Dozens of dogs have put paws to pavement in Canberra as part of a race to spread Christmas cheer in the city and crown the capital's quickest pug.

Hundreds of humans also packed out City Walk in Civic to watch the dash, which saw pooches compete in a bracket system for a spot in the final race on Monday night.

While owners were allowed to encourage the dogs from behind the finish line, it was up to the pugs to navigate the track for themselves.

Owners were encouraged to dress their pugs in costumes for a chance to take out the best-dressed prize. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

Georgia Gilmayer, proud owner of winner Asha, said her dog had attempted training in her backyard in the lead up to the race.

"Usually she's a pretty quick runner, but she likes people a little too much and gets distracted when there are crowds around, so we're surprised she actually did get to the finish line," she said.

Emma Downey (centre) said Boris the pug proved easily distracted. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

Distraction proved a common foil for the dogs, with pug Boris falling out of the race from an impressive second place.

"This is his first race," owner Emma Downey said.

"He got towards the end and got really confused and ran back ... he did make a friend though."

Kingston put his best paw forward, standing out from his competition when he showed up to the race in a Santa suit. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

Owner Taylor Hill said she was surprised to learn her pup Kingston could race at all.

"I didn't even know he could really run, they're pretty lazy," she said.

"It's all natural talent."

Ms Hill said she was also hopeful Kingston would take out the best-dressed award with his brand-new Santa suit.

Hundreds gathered to watch the Christmas in the City pug races. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

Event organiser Anna Turello said the pug race and Sunday's dachshund race drew larger than expected crowds.

"We definitely weren't anticipating that many people," she said.

"The dachshund race had close to 1,000."

Sanchez the pug in his Christmas outfit ahead of the race. ( 666 ABC Canberra: Sophie Kesteven )

Ms Turello said the races were a fun way of bringing the community together in the festive season and encouraging the love of animals.

She said the team were excited to host the event again, possibly next year with screens to broadcast the race to the large gathering of onlookers.