There was an international dog competition Saturday in Harrow, which was a little different than most might expect.
This competition involved sled dogs but there was no snow.
This event is for a growing number of people and dogs involved in dryland racing, or urban mushing.
The Essex County International Dryland Dog Derby was held at Camp Cedarwin. It’s the first annual competition sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association.
About 100 dogs, who can run up to 30 kilometres an hour, were involved in the competition and competed for more than $6,000 in prizes.
There were close to 100 racers from Ontario, Quebec and the United States.
Dawn Glover was there with her six-year-old Lab Fin.
“He’s a natural. He’s very excited and he loves to run,” she says.
Fin teamed up with George, a German shorthaired pointer, in the two-dog bike derby.
Both Windsor dogs were adopted.
Even though there is no snow, the course for the dogs is a tough one.
“The course this weekend is a very technical course. A lot of twists and turns, so not necessarily the fastest team will win. It's the dog team that can be fast, cautious and still make a good time,” says Jim Cunningham, the race marshall.
