Welcome to the New Zealand
Federation of Sled Dog 
Sports
This is the central place for all information on dog powered sports, our clubs, and activities
Sled dog racing in New Zealand
The NZFSS is the governing body under which all associated clubs come together in a Federation. The NZFSS provides a structured constitution and rule set for events as well as a point and Championship award programme.
Dog powered sports is an Autumn and Winter sport and in New Zealand, we are fortunate to enjoy training and races in both Dryland and Snow. Traditionally, arctic breeds like the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute have been associated with Dog Powered Sport. Over the last 20 years, a continuing shift towards all dog breeds participating has been seen and it makes our sport more inclusive.
Dog powered sport disciplines
in New Zealand
Canicross
In Canicross, the runner is connected via a running belt and a bungee line to the dog running in harness. This is a great way to get started and be active with your dog even in urban environments. Globally, Canicross is one of the most popular classes and in New Zealand, we are seeing an increasingly enthusiastic uptake.
Bikejoring
Bikejoring is a very fast and exciting class, where the dog is connected to a mountain bike, usually via an antenna to hold up the line, and the driver supports the racing dogs. Bikejoring is an ideal sport for beginner and advanced mountain bikers alike, transforming the experience of riding Grade 1 to grade 3 trails.
Single Dog Sooter
The Single Dog Scooter class is the highly competitive and most accessible entry class into multi-dog disciplines. The dog in harness is connected via a gangline to a Scooter. Scooters come in many forms and sizes, from kids scooter, to recreational, to competition-grade styles with larger wheels. The driver is supporting the dog at all times by pushing the scooter with their legs.
Two Dog Scooter
The Two Dog Scooter class is the smallest multi-dog discipline. In setup similar to the Single Dog Class, here two dogs are connected to the Scooter and pulling. The Driver supports the dogs mostly on inclines.
Three Dog Rig
The Three Dog Rig Class features a three-wheeled rig connected to 3 dogs. In this multi-dog setup, a central gangline (towline) connects each dog via a tugline and a neckline.
Four Dog Rig
The Four Dog Rig Class is perhaps the fastest and most competitive rig class. With four dogs, an optimal balance is achieved between pulling power, a balanced team, and team complexity. Three wheeled rigs provide the best experience.
Six Dog and Open Class
Larger team sizes increase the challenge of maintaining balance and avoiding entanglements. As the dog team's power grows, the driver's role shifts from physical support to managing and directing the team. Though three-wheeled rigs are still used, four-wheeled carts provide better safety and stopping power.
Freight
A class exclusive to New Zealand is the Freight Class. Originally developed for the strong Malamutes, any dog breed can participate. In Freight Classes, additional weight is added to both Scooters and Rigs, to increase the towing load. While generally slower in speed, the class offers a unique experience for hard-pulling dogs.
Weight pull
Weight pull tests the dog's ability to pull increasingly heavy loads sustained over a short distance. This is a very technical discipline, where body size alone does not count alone towards a win. With the right training, dogs can pull loads in excess of 1,000 kg.
Snow
Snow races in New Zealand are currently limited to ski fields near Wanaka and Queenstown due to the terrain. Races use sleds or skies, from traditional wooden designs to modern ones with carbon fiber and steering systems. These events include dog classes from one to open, offering a classic sled dog experience.
Junior
Age is no barrier to Dog Powered Sports. Junior and Pee-Wee classes allow kids of almost any age to participate and enjoy the uniquebond with their dogs. Younger ages are accompanied by adults and trails are generally short in distance.
Our History
NZFSS transformed small local races into a unified, nationwide sport, driving the growth of sled dog racing and fostering community across New Zealand.
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.
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
Got any queries?
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out NZFSS
Photo/Video Credit :
Suvi Mattila
Mac's Photography
Mel Renner Photography
Brya Ingram Photography
RRSDRC
NAMC
SRSDRC
Garth Haylock
Nalbec Racing Siberian Huskies Kennel
© 2025, New Zealand Federation of Sled Dog Sports
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