For those in the northern hemisphere, Christmas is a winter holiday and why not enjoy it with your dog? Skijoring is a winter sport where a cross-country skier is drawn across the snow pulled by their dog. In some cases, skiers will skijor with more than one dog. In Norwegian, the term literally means ‘ski driving.’
Breeds like Huskies, Malamutes and Samoyeds are obvious choices for this sport, where the owner and dog get their exercise together. However Pointers and Pointer crosses are also good sled dogs (Daisy likes that idea – although at her advanced age she will be a spectator only).
In this sport, the cross-country skier provides power with skis and poles, and the dog adds additional power by running and pulling. The skier wears a skijoring harness, the dog wears a sled dog harness, and the two are connected by a length of rope. There are specialist suppliers of skijor equipment to get you started.
Of course, careful winter paw care is needed and some dogs may be fitted with protective footwear for the sport.
Christmas skijor anyone?
