Day of the Dackel

Rules & Regulations

  1. The entrant must be a pure bred Dachshund for the Dackel Dash or a small dog breed under 30cm at shoulder for Open Small Breed Race.
  2. No aggressive dogs.
  3. A fee of $15.00 is required per dog to race.
  4. Race check-in begins at 8:30 am on 29 March 2026 at the venue. Please be early to check in and receive wrist band.
    Dackel Dash Only: The three qualifying heats will be contested consecutively. The top three finishers from each heat will advance to the Dackel Dash. There will be a break before the grand final race to give competitors time to rest and change ribbon colours.
  5. Only two people per dog on the track at any time. No friends, family members or other dogs.
  6. No food (human or dog food) or other pets are allowed in immediate race area.
  7. Owners are required to clean up after their dog.
  8. Dogs must have 2 handlers: One must be 18+ and the other must be 12+. One handler is the “releaser” (releases the dog at the start line). The other handler is the “catcher” (catches the dog at the finish line). Neither of the handlers may cross over into the race area after the race has begun.
  9. The releaser must keep the dog’s front feet behind the first starting line, and all 4 feet must be on the ground at the start of the race. Dogs cannot be push started over the starting line. Dogs cannot be thrown forward. If these rules are not adhered to, the dog will be disqualified.
  10. The catcher must keep their body behind the second line (the line furthest from the start.) Their arms may be extended, but they cannot touch the dog until the dog has crossed the first line (the line closest to the start). The catcher may have one toy to attract the dog, but the object may not cross over into the race area. If these rules are not adhered to, the dog will be disqualified.
  11. Dogs do not have to race in a straight line.
  12. Dogs must reach the finish line themselves and not be pushed or pulled across.
  13. In all cases, the decisions of the officials of Day of the Dackel are final.
  14. Filming and photos will be in progress at the event. By participating, you agree to allow for your image, and your dog’s image to appear in our videotaping and photography for any and all commercial purposes without remuneration.  You also agree that Day of the Dackel may use your dogs photos to help promote current and future events.
  15. Day of the Dackel and its volunteers are not responsible for any injury caused to the entrant’s dog or to themselves during their time at Day of the Dackel.