Skijoring is especially popular with owners of Nordic dogs who live to pull, such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malumutes, it is also fun for high-energy dogs of all breeds. Gun dogs are popular skijoring dogs in Norway and are commonly used in racing. Even diminutive corgis have been known to excel in skijoring. Although the Nordic breeds rarely develop the hard packs of ice that catch in the hair between toe pads and often cause frostbite, it is common for most other breeds, so be sure these dogs always wear snot booties when running. Wearing booties is also a good precaution for all dogs covering long distances or when the snow is icy. If your dog is not wearing booties check his pads occasionally and remove any built-up snow or ice.
In Norway skijoring has been popular for centuries. In Alaska is has been popular since the early 1900s. It has only recently found its way to the continental U.S. While most skijorers are strictly recreational, there are races and contests that are gaining in popularity. The North American Skijoring an Ski Pulk Association oversees skijoring competitions.
