Maybe you're considering starting some sport with your furry friend. Today we're going to talk to you about the best breeds for canicross. Does your dog belong to one of them?
What is canicross
In general characteristics, can be defined as a sport in which human and dog go for a run together with the right equipment (formed by a lumbar belt for the person, a special harness for the dog and a shooting line that joins the two) and following a put (such as the dog always being ahead, among others).
To start practicing canicross, you must start with a progressive training, where the distances adapt and lengthen as you both get used to this routine.
You're sure to participate in professional competitions with your efforts!
The most recommended breeds for canicross
We want to make one thing clear: all dogs are suitable for running in a canicross, as long as they have the optimal physical and health conditions. Logical, isn't it? Simply adapt the race to its features and you're done.
However, if you want to practice it professionally, there are some dog breeds more suitable for canicross than others.
For starters, we'll also think about our physical abilities. If we are not experienced runners it is best not to practice it with very large breeds that pull us. In this way:
Little physical background
If you don't already have a great physical background it is better to practice canicross with a dog of the breed Jack Russell, for example. This dog has enough strength and energy to practice this sport and is not big enough to take down ourselves on the floor.
The category you will participate in will be the category of less than 20 kilos.
With good physical background
If you are already an expert in running, then the most recommended canicross breeds are the big ones, those that weigh between 20 and 30 kilos. Among them are:
Border collie: an intelligent and very agile dog.
Weimar Barco: one of the most chosen for their obedience and strength.
Siberian husky: breed with great drag force.
Belgian Shepherd: obedient attitude and perfect temperament.
Labrador retriever: has great physical resistance for canicross.
All of them are strong dogs, which bounce energy, power and attitude and have perfect physical characteristics for the sport.
In addition, many of them are dogs that have always been dedicated to hunting or grazing, with which, they are already genetically prepared for it.
But in short, there are not many breeds that are excluded, but you will have to take into account both your abilities and yours, especially your age (you can't run with puppies because they are still developing, or with very older dogs).
And of course! Any mixed breed dog can also be an excellent runner whenever it enjoys good health.
Are there any breeds for canicross that are prohibited?
There are no breeds of dogs for canicross that are banned as such, but there are some recommendations.
As we have mentioned, to practice canicross, especially professionally, participating dogs must undergo health checks that go perfectly, excluding those who present problems with joints, overweight, overweight, heart or breathing, among others.
Hence it is not recommended to perform canicross with those flat nose dogs, such as the Bulldogs (English or French), Carlines or Boxers, since we know that they usually have serious breathing problems.
Remember that canicross is for exercise while enjoying both, it can't be that your dog suffers with it!