TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan is set to host its first-ever “hot dog cup” championships at the Hutoupi Scenic Area on April 12 and 13, inviting pet owners and their furry companions to participate.

This year's competition is open to small dogs weighing under 9 kg with a shoulder height of 32 cm or less. The event will feature two main contest categories: the sprint race and the creative costume contest.

Both competitions have free registration with a limit of 500 participants per category. Entries consisting of one person and one dog are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Winners in both categories will be awarded NT$10,000 (US$304) for first place, NT$8,000 for second place, and NT$6,000 for third place, along with certificates and pet food products. All registered dogs will receive a 100 g travel pack of dry pet food as a consolation prize.

All registered participants will receive a complimentary Hutoupi Scenic Area admission ticket, a solar-powered boat ticket, a parking pass, and a NT$100 market voucher valid during the two-day event. An additional NT$51 insurance fee applies for the solar-powered boat ride.

Online registration opens on March 7 at noon and will close on March 25. Interested participants can register via the organizer’s official form.

In the sprint race, dogs will don hot dog costumes and compete in a speed race within the Hutoupi camping area. The preliminary rounds will take place on April 12, with the top three finalists competing on April 13.

A panel of judges and the public will assess the creative costumes. Scoring will be based on creativity, stage presence, and talent performance, each accounting for 40%, 30%, and 30%, respectively.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) emphasized that Hutoupi Scenic Area is a perfect location for pet-friendly tourism due to its scenery and open spaces. He welcomed families to bring their pets to enjoy the event, allowing them to run, play, and socialize.