I've started this thread for the following new member (DogmanJack) who posted this question (copied below) but posted it in a different thread where it probably won't be seen by those that can help with answers / sugestions:

By Dogmanjack   Date 13.03.12 14:29 GMT
Help needed.

I want to take up sled dog racing, but would like to use breeds not normally associated with the sport. anyone got any thoughts/advice on the subject please?

DogmanJack,

I've put a few links here for you for you regarding Non Sled-dog breeds, ( as recognised and registered by/with the UK Kennel Club = Malamutes/Siberian/Samoyed/Canadian Eskimo dog/Greenland...)

This Link is for rallies organised by the Scottish Sled dog Association of Scotland and the criteria for their Open dog register (non KC Sled dogs breeds )
SDAS Open register

Rallies organised by The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain (the famous Aviemore for example) are for registered sled dog breeds. (be that KC registered or Breed club welfare.rescue registered/assessed)
SHGB - Working rules

Rallies organised by ABSA (Affiliated British Sleddog Activites)
Details of non pure bred dogs - scroll down to near bottom of page
absa sled dog racing org

Hope this helps! Sorry quick reply from me as I'm off to bed for an early shift in the morning :-( But there are LOTS of Husky/Mal owners, breeders who race, here as members and I'm sure when they spot this they'll chip in with extra info etc...

I did my first proper "sled dog" rally last month, I bikejor with a Kelpie.  From what I gather some clubs accept "non purpose bred" sled dogs and some don't, im still learning myself so will follow this thread with interest.

What breed do you have ? The rally I did was the wyedean quest and there were quite  a few non sled dog breeds, including a couple of labradors pulling a rig :)

I recreationally use my rig with the traditional Sled dogs - my Malamutes and Canadian Eskimo Dogs.(I use a team of 4)But I have a friend who reguarly has a team of Mals and his partners Dobermans.I have also seen teams made up with pointers.Probably more important to team up similar size dogs with similar levels of fitness,strength and endurance.Also I wouldn't use a dog below the age of 12 months,but there are ways of preparing a younger dog for a rig.Not all dogs will enjoy this activity,but I have yet to see a sled dog that doesn't(though I have seen a few lazy ones LOL).

I'm sure I saw a tv program about sledding, and there was a guy who was using foxhounds or trail hounds (?) looked fantastic fun.