Oscar is one of the eager contenders in the Dachshund Dash

Instead of stretching his legs or warming up like many athletes, Oscar has a different way to prepare for his first time in the Dachshund Dash: barking.

Oscar will compete compete in the 50-metre race at the Campbell Town Show next weekend, his mum Jessica Turner, of Newnham, said.

“He loves to bark,” Ms Turner said.

“He’ll have something to say, but then he’ll get used to the other dogs and have a play,” she said.

This is Oscar’s first competitive event, and Ms Turner’s first time at Campbell Town Show.

“I found out about the race on Facebook and my mum and dad asked if I’d enter Oscar.”

Oscar is also a contender in the fashion and influencer stakes, with a range of outfits to choose from and his own Instagram account: @oscarthe_sausage.

“He’s got over 1000 followers and he’s actually been featured in King Kingsley’s book, which is another famous dachshund,” Ms Turner said.

Dachshund Dash organiser Sophie Weeding is hoping to get 180 sausage dogs to the show this year to celebrate its 180^th anniversary.

“We’ve got 64 entries so far, but we’d love 180 to turn up, even if just for the photo,” Ms Weeding said.

The first three dogs in each heat will go through to the finals, with the final three winning prizes.

Campbell Town’s Dachshund Dash has gained popularity, with several other races happening since the 2017 show.

“A few others have popped up and it’s become more of a thing for people to go to. People find it quite amusing,” Ms Weeding said.

“We had a huge crowd last year and it really made the event.

“The dogs like to show off. They like an audience,” she said.

Competitive owners will have to keep their pooches in check, as some of last year’s contenders were waylaid along the route.

“Some of the dogs went off track to eat chips.”

Canine-themed prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed sausage dogs.

The Dachshund Dash is at Campbell Town Showgrounds on Saturday, May 26, at 10.30am, with registration open from 8.30am.