TAMPA, Fla. — You haven't seen anything until you've seen wiener dogs racing in slow motion, or in any speed, really — the Dachshund breed appeal is widespread.

The Florida Wiener Dog Derby is taking place Saturday at the Tampa Riverwalk, where hundreds will be gathering to share their love for Dachshunds. The event also serves as an opportunity to rescue and adopt the dogs, as well as getting educated about the breed.

Stephanie Boyle is the president of Skyway Dachshund Rescue and has participated in the derby for the past five years with about 200 other dogs in different categories. Boyle prepares for the weekend's events with one of the wiener dog racers named "Gage."

Gage has the got the eye of the tiger, the wagging tongue of a fighter and the need for VIP treatment.

"I think he likes being carried around," Boyle said. "I have a couple that won’t let their pictures get taken. Some of them are super-duper competitive and you really have to watch where you walk.”

Boyle said she chose wiener dog rescue because people misunderstand their strong personalities.

“They are very belligerent. They can be very stubborn, and you really have to know the breed. We love their stubbornness and the way they are,” she said. 

Boyle's group advocates breed education for maximum wiener dog happiness.

"We are all super-passionate about getting the dogs into the right homes where they are understood and letting them be family members and have wonderful lives,” she said. 

Wonderful lives, one slo-mo scene at a time. 

For additional information about the Florida Wiener Dog Derby, visit the Tampa Riverwalk website.