A little boy (Julian Feder) and his family adopt a runt of a dachshund from a shelter and name her Shelly. Despite all odds, the dog surprises the boys father (Jason London, Dazed and Confused) when it places in the state trials of the distinguished Wiener Dog Nationals Race. The family moves on to the next round only to face strong opposition from the reigning champion dog, Princess, and her owner Ms. Merryweather (Morgan Fairchild, Flamingo Road). Meanwhile, Melanie (Alicia Witt, Cybill), one of the racing judges tries to help the family by proving that Ms. Merryweather is cheating. Shelly and her new family must deal with the cutthroat world of the nations greatest wiener dog race, Wienerschnitzels Wiener Dog Nationals. One Race, One Nation, One Wiener!