Courtesy City of Southlake
Spud Wilson, a three-time Southlake Oktoberfest race winner, is going for an unprecedented fourth-straight victory at this year's festival.
In the heart of Southlake, when the bratwursts are grilling and the polka music’s pumping, there’s one four-legged athlete who steals the show every Oktoberfest: Spud the Wienerdog.
This speedy dachshund has become a local legend, winning the Southlake Oktoberfest Wienerdog Race three years in a row. And now, as the 2025 event approaches, Spud and his team (otherwise known as the Wilson family) are preparing to compete for an unprecedented fourth straight title.
Spud’s rise to stardom wasn’t planned. The first year, the Wilson’s entered him just for fun. No pressure, no expectations — just a cute dog in a silly race. But Spud had other plans. Upon being released at the starting line, the speedy daschund tore down the track like he’d been waiting his whole life for that moment. He won, to everyone’s surprise.
That first taste of glory turned into something more serious. In year two, the family upped their game.
“We trained him a little more seriously,” said Trent, Spud’s older brother and the all-important race-day releaser. “And he just dominated. It wasn’t even close.”
At the other end of the track was Dad Travis, arms wide and red ribbon in hand, ready to catch his champ.
“He’s just got this laser focus when he runs,” Travis said. “He locks onto me and just goes.”
By year three, Spud had a target on his back. The competition was tougher, the crowd was bigger, and the stakes higher. And this time at the starting line, Trent accidentally released him late.
“It was a timing thing,” he said. “I hesitated, and Spud started behind the rest.”
Spud wasn’t fazed. He dug in, sprinted down the track and — according to the naked eye — crossed the finish line neck-and-neck with another racer. With the close call and the slight delay, there were questions. Fortunately, Luke, the middle brother and family’s official videographer, had the evidence.
“I had it all on video,” he said. “We reviewed the footage in slow-mo, frame by frame. It showed Spud barely won.”
And just like that, win number three was in the books.
Courtesy City of Southlake
The Wilson Family (left to right): Cheryl, Luke, Trent, Spud and Travis
The whole operation is a family affair. Trent is in charge of the release — a job that requires precision, if not a little redemption this year. Travis is the catcher at the finish line, always holding the red ribbon that Spud is trained to fetch. Luke captures every second on camera, ready for instant replay if needed. And Mom Cheryl is the head cheerleader, waving her arms, shouting encouragement and celebrating with unmatched enthusiasm.
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Spud is athletically-gifted – athleticism runs deep in the Wilson family. Travis played college football at TCU, Trent is currently on the field at James Madison University and Luke has already committed to play at Oklahoma. Spud, with his stubby legs and unstoppable drive, is simply the next Wilson to excel at sports — just in a slightly smaller jersey.
Attending the event has become something of a family tradition for the Wilsons, who look forward to Southlake’s Oktoberfest every year. You’ll easily spot the three Wilson boys dressed in their Lederhosen, which are often worn by men at Oktoberfest and usually paired with suspenders, checkered shirts and sometimes wool socks and alpine hats.
Spud’s success doesn’t come without training. Each year, in the months leading up to Oktoberfest, Spud starts his conditioning by swimming laps in the Wilsons’ backyard pool — low-impact cardio that keeps his dachshund joints happy. He also practices chasing and responding to a red ribbon in the backyard, sharpening his instincts and focus for race day.
It doesn’t take Spud too long to get in race shape, transforming his offseason body into a lean running machine.
“He legitimately gets muscular once we start training him,” Luke said. “The first time we seriously started working out, it was crazy how toned he became.”
And yes, there’s tech involved. Spud wears a “doggy Fitbit” on his collar, which tracks his daily steps.
“We aim for 30,000 steps a day,” said Trent. “No less than 20,000. That’s our minimum.”
Morning walks with Trent are a daily routine, and between those and backyard zoomies, Spud usually has no issue reaching his number.
It’s a serious regimen for a dog who almost didn’t join the family in the first place. Cheryl, Luke, and Trent were all-in on getting a dachshund. Travis… not so much.
Courtesy City of Southlake
“I was the holdout,” he admitted. “But somehow we ended up with Spud anyway.”
Now?
“Spud is literally my best friend,” said Travis. “We’re pretty much inseparable at this point.”
It’s not just the races that make Spud special. It’s the bond he’s formed with his people. From reluctant dog dad to biggest fan, Travis has gone all-in. And with his family’s love, structure, and maybe a few extra treats, Spud has become more than just a race winner — he’s a hometown hero.
With this year’s Oktoberfest just around the corner, the family is prepping once again. Spud’s training is in full swing. The ribbon is ready. The pool remains open. The steps are being counted.
And the goal? Win number four.
“We’re going for it,” said Trent. “He’s got it in him.”