Corgi dogs race and strut their stuff in Vilnius

Thousands flocked to the Lithuanian capital for the Corgi Race, featuring 120 teams of stubby-legged pups from across Europe.

The two-day Corgi Race in Vilnius last week featured sprints, puzzles, a fashion show, and a "most impressive bark" competition.

Held in Vilnius' largest park, Vingis Park, the event attracted teams from across Europe, including Latvia, Poland, Austria, Germany, and Italy. "Vilnius will become the center of the corgi universe, and we want all dog lovers to participate," the event's website proclaimed.

Corgi dogs participate in the events in Vilnius, Lithuania. *AP Photo*

Corgi on Mango, from host country Lithuania, won the sprint.

"This is Mango’s second race," said Ignas Klimaika, the dog’s owner from Vilnius. "Last year, we couldn't finish the race despite practicing. This year, we didn't practice, but Mango knew what to do and is very proud of himself."

The fashion show saw contestants sporting an array of unique outfits, from batman to princesses to even an airplane.

Corgi dogs participate in a sprint in Vilnius, Lithuania. *AP Photo*

Last year's Vilnius Corgi Race brought together 100 corgis from 5 countries and drew nearly 7,000 fans. This year's event concluded 24/8 with the Global Corgi Meetup, connecting Lithuanian dogs online with others in Ireland, the US, and Poland.

"Our family is very happy; there are so many emotions. It's truly a refreshing event that many people want to attend," shared Janina Stoniene, a retired teacher who brought her three grandchildren to the event.