Weird and wonderful ways to hang out with your hound

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If you haven’t watched a bunch of wiener dogs race in capes, tutus and super hero costumes, then you haven’t really lived.

As a nation of dog lovers, Australians excel at creating weird and wacky events for our furry family members — and even if you don’t own a dog, you don’t have to miss out.

Here are some of the best events to put in your calendar.

Looking for love? Get yourself a good-looking wingman and head to the pub this month. Picture: Nicole Cleary

HOUNDS OF LOVE

Are dogs the ultimate wingmen? Dating with Dogs puts that theory to the test, and you don’t even need to own a dog to find out. At this off leash event, all the dogs spend their time mooching pats of other people while you hunt down your perfect match.

Sunday March 1, 2-4pm, Stanley’s on Stanley, 79 Stanley St, Darlinghurst, NSW.

Look at their tiny legs go! The Inverleigh Dachshund Derby is one of the best doggo days out in the country. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

DACHSHUND DERBY

This sausage fest is one of the greatest dog events around and well worth a road trip to Victoria, because who doesn’t want to see these tiny short-legged doggos dress up and make a run for it. The family and small dog friendly event is open to all dogs up to 30cm at the shoulder with prizes up for grabs in categories including best fancy dress, and of course, the Dachshund Derby and All Breeds Race.

Sunday March 1, 10am-3pm, Inverleigh Sporting Complex, 10 Railway St, Inverlegh, Vic.

Team Fifty shades of mud at the K-9 Ruff Mudder last year. Picture: AAP

K-9 RUFF MUDDER.

Imagine Tough Mudder without the competition and all the crazy and you’ve got the dirtiest doggo event in town. Coffs Harbour Showground hosts this mayhem and it’s a day packed with wild muddy challenges and obstacle courses for you and your dog to conquer.

Sunday March 29, Coffs Showground.

Pamper your pooch with pup-tinis, crystal healing and massages at Pound Paw’s Bondi Beach dog day.

COCKTAILS & CRYSTAL HEALING

Pound Paws’ dog day out puts the paw-some in its annual event with dog trick events, best dressed, doggie crystal healing, there’s even a Bondi Doggie Lifeguard Challenge. Floofs can enjoy pup canapes and dog-tinis, pet massages, and a spot of shopping at the pet market stalls. And for those without a dog, no worries. A bunch of rescue groups involved on the day will be there with dogs available for adoption.

April 18 at Bondi Beach and Bondi Pavilion lawn area.

The second day of the five-day-long Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal is called Kukur Tihar or Kukur Puja (worship of the dogs).

DAY OF THE DOG

Not ridiculous but certainly heartwarming, this one’s a day to give thanks to your furkid.

Kukur Tihar is the second day of a Nepalese Hindu festival that honours dogs as our loyalest friends. Translating to “day of the dogs”, your pooch will be blessed, draped in flower garlands and fed endless treats as part of an all-out adoration day. Plus there’ll be stalls, entertainment, competitions and more.

Sunday November 14, 11am-3pm, Addison Road Community Centre

142 Addison Rd, Marrickville