BUDA, Texas - To be the winning wiener dog, owners say the key is some serious focus.

  • The annual event raises thousands for charity. 
  • The first year only had 35 Dachshunds racing.

“She’s fast,” said J.D. Jordan, a Dachshund owner who is visiting from Houston. “I think she’s going to win if she doesn’t go chasing another dog.”

Stopping dachshunds from getting distracted can be a longshot. Their unpredictability is why enthusiasts say they’re lovable.

“They’re so excited to you see you every time you come home,” Jordan said.

"They’re loving, they’re adorable, they’re so playful,” said Letty Gutierrez, owner of two wiener dogs.

Thousands came out for the Annual Buda Weiner Dog Races. This year’s theme was "Wienertopia," after the animated feature film, "Zooptopia."

Texans have Buda Lions Club member Diane Krejci to thank for the yearly uniquely Buda tradition. The fundraiser went off because of her love for her pint-sized pup.

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“She came back to our club and said, ‘Hey guys, this would a great way to do it,’" said Lions Club member Charles Handrick. “After, you know, the good round of laughs that we had we listened to her story and we wound up saying ‘Ok, Diane if you make it happen, we will be there to support you.’”

Twenty years later, the small breed has made a huge impact in the city. The first race had 35 competing canines, compared to the hundreds today.

“When we started out, we never really dreamt that it would get this big,” Handrick said. “So it’s been a heck of a ride. It’s been fantastic.”

The journey has always kept the community in mind. Thousands of dollars have been donated to different charitable causes, like helping children living with disabilities.

More than 100 organizations also participated, including the Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas. The nonprofit rescues, rehabilitates and find forever homes for dachshunds.

“They get the biggest chance of being seen out of all of our events here because these are serious dachshund people,” said Debra Farley, a Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas board member. 

For more information about the family friend event visit www.budalions.com .