Dogs and humans have been best friends for centuries. They provide unconditional love, protection and companionship for us, and we give them life with food, shelter and toys. Some people use their dogs as work animals such as herders or to pull sleds. One method of using a dog for work and sports is called bikejoring. What are the best dog breeds for Bikejoring?
What is Bikejoring?
Bikejoring is an old Scandinavian technique that involves a person on a bicycle and the dog running alongside the bike. Bikejoring can be done on any type of bike, but many people choose bikes with seats that have springs in them for more comfort. A harness can be used to attach the dog to the person biking.
This dog sport is a recreational activity for people to enjoy with their dogs by biking together. It’s a great way for dogs and dog parents to get exercise. But there are bikejoring competitions where you and your dog can enter.
Bikejoring Competition for Dogs
Bikejoring is a sport which incorporates the skills of biking and sled dog racing. The race begins with one human and one dog running through a course. The human sits on the sled behind the dog, gripping onto their harness and bicycle handlebars, while the dog pulls them through snow or sand. Bikejoring has been around for centuries, but many people are not aware of its existence as it is often overshadowed by other winter activities such as skiing and ice skating.
What are the best dog breeds for bikejoring?
Dog breeds for bikejoring will depend on the type of terrain you are biking over and the size and strength of your dog. Some dogs have the natural ability to draft behind an individual on a bike without any help. Other dogs need assistance from their human to keep up.
Dogs are natural-born runners. They run for joy, to mark territory, or out of instinct. Running is ingrained in their DNA. There are many breeds of dogs that can excel as bikejor partners, but some breeds work better than others because of their stamina, endurance, or strength.
The dog must have certain skills in order for this activity to be safe and effective. These skills include understanding that they should slow down or stop when told and never run without permission.
Here are some of the dog breeds that are suitable for bikejoring.
1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky is a strong and impressive dog that is best known for pulling sleds through the snow in Alaska. The Siberian huskies are also highly trainable and intelligent, which makes them an excellent option for bikejoring, or biking while being pulled by a dog, which is growing in popularity.
Husky owners and lovers alike all know that their dogs are the best breed ever. When they heard about bikejoring, they knew it was a perfect sport for them and their canine companions. All you need is a bike and a dog to enjoy this sport! Siberian huskies are the perfect type of dog for this activity because they love to run and play all day. They also have added protection from the cold weather with their dense coats.
2. American Pit Bull
American Pit Bulls are known for their strength, speed, and agility. When paired with the right person, these traits make for an excellent biking companion.
American Pit Bull Terriers are some of the most versatile dogs out there, but they also make great competitors in dog sports. They are often found on agility courses, competing in fly-ball races, and on the sidelines cheering on their owner during a game of tug-of-war. Pit Bulls are known for their stamina, determination, and playfulness. With these innate skills, the American Pit Bull can excel in bikejoring.
3. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound breed is one of the best-suited dogs for bikejoring because of their strength and high energy levels. The Norwegian Elkhound is not only used for hunting, but also for recreational activities such as bikejoring. They are athletic dogs that enjoy running and pulling, making them an ideal dog for this activity. They are built to be strong, agile, and quick on their feet. Participating in this activity can teach both the dog and the human patience.
4. Samoyed
One of the earliest breeds to be used by the Sami people in Arctic Scandinavia, the Samoyed was bred as a powerful and intelligent sled dog capable of pulling heavy loads for long distances. These skills have translated well into bikejoring, where they now compete as an athlete. Bikejoring is a sport popularized by cross-country skiing and those who love winter sports.
5. Pointer Dog
The pointer dog is a hybrid that is typically used for bikejoring. It typically has the best skill set for this activity, including good endurance and intelligence. Pointer dogs are often used to guide hunters towards their target, but can also be used in competitions involving biking or jogging with dogs.
When most people think of a dog with pointer skills, they picture animals that point at birds in the sky or in fields. They may not realize that some breeds are able to perform other tasks, including bikejoring. Pointer dogs can be trained to pull a person on a bike using their mouth.
6. Malamute
Did you know that as a Malamute owner, you can teach your dog to bikejor? Malamutes have been used as sled dogs for centuries and they have the perfect set of skills for biking on a harness. You can use a simple webbing harness on your dog with a loop at the end that attaches to the bike’s seat post.
Dog Breeds that are NOT suited for Bikejoring
There are many great dog breeds that are excellent for bikejoring, but there are also some that just don’t have the characteristics needed to be a good bikejoring breed.
Dog breeds that are NOT for bikejoring include the Chihuahua, Great Dane, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Poodle, Basset Hound, and other small dog breeds. These breeds would not be able to make it through the physical activity of bikejoring due to their size and build. Dog breeds like these tend to be smaller and more fragile or need to stay close to home.
