled horse races.

Horse tracks often use the annual Corgi races as a promotional event, hoping to attract more people to come out for the day. Even those who don’t care about horse racing or have ethical concerns about it (more on this later) may come out to watch a pack of adorable Corgis chases each other around. For example, Emerald Downs attracted over 13,000 fans to its second annual Corgi Race Day in 2018.

Advantages of Corgi Racing

As evidenced by the delighted social media response to the televised Corgi races, watching these short-legged pups romp over a racetrack can be extremely entertaining.

Corgi races are an ideal option to help raise money for good causes, especially animal-related ones. These events can also be a great way for pet lovers and their dogs to socialize and make new friends. Competing with their Corgis can also be a bonding experience for dog owners and their pets.

Disadvantages of Corgi Racing

As with any athletic activity, Corgi racing holds some risk of injury for the competitors. While the hope would be that no owner enters a Corgi who doesn’t get along with other dogs, there is no way to guarantee that the competitors won’t decide to fight instead of race. Since many of the races take place in summer, heat could also be an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Corgi Racing Ethical?

The ethical problems with Greyhound racing are extensive and well-documented, to the point that the practice is now illegal in most of the United States. Inhumane housing, constant injuries, doping, and cruel treatment are just some of the injustices suffered by Greyhound racers.

Unlike the Greyhounds, however, the participants in Corgi races spend one day out of the year in low-stakes, just-for-fun races and go home with their families at the end of the day. Nobody is allowed to bet on the races, and they often raise money for worthy causes. Corgi racing doesn’t come with the ethical dilemmas of other dog racing.

However, one could argue there’s an ethical issue with attending Corgi races held at a horse track. Horse racing is also a controversial business, with many instances of on-track injuries, illegal doping, and harsh training practices. By spending money at a horse track, even if it’s to see or participate in a Corgi race, you’re technically supporting part of the horse racing industry.

What Safety Precautions Do Corgi Races Take?

Corgi races generally require that participating dogs be up to date on their shots and provide proof before they can enter. Depending on where and when the race takes place, you may find cooling measures in place, such as wading pools, shade tents, and plenty of water.

Can Other Breeds Participate?

No, Corgi races are typically limited to either Pembroke or Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Some races may allow Corgi mixes as well. The stricter races may require proof of the dog’s AKC registration before they’re allowed to run.

Racetracks usually specify that only participating dogs are allowed at the track as well. Less formal races may have more relaxed rules as far as which dogs are allowed to be present or even race.

How Can I Find a Corgi Race Near Me?

Many Corgi races are organized by local breed groups. Check social media or ask Corgi owners which groups exist in your area. Once you find one, keep an eye on their communications to find out when Corgi races are happening. If you live near a racetrack, you can also check their website or promotional materials to find out if they hold a Corgi Race Day.

Conclusion

Corgis are one of the most popular breeds in America and one of the cutest too. Something about watching the dogs run (maybe the short legs) inspired the invention of Corgi races, which are now held regularly throughout the country.

Unlike other types of dog racing, you can generally enjoy the Corgi version without feeling you’ve compromised your ethics to do so. However, the fact that many Corgi races are held at horse racing tracks may still make some people uncomfortable.

Featured Image Credit: Maren Dale, Shutterstock