1.  What do you need to get into sled dog sports?

Obviously you need a sled dog. But what kind, how big and how old are all questions that newcomers to the sport ask.

The answers may surprise you - any sled dog of medium or larger size, say 16Kg, or more can be considered a potential sled dog, but they have to have a desire to work, pull and please.

a Sled dog is classified by the F.C.I as recorded to be; an Alaskan Malamute, Greenland Dog, Samoyed and the widespread Siberian Husky.

2.  About the sled dog breeds?

i. ALASKAN MALAMUTE:

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Large in size working dog - they are one of the oldest  Arctic sledge dogs, powerful and substantially built with deep chest and strong, well-muscled body.  Malamutes are of various colors with facial markings a distinguishing feature.  Must be heavy boned with sound legs, good feet, deep chest and powerful shoulders and have all the other physical attributes necessary for the efficient performance of his job to pull.  They are not intended to be a fast sled dog designed to compete for speed and will therefore enter in a different class.  They are structured for strength and endurance, and any characteristic including temperament which interferes with the accomplishment of this purpose is to be considered to be a serious fault. 

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The depth of chest is approximately one half the height of the dog at the shoulders, the deepest point being just behind the forelegs. 

The length of the body from point of shoulder to the rear point of pelvis is longer than the height of the body from ground to top of the withers.

SIZE : There is a natural range in size in the breed.  The desirable freighting sizes are - Males 63,5 cm and Females 58,5 cm. However, size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and other functional attributes.  When dogs are judged equal in type, proportion, movement, the dog nearest the desirable freighting size is to be preferred.  

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, friendly dog, not a « one-man » dog.  He is a loyal, devoted companion, playful in invitation, but generally impressive by his dignity after maturity. 

ii. GREENLAND DOG:

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : Large in size working dog - they are one of the world’s oldest breeds and has since ancient times been used for transportation and hunting purposes by the Eskimos.  Selection of specimens for breeding has been based mainly upon qualities like sturdy strength, hardiness and endurance, but an attractive appearance has also been kept in view.  With its robust nature the Greenland Dog is especially a dog for people enjoying open-air life.  He is an excellent companion for people who likes strolling in woods or mountains with their dog pulling or carrying their gear. 

GENERAL APPEARANCE : A very strong polar spitz, built for endurance and strenuous work as a sledge dog under arctic conditions.  Some variation in size is allowed, assuming working ability and harmony are not affected. 

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The body is short rectangular with the ratio of height at withers to body length as 10 to 11.  Bitches are allowed a slightly longer body. 

SIZE : Height at the withers - Males 60 cm and upwards and Bitches 55 cm and upwards.  

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : The predominant temperamental qualities of the Greenland Dog are energy, mental strength and boldness.  He is a passionate and tireless sledge dog.  To people - also strangers - he is friendly, and while acting as sledge dog not closely attached to any particular person and so not suitable as a guard dog.  On hunting seal and polar bear he will show a strong hunting instinct. 

iii.  SAMOYEDS :

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY :  The name Samoyed derives from the Samoyed Tribes in Northern Russia and Siberia.  In Southern parts of the area they used white, black and brown parti-coloured dogs as reindeer herders ; in the northern parts the dogs were pure white, had a mild temperament and were used as hunting- and sledge dogs. The Samoyed dogs lived close to their owners, they even slept within the shelters and were used as heaters.  The British zoologist Ernest Kilburn Scott spent three months among Samoyed Tribes in 1889.  Returning to England he brought with him a brown male puppy called « Sabarka ».  Later he imported a cream coloured bitch called  « Whitey  Petchora » from the western side of the Urals and a snow white male called « Musti » from Siberia.  These few dogs and those brought by the explorers are the base for the western Samoyed.  The first standard was written in England in 1909.   

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Medium in size working dog - elegant, a white Arctic Spitz.  In appearence gives the impression of power, endurance, charm, suppleness, dignity and self-confidence.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : The length of the body is approximately 5% more than the height at the withers. The depth of the body is slightly less than the half of the height at the withers.  The muzzle is approximately as long as the skull. 

SIZE  : Height at  withers - Male 57 cm and Females 53 cm both with a tolerance of ± 3 cm.  

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT : Friendly, open, alert and lively.    The hunting instinct is very slight.  Never shy nor aggressive.  Very social and cannot be used as guard dog. 

iv. SIBERIAN HUSKIES :

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action.  His moderately compact and well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern heritage.  His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless.  He performs his original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances.  His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance of power, speed and endurance.  The males of the Siberian Husky breed are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without weakness of structure.  In proper condition, with muscle firm and well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight. 

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : In profile, the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the rear point of the croup is slightly longer than the height of the body from the ground to the top of the withers. The distance from the tip of the nose to the stop is equal to the distance from the stop to the occiput. 

SIZE : Height at withers - Males 53,5 to 60 cm and Females 50,5 to 56 cm.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing.  He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs.  Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog.  His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker.

3.  How old?

It is best to wait until young dog matures somewhat before trying him (or her) in harness;

i. From young - Age 6-12 months they can be taught to pull light weights behind them with a proper fitting harness. It gets them used to being in harness and associating the harness with a good time and not so much with pulling something behind.

ii. Recreational Mushing - from the age of 12 months running very short distances on a team.

iii. Competitive time-trail events - 18 months being the benchmark to fully participate as a team dog.

With fun for the dog and the trainer, you'll be laying a good foundation for a long working relationship. Having fun with you dog is the most important thing you can do. If it stops being fun, then it's time to stop for the day. Don't try to do too much at once and always end on a positive note.

4.  Equipment?

Much of the equipment required will vary according to what activities you pursue. Running 'short time-trail events' such as Caniwalk/Canicross, Scootering/Bikejoring, requires different equipment than 'long distance events' such as cart/rig time-trail events and with back packing or weight pulling having a different set of equipment requirements.

Running dogs with wheeled Dryland rigs or 'carts' is popular where snow is non-existing and carts come in all sizes and weights. For small teams (up to 4 dogs), you naturally want a small light weight 3-wheeled cart. For larger teams (5 and more), heavy 4-wheeled carts are used. Regardless the size of the cart, the most important feature is brakes - you must have brakes capable of controlling your speed, stopping and keeping your team stopped.

Harnesses - Don't try to use a harness normally found in pet supply stores - they are for walking dogs and are not made according to dimensions for pulling.

Enquire about sled dog equipment suppliers who will gladly help you fit your dog with a proper harness. Check our "Equipment" link for what equipment will be required for which dog sledding sports activity and the display buttons (left) for some contacts in your area from whom you can purchase quality and professional sled dog equipment.

For the musher, the "body" equipment required can be purchased from any sports shop keeping cycling and/or cross country running gear.

5.  Health?

Any dog must be in good health and be feed according to his needs.

A working dog has special needs and should be feed according to the level of work they are doing.

If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian for basic nutritional advice and health maintenance.

6.  Looking for 1 or 2 dog or dog team activities?

If you are just working with one dog, you will probably be thinking about Caniwalk or Canicross or 1 and 2-dog Scootering or Bikejoring.

7.  Looking for 3 or 6 to 8 dog and more team activities?

Mushing/sledding with dogs in front of a cart/rig will require more than one dog, 2 is pretty much the minimum, depending on the weight of the cart, when using a 3-wheeled cart. With a 4-wheel cart and depending on the weight of the cart/rig, 4, 6 to 8 plus can be harnessed together.

8.  Selecting a specific breed of sled dog?

When selecting a breed, the dog's desire to work for you is more important than their physical size.

When looking for a fast team, Siberian Huskies would be the dog for you – for this same reason they compete in a class of their own.

When looking at the Alaskan Malamute, they are a less hyper active and outgoing type and loves to be part of the family pack – when choosing an Alaskan Malamute team be assured you will run at the same speed you have started at. For this reason the Alaskan Malamute, Greenland Dogs  and Samoyeds compete together in the same Class.

9.  Look for a Dog Sledding Club?

If you want to jump into the sport with both feet, the best approach is to apprentice yourself to an experienced sled dog sports club.

Very often, purebred kennels can use some extra help with the tasks and the training and often require additional dogs on their teams. In return, you'll have the opportunity to watch and learn how things are done.

Mushing a team of dogs masterfully is not a skill learned overnight.  It can become a life style not just a hobby and there is much to be learned. However, the experiences you will have along the way will give you a lifetime of memories and teach you many lessons which will serve you well in other activities.

10.  Control of your dogs?

Remember, control of your team is always 100% your responsibility, not the dogs or anybody else!

There is always distractions; from moose and deer in remote or rural areas to dogs, cats, horses, cows, squirrels, humans, bicyclists, etc. etc. etc. in more urban areas.

Being in control of your team regardless of the circumstances is the responsibility you assume each and every time you harness a dog.

Naturally, your dogs also are a factor. Some dogs just seem to be born with a better sense of responsibility towards their humans and listen no matter what is going on around them. But in most cases, it's your job to teach them what is right and wrong while maintaining their enthusiasm for the sport.

With time and effort, you and your dogs will be a well-tuned team and nothing beats the experience!

In South Africa various sled dog sports is on offer, from Caniwalk, Canicross, Scootering, Bikejoring and Cart/Rig Mushing/Sledding.

Other activities can also be enjoyed while building a bond with your canine friend; cross-country back packing and weight pulling events.  

Always remember rules applies for both human and canines as the sport is subjected to international and national rules and regulations regarding each sports activity with taking in to account the safety and welfare of the dogs being paramount.

Compliance to the S.A Animal Protection Act of 1962 will always remain your responsibility.

For more detailed information; follow the various links and pages on this website.