BELFAST, ME — It was a rainy day once again for Wienerfest, but the weather didn’t keep dachshund lovers and their four-legged friends away. Although the rain shortened the event, folks still turned out to enjoy Wienerfest fun, including the popular Costume Contest and Doxie Derby.
Costume Contest
The Costume Contest showcased the creativity of Wienerfest participants. Two-year-old Murphy of Windham, Maine, took home the Costume Contest title dressed as a Biker Dog.
The two runners-up were 8-month-old Zachary Donald of Hancock, dressed as a Rodeo Cowboy, and 12-year-old Poppy of Belfast, dressed as the Dach-ness Monster of Belfast Bay.
Doxie Derby
The Doxie Derby once again had spectators cheering as dachshunds raced toward the finish line.
Moose, a 9-year-old dachshund from Freeport, won this year’s Standard Dachshund category. Obi, a 2-year-old dachshund from Standish, was the winner of the Mini Dachshund category and went on to claim the title of Doxie Derby Grand Champion, beating Moose who was last year’s champ.
The Wannabe category, which is open to non-dachshund breeds weighing under 40 pounds, featured Rudy, a 15.5-year-old Puggle from Topsham. Rudy was the only entrant in the category, but he still raced to the finish line and proudly collected his trophy.
Wienerfest is an annual celebration of dachshunds and the people who love them. Despite the rain, participants and spectators came out to enjoy the costumes, racing and plenty of dachshund fun. Proceeds from the event benefit PAWS Animal Adoption Center in Camden. PAWS serves the towns of Appleton, Belmont, Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Belfast, Hope, Northport, Liberty, Islesboro and Swanville. FMI visit: pawscares.org
2026 Winners at a Glance
Costume Contest
• Winner: Murphy, Windham — Biker Dog
• Runner-up: Zachary Donald, Hancock — Rodeo Cowboy
• Runner-up: Poppy, Belfast — Dach-ness Monster of Belfast Bay
Doxie Derby
• Overall Champion: Obi, Standish
• Mini Dachshund Winner: Obi, Standish
• Standard Dachshund Winner: Moose, Freeport
• Wannabe Winner: Rudy, Topsham
Photo Credit: Debra Bell, Bell’s Furry Friends Pet Photography, www.bffpetphotos.com
Obi, Mini & Derby Grand Champ
Moose, Standard Winner
Murphy, Costume contest Winner
Rudy, Wannabe Winner
