Sled Dog Racing
In New Zealand there are two different types of racing. Dryland racing is the most common form of racing and is carried out on land instead of snow. The other type of racing is sled racing which is held on the snow.
Dryland racing is generally held on gravel roads and/or forestry roads and tracks throughout New Zealand. For dryland racing mushers either race on a rig which is either three or four wheeled or a two wheeled scooter.
There are various classes available for rig and scooter races, it is up the discretion of the RGO (Race Giving Organsation) which classes are offered at events.
Classes can include:
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1 and 2 dog scooter
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2, 3, 4 and 6 dog rig
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1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 Dog freight (in this class the dogs must pull a required amount of freight which is attached to the rig/scooter. The amount of freight varies depending on team size.)
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Junior class for children
In the snow the rigs and scooters are swapped for sleds or ski’s. Classes normally offered at snow events are the same as above but do not include freight class.
SRSDC Members are also eligible to join the NZ Federation of Sled Dog Sports. This means at any NZFSS Sanctioned event you compete in you can work towards gaining sled dog titles. Titles awarded are; Sled Dog (SD), Sled Dog Excellence (SDX) and Sled Dog Champion (SDCH).
Would my dog be suitable for this sport?
Any medium sized dog with basic fitness and a desire to run or pull is more than capable of competing in sled dog racing.
Sled dog racing is generally associated with traditional arctic breed dogs such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds.
However many other breeds can very successfully compete at Sled Dog Racing. We have breeds such as Alaskan Huskies, Pointers (GSP & GWP), Dalmatians, Labradors, Huntaways, Border Collies and of course lots of crossbred dogs in our club.
SRSDC holds regular fun days and training runs, these are a good way to get to know the sport and meet people who enjoy it. Members always enjoy chatting about the sport and providing information to help get you started.
