No Snow But Huskies Run In Bush

[samoyedman]

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/no-snow-but-huskies-can-go-20130914-2trbb.html

It is not a scene you would normally expect in the Aussie bush. In fact, Peter Rose says that when a group of mountain bikers spotted him and his team of racing Siberian huskies, ''two of them fell off their bikes''.

Mr Rose is part of a little-known sport in NSW that began 18 years ago and is growing significantly because of internet interest and contact between husky owners.

Mr Rose, who has five beloved huskies, says running is what the dogs are built for.

''When it comes to the races, they're doing what they're bred for,'' he said. ''They're like two-years-olds on speed - that's how fast they are.''

His team of huskies can cover two kilometres in seven minutes. But it is running them on dirt rather than snow that might make people raise their eyebrows.

''A lot of people are concerned about the hardness of the dirt but it's quite OK for them,'' he said.

"A lot of the Canadians and Alaskans, the Americans think we're mad."

But he admits international husky owners, who always race their dogs on snow, can't quite believe the sport has taken off in Australia. ''A lot of the Canadians and Alaskans, the Americans think we're mad.''

Mr Rose says there are about 80 to 100 dogs and about 30 owners at the race meetings in NSW, which take place about five times a year. Some people run with a single husky, others with a group.

Mr Rose was first shown the sport by a mentor in the Hunter Valley, with plenty of practice in a paddock before racing. Now, with the support of his wife, Michelle, he believes he and his dogs have found a wonderful recreational outlet.

''It's exciting - we have so much fun and it's lightning quick,'' he said.

[melzawelza]

I know someone who does this with his American Pit Bull Terrier... they beat all the huskies :laugh:

[Yonjuro]

That is a great article! Thanks for sharing.