Like owner, like dog: Are you the sporty type who proves his fitness by engaging in off-road jogging – professional trail running off paved paths? Is your four-legged friend just as enthusiastic when he has exciting terrain under his paws instead of boring asphalt or flat grass? Then Canicross is the perfect sport for a six-legged team. Find out here what Canicross is all about.

What is Canicross?

Canicross is a sport where dog and human team up. The name itself is a combination of “Cani” (Latin for “dogs”) and “Cross” (English, roughly meaning “cross-country”). Canicross has its roots in winter sports: it evolved from the Norwegian discipline of “Skijoring.” In Skijoring, a skier is pulled along the track by horses or a team of sled dogs, occasionally even by a vehicle. Skijoring was already popular in the early twentieth century, while Canicross is still relatively young: the first World Championship took place in Italy in 2002. However, running with dogs over defined distances against the clock is an optional part of “regular” competitive dog sports.

How does Canicross work?

The four-legged teammate is usually faster than their human counterpart, so they run ahead. The desired “pulling” action from the dog gives the runner’s stride more momentum, reaching speeds of up to thirty kilometers per hour. The challenge in Canicross is that the dog must stay on the course while not being distracted. The dog should not suddenly veer off into the undergrowth at the edge of the track or slow down to the point of falling behind their handler.

In principle, Canicross and the mentioned “trail running” are similar according to the regulations of the AKC (American Kennel Club): dog and runner cover a defined, marked course against the clock, with various ground conditions, changes in elevation, and obstacles. The dog must remain on a leash. The main difference with Canicross is the absence of a standardized course length, making the track design more flexible. Additionally, runners can compete with two dogs at a time.

In variations of the discipline, the human can also participate with a mountain bike (Bikejoring), scooter (Dogscooter), or as a brisk walker. This allows people who do not want to engage in high-speed trail running with their dogs to participate. The human-dog teams start individually at intervals, in relays, mass or pursuit races. Different course lengths are distinguished:

The rules specify in detail the maximum distances a dog can cover per competition day. It also addresses how to proceed in tournaments when temperatures exceed 64,4°F (18°C) – which pose a strain on dogs during physical exertion.

What does Canicross training involve?

Canicross is a form of dog-powered sport where the dog runs ahead of its human companion. Directional commands are given vocally, and the dog responds with changes in direction and speed without making eye contact. These commands need to be practiced, and it’s recommended to start with a training course offered by many sled dog clubs and dog schools. One challenge in training is that a well-behaved dog doesn’t pull on the leash, but in Canicross, this behavior is required. The dog must learn to pull the handler in this specific situation, which can be accomplished by associating wearing the Canicross harness with the “allowed” pulling as a specific task. The dog’s performance should be built up gradually, and it’s essential not to rush the training process.

What equipment do my dog and I need for Canicross?

For Canicross, you’ll need suitable equipment, primarily consisting of the “connection elements” between human and dog.

Your dog will need:

Your own equipment consists of:

Is Canicross suitable for my dog?

All purebred and mixed-breed dogs can participate in Canicross tournaments if they are at least 15 months old (for the 5,000-meter course) or 18 months old (for longer courses). The dogs must be physically fit, with no heart or joint problems. Pregnant or lactating females are not allowed to participate, and being in heat is not a disqualifying factor. Breed and size are irrelevant; what matters is the spirit of sportsmanship. Regarding suitability for Canicross, your furry friend should be eager to run, fit, and equally obedient and socially compatible. Canicross focuses on the physical challenge, so if your dog is a powerhouse that loves to run, Canicross is right for them. If your dog prefers sniffing around or interacting with you, agility or dog frisbee might be more suitable.