We will be entering our 11th season and face many new challenges and hard choices. We are already preparing for this years 2011 race season. We thank each and every one of you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your support of The National Dachshund Races. We are currently sanctioned by the International Wiener Dog Racing Federation (IWDRF).

The events held by the National Dachshund Races have raised significant proceeds for several charities. Having said that, it is important to note that it is also expensive in both time and money. We operate as a non-profit so all of our funds are allocated for either operational use or charity donations. Myself, and all those involved behind the scenes, do so out of a love for the breed and without compensation of any kind. It is important to myself and the others involved that our events remain a day of family fun with proceeds being raised for worthy causes.

At the time of this writing, we are working with a new design and development company. Eclipse Design Concepts is creating this beautiful new web site that you are seeing. Our main focus with the new design is ease of use. Our old design had become a bit of a nightmare to navigate and find the relevent up-to-date information that our visitors needed. It is our goal to make this site as easy to use and consistantly updated as possible. We will also be implementing some fun new tidbits such as "Cuddles' Paw of Approval™". So stay tuned and check back often to see what's new!

As far as our races go, we continue to maintain a high standard for the safety of the dogs. Dachshund racing continues to crop up throughout the United States. As a result many overlook maintaining the stardards that we believe are of the utmost importance. These standards are there to protect the dogs that we love. Without them, dachshunds are at risk of being run too far or in poor conditions. Unfortunately, sometimes things are bad enough that if the roles were reversed, you yourself would not want to run.

Your dachshund should be your companion first and a racer second. A dachshund is simply not built to safely run long distances. They were bred to be hunters. Their name literally meaning "badger dog" as they were bred to chase badgers, rabbits and other small animals from their burrows for hunters waiting on the outside.

Their backs and overall build make them prone to injuries such as spinal injury, hip injuries and the oft-feared Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). IVDD is a devastating inherited disease of the spine that can leave your dachshund paralyzed. In the worst cases, the dogs undergo expensive, painful surgeries that are unsuccessful. The result is euthenasia for your beloved pet.

There are many people who question me about the 35 foot runs, believing them to be too short. Even after I explain to them the risks and dangers associated with longer runs, I hear such retorts as, "well they run for hundreds of yards in my backyard so what's the problem?" Well, the problem is, simply put, in your yard the dog can run as he or she chooses. Your pet is not forced to run 50 - 100 yards often several times in a row and sometimes in high temperatures while playing in the yard at home.

I have heard tell that one group in Florida held their race on the paved street where it was over 100 degrees outside and very humid. The pavement the dogs ran on was over 120 degrees. Would you want to run, bare foot, on macadam at those temperatures just for someone else's entertainment? Or better yet, could you?

I realize that many of you, our guests, racers, sponsors, and supporters, may have questions as we go, so feel free to contact myself or the other board members via our contact form here on the site. We will try and bring all of the most recent news, events and more here to the site for your information, enjoyment, and participation, as quickly as possible.

See you at the races!!