Canterbury Park opens registration for summer dog races; Beagles added to pack that includes corgis, dachshunds, bulldogs and bassets

Canterbury Park will open registration Tuesday, March 3 for its popular summer dog races. Known locally and nationally for horse racing, the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack introduced wiener dog races as an entertainment feature between horse races more than two decades ago. The popularity led to the addition of other breeds, each featured on its own day. The list now includes the original wiener dogs as well as corgis, bulldogs, basset hounds and, new this season, beagles.

Each of the ‘dog days’ features 72 dogs competing in six heats held between horse races. Top dogs from each heat are invited to return for the Best In Show races at the end of the season. The dog race days have become some of the most well attended on the summer calendar with the owners showcasing their dogs to thousands of spectators. The dogs race about 50 yards in front of the packed grandstand and track apron as race callers describe the action.

Interested dog owners may register their pets on Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. through the website and are encouraged to act early as some of the races can fill quickly and require a lottery to determine the canine invitees. There is no fee to participate.

Dog Race Dates

Sunday, May 24 – Bulldogs

Sunday, June 14 – Basset Hounds

Saturday, July 4 – Wiener Dogs

Sunday, August 2 –  Beagles

Sunday, August 9 – Corgis

Sunday, September 6 – Best In Show

The post Canterbury Park opens registration for summer dog races; Beagles added to pack that includes corgis, dachshunds, bulldogs and bassets appeared first on Canterbury Park.