Skip to content

Pups tear it up at K9 Expo

The K9 Expo was the scene of high-octane dachshund racing on Saturday. Fourteen wiener-dogs went head-to-head in the Dachshund Dash, hosted by the Gold Ruff Dog Shoppe, at the Takhini Arena dog park. "I think it's great.
p19dograce01

The K9 Expo was the scene of high-octane dachshund racing on Saturday.

Fourteen wiener-dogs went head-to-head in the Dachshund Dash, hosted by the Gold Ruff Dog Shoppe, at the Takhini Arena dog park.

“I think it’s great. I hope it’s an annual event - actually, more than annual,” said Heather Gordon, whose dachshund Olivia was the winning wiener-dog. “It was a lot of fun.”

Dogs raced a roughly 15-metre straightaway, getting released by one trainer and running to another. Though much of the field didn’t know exactly what was going on and were distracted by the 50 or so spectators, Olivia kept her eyes on the prize.

Gordon’s strategy: “Jump up and down and in the end, she knew the two of us,” she said. “She just likes to run.”

About a dozen dogs also took part in the Klondike Dog Rush races for other breeds.

Gold Ruff Dog Shoppe owner Brittnee Seely was happy with the turnout.

“It was our first year, so I hope in coming years we can get a big group going,” said Seely. “It can definitely be bigger next year, but it was an awesome turnout this year.”

The K9 Expo, held inside Takhini Arena, was a first annual event, sponsored by the Yukon Kennel Club. The expo included agility demonstrations, a breed parade, and displays by local canine related businesses.

“We thought, there are so many dog businesses, there are all these people, and we don’t even know each other. There are training clubs, there are retail stores ... Why don’t we plan a trade show where everyone comes together and it’s a one-stop shop for people to come in and find things?” said Yukon Kennel Club’s Sheila Robertson.

“We learned a bunch of stuff - a little more advertising - but we’re thrilled with the outcome and hopefully next year we’ll double it.”

Up next for dog lovers is the Yukon Kennel Club’s 44th annual All Breed Dog Show being held at the Mount McIntyre Rec Centre on June 13 and 14.

Contact Tom Patrick at

tomp@yukon-news.com