Fact Sheets & Video - Victoria

Sled Dog Racing in Australia - no snow required!

You may have heard of the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race through the gale-force winds and blizzard-like snow conditions of Alaska, but have you been to see a Sled Dog Race in your own home state?

If you presume that no snow means no sled dog racing, you'd be wrong, as Australia has a range of racing events across our country - no snow required.

Dogsled racing is a winter dog sport involving the timed competition of teams of sleddogs that pull a sled, on the runners of which the dog driver or musher stands. The team completing the marked course in the shortest time is judged the winner.

The sport is popular in various countries around the world and the International Sled Dog sporting associations are even looking to have the sport recognised in the Olympics.

In Australia, there are approximately 15 major Sled Dog Races per year - 6 of which are organised by local sled dog clubs. Due to the fact we get very little snow, and access to the snow fields (mostly in National Parks) is restricted, only 1 racing event is held in the snow each year, with the remainder of competitions based on dirt tracks using wheeled gigs and scooters.

Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the most common breeds found competing, however the sport is open to all breeds.

Although being a very serious sport, for those involved, Dog Sled racing is also a very social sport. All racing is usually finished within 4-5 hours, and a single race can be over as quick as 4 minutes for one-dog musher's. This gives owners and enthusiasts plenty of time to spend with their dogs and socialising with friends.

As the sport is fairly small in Australia, events are usually always attended by the same groups of families, therefore creating a real sense of community and Friendship. After the racing, owners are more than happy to stand or sit around the camp with visitors, answer any questions, and introduce them to their dogs.

So why not try something new and attend an upcoming Sled Dog Racing event, to see for yourself why owners become so addicted to this fast and friendly sport that they travel the country for race after race with their beloved pooches.

Further Information:

Heathcote, VICTORIA

Australian Sports Dogs Association

Race season

May to August

For further information on upcoming events and contacts, please contact: Steve Blanch - Victorian Rep for ASSA on T: (03) 9761 1374

www.siberianhuskyvic.org.au

www.assa.flix.com.au

Conditions, surcharges and block outdates may apply.

Heathcote Motor Inn

Rooms From $85

(03) 5433 2655

Conditions, surcharges and block out dates may apply.

Tourism Victoria

www.visitvictoria.com.au