Dachshund Derby

Held each year, the Oktoberfest Dachshund Derby is a crowd favorite and a fundraising event for Crossroads Campus, a non-profit located in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. Crossroads provides job training and mentoring to at-risk teens and animal adoptions ([email protected]). Who knew such small dogs could run so fast – or sometimes — not?

Race Location: South End of Bicentennial Mall

Online Registration Deadline: 7 pm on Saturday, October 5th.

Day of Race Registration: From 12:30 – 2 pm at Registration Tent by racetrack on the south end of Bicentennial Mall

Late Registration Fee: $45*

*Day of Race entries will be put on a waiting list for an open heat.

• Puppy Races: Dachshunds 3-10 months old (25 ft track)
• Mini Races: Dachshunds up to 15 pounds (50 ft track)
• Standard (Tweenie) Races: Dachshunds over 15 pounds (50 ft track)
• Senior Races: Dachshunds 9 years or older (25 ft track)
• Doxie Mix Races: Dachshunds mixes 1 year or older (50 ft track)

Heats for each category will be assigned at random by event coordinators.

All racers must be checked in between 12:30 pm and 2 pm on at the Derby registration tent on the Bicentennial Mall by the racetrack. After check-in, racers will be placed in heats for each of the 5 race categories.

Races begin at 3pm.

There will be no refunds of Dachshund Derby registrations for any reason.

Important: registration does not include admission to the festival. You must have either a General Admission or VIP ticket to participate in the race.

• All racers shall be a dachshund or dachshund mix to enter.
• No dog shall be forced to race. Any dog that is injured shall not be eligible to race.
• All owners shall sign a liability waiver for each dog entering the race. Waivers include a statement that each dog entered is up to date on rabies vaccinations.
• When not racing, all dogs must be on a leash.
• Each dog shall be accompanied by 2 humans—one at the start gate and one at the finish line.
• Dogs must start in the starting gate until the race announcer has called GO.
• Dogs must completely cross the finish line. Any reaching across the finish line to pull the dog over by the human is unsportsmanlike behavior and will result in disqualification.
• Humans may have a favorite toy or treat behind the finish line to help motivate their racers.
• No laser lights. No balls or other toys may be thrown on the track. This will result in disqualification.
• Any dog that bites another dog, person, or handler will not be permitted to race.
• Judging Officials’ rulings are final. Attempts to argue with Judging Official or Event Coordinators will result in removal from the event.

Have a great time. Live long and run strong!