NZFSS

The Beginning (1970s-1980)

In 1977, the first Siberian Husky was imported into New Zealand from Britain by Charline Wasson, followed by another import from the USA in 1978. 1979 saw the first litter of Siberian Huskies in New Zealand. Those ten Siberian Huskies formed the foundation of Sled Dog Sports in New Zealand and the following years saw an expansion in further import, breeding, and new kennels.

By 1983, over 40 Siberian Huskies were registered in New Zealand, many of them running in harness and participating in other activities. Alongside establishing Siberian Huskies, clubs sprang to life, the first ones being the Siberian Husky Club and the Southern Regions Sled Dog Club in 1983. In 1985 the first dry land sled dog race was held. Other dogs breeds such a Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Pointers and others soon joined.

The Beginning (1970s-1980)

In 1977, the first Siberian Husky was imported into New Zealand from Britain by Charline Wasson, followed by another import from the USA in 1978. 1979 saw the first litter of Siberian Huskies in New Zealand. Those ten Siberian Huskies formed the foundation of Sled Dog Sports in New Zealand and the following years saw an expansion in further import, breeding, and new kennels.

By 1983, over 40 Siberian Huskies were registered in New Zealand, many of them running in harness and participating in other activities. Alongside establishing Siberian Huskies, clubs sprang to life, the first ones being the Siberian Husky Club and the Southern Regions Sled Dog Club in 1983. In 1985 the first dry land sled dog race was held. Other dogs breeds such a Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Pointers and others soon joined.

The Early Years (1990-2000)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, most of the clubs still active today were founded and an increasing number of sled dog racing and weight pull events emerged. In 1991/1992 the first Sled Dog Symposium was held, disseminating new knowledge from local teams and international guest speakers.

The growing diversity of races offered under varying rule sets led to the formation of the New Zealand Federation of Sled Dog Sports in 1993 which was fully established by 1995. In the same year, the NZFSS became a full member of the International Federation of Sled Dog Sports (IFSS), while it took until 1998 to be recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club Council.

The Early Years (1990-2000)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, most of the clubs still active today were founded and an increasing number of sled dog racing and weight pull events emerged. In 1991/1992 the first Sled Dog Symposium was held, disseminating new knowledge from local teams and international guest speakers.

The growing diversity of races offered under varying rule sets led to the formation of the New Zealand Federation of Sled Dog Sports in 1993 which was fully established by 1995. In the same year, the NZFSS became a full member of the International Federation of Sled Dog Sports (IFSS), while it took until 1998 to be recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club Council.

Growing Dog Powered Sports (2000-2020)

After the birth of the NZFSS, the sport continued to grow with clubs holding large events with well over a hundred competitors. Events on Snow and on Dryland became varied with distance offered from short sprint to 100km. Other disciplines also experienced a growing interest, such as weight pull and freight.

The increasing popularity overseas led to the development of professional sprint equipment both on dryland and on snow, offering modern and safe designs and materials for sleds, scooters, and 3- and 4-wheeled rigs.

By 2018, interest in international events had renewed and IFSS Worldcup events on dryland are developed and hosted. New Zealand teams prominently feature both in Oceania and Globally across all dryland classes.

Growing Dog Powered Sports (2000-2020)

After the birth of the NZFSS, the sport continued to grow with clubs holding large events with well over a hundred competitors. Events on Snow and on Dryland became varied with distance offered from short sprint to 100km. Other disciplines also experienced a growing interest, such as weight pull and freight.

The increasing popularity overseas led to the development of professional sprint equipment both on dryland and on snow, offering modern and safe designs and materials for sleds, scooters, and 3- and 4-wheeled rigs.

By 2018, interest in international events had renewed and IFSS Worldcup events on dryland are developed and hosted. New Zealand teams prominently feature both in Oceania and Globally across all dryland classes.

Growing Dog Powered Sports (2000-2020) main image

Present Days (2020-)

With Climate Change becoming more noticeable, races have to adapt to warmer temperatures and higher humidity. In combination with lifestyle changes, less larger teams compete but the smaller classes, in particular one and two dog Scooter, Canicross, and Bikejoring experience a growing interest and represent the majority of entrants.

Non-arctic breeds are more suited to the warmer climate, bringing a greater variety to races. The IFSS Worldcup series continues to be held with more clubs and teams showing interest in representing New Zealand in Oceania and Globally

Present Days (2020-)

With Climate Change becoming more noticeable, races have to adapt to warmer temperatures and higher humidity. In combination with lifestyle changes, less larger teams compete but the smaller classes, in particular one and two dog Scooter, Canicross, and Bikejoring experience a growing interest and represent the majority of entrants.

Non-arctic breeds are more suited to the warmer climate, bringing a greater variety to races. The IFSS Worldcup series continues to be held with more clubs and teams showing interest in representing New Zealand in Oceania and Globally