[ Calendar ] [ Classes ] [ Club Purpose ] [ Dog Welfare ]
[ Entry Fees ] [ Formation ] [ Membership ] [ Race Fields ]
[ Race Start Times ] [ The Breeds ] [ Training ]
Formation
The SISDSA was formed in early 1995. Several races were held during this year.
Clubs Purpose
Promotion of the recognised northern breeds of dogs through racing is the principle purpose for which the club exists. The three NZKC recognised breeds currently racing are Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, and Siberian Husky.Whilst all the breeds run together on the track, they are competing against their own breed.
The SISDSA does not hold shows.
The Breeds
Alaskan Malamute
One of the oldest dog breeds, they have been used as work animals by the Mahlemut tribe, to haul sleds, and as pack dogs for centuries.The tribe cherished their dogs, and the Malamute was very well cared for by these people.
A very big dog, the Malamute is power and beauty personified. Although slower than the Siberian, they are capable of pulling heavy loads considerable distances. These are the Mack trucks of the canine world.
Today's racing Mals still possess the legendary strength. The SISDSA teams run sprint, freight, and the new class passenger racing.
Samoyed
The Samoyed takes its name from the Siberian tribe for whom the dog was companion, herding tool, child minder, foot warmer and even when times were tough, their food.
The Samoyed is a breed born to please and is never happier than when participating in their owner's life. However, having completed the task once a Samoyed will find it rather boring unless given new things to try.
Training a Samoyed for racing takes patience. They are not fast and overseas their speeds generally fall in between those of the Malamutes and the Siberian Husky. Several American teams successfully and competitively have raced distances in the 100's of kilometres.
Samoyeds in NZ have raced in both snow and rig events and it can be said that nothing is so beautiful as the smiling white dog as it runs for the pleasure of its owner and itself.
Siberian Husky
This breed stands out on its own - known for its beauty, personality and endurance.
One of the smallest of working breeds, it is a powerhouse in a trim package - while of moderate size and bone, it is capable of enduring long, arduous journeys under the worst conditions.
The Siberian Husky was born to run, it is quick, light on its feet and graceful in motion, for this reason, they make great sled dogs.
The Siberian Husky originated in Eastern Siberia by the Chukchi people, as a far ranging, low energy consuming sled dog. They had to withstand the many harsh conditions enforced on them, such as great distances with little food and extremely harsh weather.
Today's racing Siberian Huskies haven't changed from their original purpose. This is why they make for great sled dogs.
Other Breeds
Whilst our clubs purpose is to promote the purebred Northern dogs, and in some cases, our trophies and prizes reflect this, other breeds are very welcome to run our races.
The SISDSA welcomes all suitable breeds of dogs at our events. We have had Akitas, Boxers, Beardies, SiBorgs, and Bitzers (unknown origin) competing. Other breed teams enthusiastically compete in their own class.
Classes
Bike
This very popular class involves one dog, one Musher, one bike or scooter. It is a great and inexpensive way of competing. Helmets are compulsory in all our classes.
A harness, and tug line complete the equipment list.
The pedals must be disabled prior to racing.
Rig
Rigs are mostly 3 wheeled, with the single wheel at the front. A deck area large enough to carry an injured dog is required. Some 4 wheeled rigs are now being used by larger teams.
Rigs are used for 2 or more dogs. A sled bag, gangline, safety line, neck line, and effective brakes are some of the things required.
SnowOur club, because of its location, rarely runs sled races. However, many members do compete at several South Island skifields.
Training
Teams start training as soon as the temperatures drop below the magic 10 degrees. Some run in slightly warmer conditions, but the colder the better. Dogs are never run over 12 degrees. Some Southern, and high country teams can run in late February, whilst those to the north, or on the coast, may have to chew their nails until March.
Short runs, if they are new dogs, may mean only 500 metres. Older, and experienced teams may start at 2 kms
(The purpose of this pamphlet is not as a training guide, make certain you obtain sufficient information from experienced Mushers, books, and your Vet before training commences).
The club holds a training day in May. This is the best time to learn about Mushing. Experienced Mushers are on hand, and ready to give advise. They are low key, and in many cases experienced Mushers will run their teams with the newer teams.
Calendar
The first race each year is the single dog bike race, held in May. Traditionally this has a huge turnout, with novice and experienced Mushers competing together. The race is run in heats, so equipment can be shared, and Mushers can run all their dogs.The 2 dog rig race is held also in May. Again this is held in heats, and although very competitive, it is a great event.
Multi class rig racing starts in early June, and runs through late August. Some years the temperatures affect our best plans.
Race distances vary considerably, from the training day runs of 1.5-2.0kms through to the bigger races. 5-6kms early season, up to in excess of 40kms for the specialised distance, and stage races.
Entry fees
Race fees are on a per team basis. Training days is a donation of a gold coin. Races are from $5 upwards. At some events members receive a discounted entry fee.
Race start times
Races generally start at dawn, late afternoon, or night. The coldest times of the day aid the dog’s performance.
Race Fields
Numbers at each event range from 5 teams through too more than 20.
Dogs welfare
The health and well being of our dogs is paramount.
