Dryland Racing / Trekking
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In our climate, dog sledding involves the use of three wheeled "rigs", and only in exceptional cases are we able to use a sled.
The two main activities are racing at Sled Dog Rallies, and non-competitive trekking over longer distances. We are especially keen on the latter as it more naturally reflects the true function of the Malamute. We have been able to complete AMCA Working Team Dog Certification (WTD) for some of our dogs using the expedition method.
Many mushers compete in what is called "dryland" racing. Rally trails usually cover between 2 and 5 miles depending on the weather. Malamutes run in what is called a "freight" class which is for recognised sled dog breeds other than Siberian Huskies. These classes reflect the differences in function between Huskies and other breeds. Malamutes are slower but steadier than Huskies and could not compete over short distances.
Many people still believe, however, that Malamutes should not be used in this type of short course "racing" at all and that their true function is reflected and tested more by taking part in events such as weight pull or backpacking. We believe that the dogs love their work and that, as long as Malamute Mushers maintain the element of fun for their dogs and do not become over competitive in rally situations, and as long as the breeders do not alter breed type in order to produce Malamutes which are more able to compete in the shorter, speed races, then working is an ideal activity for dog and owner which not only offers excellent physical and mental stimulation and exercise, but also provides a brilliant social scene with friendly and knowledgeable people, always willing to offer help and advice on the breed and also the working aspect of life with our wonderful breed.
We enter a fairly limited number of rallies each year but continue to enjoy our training throughout the winter months. The rallies we have entered in recent seasons have been in a mixture of the one dog scooter classes and the two dog freight using friends dogs to allow us both to enjoy the competition.
We are members of several rally organisations which run events over the winter months.
Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain
Scottish Siberian Husky Club
Sled Dog Association of Scotland
The two main activities are racing at Sled Dog Rallies, and non-competitive trekking over longer distances. We are especially keen on the latter as it more naturally reflects the true function of the Malamute. We have been able to complete AMCA Working Team Dog Certification (WTD) for some of our dogs using the expedition method.
Many mushers compete in what is called "dryland" racing. Rally trails usually cover between 2 and 5 miles depending on the weather. Malamutes run in what is called a "freight" class which is for recognised sled dog breeds other than Siberian Huskies. These classes reflect the differences in function between Huskies and other breeds. Malamutes are slower but steadier than Huskies and could not compete over short distances.
Many people still believe, however, that Malamutes should not be used in this type of short course "racing" at all and that their true function is reflected and tested more by taking part in events such as weight pull or backpacking. We believe that the dogs love their work and that, as long as Malamute Mushers maintain the element of fun for their dogs and do not become over competitive in rally situations, and as long as the breeders do not alter breed type in order to produce Malamutes which are more able to compete in the shorter, speed races, then working is an ideal activity for dog and owner which not only offers excellent physical and mental stimulation and exercise, but also provides a brilliant social scene with friendly and knowledgeable people, always willing to offer help and advice on the breed and also the working aspect of life with our wonderful breed.
We enter a fairly limited number of rallies each year but continue to enjoy our training throughout the winter months. The rallies we have entered in recent seasons have been in a mixture of the one dog scooter classes and the two dog freight using friends dogs to allow us both to enjoy the competition.
We are members of several rally organisations which run events over the winter months.
Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain
Scottish Siberian Husky Club
Sled Dog Association of Scotland
