Sledding Dogs

Friday December 19 2025

As with many things in Australia, we have our own unique and innovative approach to sledding. Something known as dry-land sledding, it’s a fun and competitive sport that is adapted to Australia’s conditions. Within the dry sledding sport, there are many adaptations that allow snow dogs along with a range of breeds of all sizes, ages, and abilities to participate.

 

There is a type of dry-land sledding called bike-joring, it is similar to traditional snow sledding. The musher (driver of the sled) rides a bike and is pulled along a track by one or more dogs. Tracks are often in outdoor bush or rural areas.

 

Smaller non-arctic dogs don’t miss out on the action either!! They can be tethered by a lead to a person who they pull forward.

The competition season is held in winter during the cooler weather, which best suits the Arctic breeds while they’re working.

 

This Instagram post linked below, shows a team of sledding dogs who we treat, calling into the practice after a sledding event. It shows each member of the team excitedly receiving a delicious chicken tender.

 

Click here to see the video: 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNPW7keJBs9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

 

 

Meet the team:

Alaskan Malamute Male Havoc

A gentle giant who loves his cheese during appointments. His name suits his personality in a very charming way! He has a wicked sense of humour and enjoys a good play session with Shane, who can “rough him up” and still call him the perfect patient. He always makes sure we get plenty of cuddles.

 

With their size, thick coat, and strength, Malamutes are well suited to long-distance snow sledding and are renowned for their endurance and abilities in heavy hauling.

 

 

 

Titles: Champion Endurance, Novice sprint dog, Rally Novice, Working Pack Dog (bit of an over achiever!)

 

 

 

Siberian Husky Female Zorel

Named after Supergirl - and super she truly is. She is a lightly built Siberian Husky, and while she’s gorgeous, don’t be fooled by her elegance; she’s an excellent sledding dog.

 

Titles: Junior Courser, Sprint dog, Working Team Dog

 

Siberian Husky x White Swiss Shepherd crossed with Siberian Husky x Samoyed, Male Bear

Half Siberian Husky, one-quarter White Swiss Shepherd and one quarter Samoyed. With parents like that he’s a fantastic sledding dog.

 

We’ve been treating him since 2014, so we share a history and a strong bond.

 

Traditionally, Samoyeds are sledding dogs used by the Indigenous Sámi people for reindeer herding. Traditionally, they also played an important role in keeping the Sami families warm at night, much like a living hot water bottle. Their famously friendly, cuddly, “smiley” nature reflects this.

 

 

Titles: Community Companion dog, Companion Dog Excellent Endurance Rally Master

 

 

 

Alaskan Husky Kaylee

The latest addition to the team, named after the Sci Fi Firefly TV series.

 

Not a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Malamute…an Alaskan Husky!!

 

Alaskan Huskies are a relatively new, high-performance sledding type dog with diverse heritage. Combining Siberian Husky with fast breeds such as Greyhounds, Salukis, German short hair pointers and Malamute precursor dogs (native arctic dogs). Resulted in an elite sled dog, bred for speed, endurance & athletic performance.

 

Because of her finer build and more wary nature, Shane affectionately calls her his little “coyote”. With a combination of cheese, chicken with manuka honey treats, and chicken tenders, he has well and truly won her over.

 

As you can see on our Instagram reels, she has settled beautifully into the team.

 

Titles: Endurance, Novice Sprint Dog

 

 

 

Hope you have enjoyed meeting the team!
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