El canicross is a sport modality that every time has more fans. It is a sport in which a person is attached to a dog by means of a harness and a leash, the dog always having to go in front. Both run the race together and must arrive together. It is a good idea to get in shape and make our pet use up energy.
If we wish to dedicate ourselves in a little more professional to canicross, we must know that there are breeds that are more suitable than others. Depending on our physical level we can also choose some dogs or others. Be that as it may, there are not many limitations when it comes to enjoying a good run with our dog.
Choosing the right dog
The first thing we must do is think about our own physical form. If we are beginners in running, it is best to always start with a dog that we can control and that does not pull on us, but that is strong and energetic to withstand physical effort. Races like him Jack Russell they have these characteristics. There are small dog breeds that would not be prepared to make such an effort. For example the Pincher or Yorkshire do not have much muscle mass and in general they are not as energetic. A medium-sized one can also be another option, as it is still easy for us to control, such as a poodle. In these cases it is possible to participate in categories of less than fifteen kilos, since it is a different category. Running with a large dog that sets a different pace is not the same as starting with a small dog whose stride is not that great.
If, on the other hand, we already have a physical background, it is best to opt for large dogs. The Weimaraner has strength, lightness and speed that are difficult to match. There are dogs that are also very good and endure long races, such as a Siberian Husky, Border Collie or Belgian Shepherd. All these breeds stand out for having been working breeds, whether hunting, herding or pulling sleds, so they are genetically prepared to withstand intense physical work. In short, there are no races that are excluded, since there are many mongrels that can be good companions in canicross, whose physical and psychological characteristics make them suitable. We simply have to look at the weaknesses and strengths of the dog and do health checks to see if it can withstand that intense physical exercise.
Prohibited breeds
It is not that any breed is prohibited, but the truth is that dogs must pass health checks in which everything must be fine. Dogs with a heart disease or some other problem will not be able to participate in the races to ensure their safety. It is also not recommended to use dogs of snub nose like the English Bulldog or the French Bulldog, since due to their characteristics they do not breathe well and can collapse with intense physical exercise. In general, the dog must be in good physical condition to be able to carry out the race. Overweight dogs or those with bone problems are also ruled out. In general, it is about choosing with common sense a dog that can perform this exercise and who can also enjoy it. They will never let a dog run that is unprepared for such intense exercise.
Dog's age
Obviously, there are dogs that are very well being a senior with more than seven years. But of course the best are the youngest. Can't run with a puppy which is still developing, as it is a very strenuous exercise for them and irreversible injuries can be caused. It is also not good to force an older dog to this type of sports, especially at the competition level. Regardless of the breed, you should always choose a young and well-developed dog for canicross.