Canicross

About canicross

Canicross is cross-country running with your dog, attached by a waist belt and a bungee line. It is one of the sleddog sports, alongside bikejor, scooter and rig racing, and canicross in the UK is now one of the most accessible dog sports: almost any fit dog and reasonably fit runner can take part. This page explains the sport, who runs canicross races and what to ask a breeder if you want a puppy that will love running with you.

What this work involves

The runner wears a waist belt, the dog wears a canicross harness designed for pulling, and an elasticated line between them absorbs shocks. The dog runs in front and pulls; the runner steers with voice commands. Races are held on trails, forest tracks and fields, with classes for men and women, veterans and juniors.

Most canicross races run between September and May, because summer heat is hard on running dogs; organisers hold fewer, shorter or earlier events in the warmer months. A good canicross dog is fit, sound, keen to pull and happy to pass other dogs without fuss. Running with your dog also builds a close working partnership, and many people start with social runs before entering races.

Who trains and supplies these dogs in the UK

Canicross dogs are family dogs trained by their owners, often through a local club. Nobody supplies trained canicross dogs; puppies come from private breeders, frequently from active gundog, collie or sled-sport lines.

• The British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) is the national governing body for sleddog sports in Great Britain, including canicross, and both the International Canicross Federation (ICF) and the International Federation of Sleddog Sports recognise it as the national body for GB. Its races include canicross classes, and it runs national rankings, National Championship races and a route to selection for Great Britain. Dogs must be 18 months old to race, or twelve months in the recreational class. Its website lists affiliated clubs by region, and local clubs, which usually train weekly, often let you try equipment before you buy.
• Independent organisers such as CaniX run canicross events in England, Scotland and Wales through the autumn, winter and spring, and many local clubs hold regular group runs.

Breeds and lines

Canicross is open to almost any fit dog. Popular canicross dog breeds include:

• Border Collie – fast, keen and easy to motivate.
• Hungarian Vizsla and German Shorthaired Pointer – athletic gundogs with stamina and a liking for pulling.
• Labrador Retriever – from working lines, a steady all-rounder.
• Eurohound – a sled-sport crossbreed bred for speed; not RKC recognised.

Very small, very heavy or flat-faced dogs usually find sustained running harder, so talk to your vet before you start.

What to ask a breeder

1. Are the parents active, and do any of them run canicross, bikejor or other sled sports?
2. Have the parents been hip and elbow scored, and what were the results?
3. How do the parents behave with other dogs at close quarters, such as on a busy start line?
4. How much exercise do the parents need, and would a puppy suit my lifestyle?
5. When would you start a young dog running, given that BSSF racing starts at 18 months?

Frequently asked questions

What age can a dog start canicross?

Wait until your dog is physically mature before regular running. For racing, the BSSF sets a minimum age of 18 months, with a recreational class from twelve months. Ask your vet, especially for large breeds, and build up distance gradually.

What canicross harness do I need?

A harness designed for pulling, not a collar or a walking harness, plus a waist belt for you and a bungee line to join the two. Clubs often let you try kit before you buy, which helps you find a harness that fits your dog’s shape.

Can I do canicross with any dog?

Most healthy, fit dogs can enjoy running with you. Your dog needs to be old enough, sound, happy around other dogs and a healthy weight. Start slowly, keep sessions short and avoid hot weather.

If you breed dogs whose puppies go on to canicross, from working gundog, collie or sled-sport lines, list your kennel on Canine Breeder and tell runners about your dogs’ activity and aptitude.