DO THE DOGGY DU
Does your pooch do the doggie-paddle like a pro? Then consider entering next year’s Iam’s Doggy Duathlon World Championships. Part of the New York City Triathlon held each year in late July, the race involves a one-mile swim in the Hudson River followed by a 6.2-mile run ending in Central Park (dogs and owners partake in both legs). This year, 26 dogs dashed to the finish line, with golden retriever, Riley (along with her owner, Jim), taking top honors. Registration for the 2009 Doggy Du opens at the end of this year, check the New York City Triathlon website for updates.
SEE SPOT SURF
If your dog digs the ocean, sign him up for the Loews Surf Dog Competition. Held each summer at San Diego’s Coronado Bay Resort, pups of all shapes and sizes “hang 20” on surfboards, either alone or with their owners in tow. About 60 dogs competed this year, many sporting Hawaiian leis and sunglasses as they were judged on style and length of time on the wave. TJ the Spanish spaniel took the small dogs title while a black labrador named Stoli secured the win among the big dogs. But this sport is not all about competition: The event also raises money for the anti-poverty charity Modest Needs.
DOG RUNS
Who says road races are just for humans? There are plenty of jaunts just for dogs and their owners. Race distances vary from a mile to a marathon, and dogs usually need to stay leashed to their owners from the starting point to the finish line. Upcoming events include The Atlanta Dog Jog (1 or 2 miles; October 4, 2008); The Dog Day 5K in Longmont, CO (3.1 miles; September 20, 2008); and the Half-Moon Outfitters 18th Annual Reindeer Run in Charleston, SC (3.1 miles; December 6, 2008). To find a race near you, visit Active.com and plug in “dog-friendly” in the search bar.
WHAT BREEDS ARE BEST FOR SPORTS?
While surfing favors dogs with short legs (they have a lower center of gravity), the tiny guys are not ideal for running. Rather, long-legged dogs like labs, Dalmatians and most retrievers will have the stamina and energy to keep up with you on any run.
As for the super swimmers, water spaniels, setters, retrievers, Barbets, akitas, Kerry blue terriers, poodles and Hungarian pulis are perfect paddlers. But keep in mind basset hounds, bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, corgis, Scottish and Boston terriers and greyhounds have trouble in the water. Similarly, breeds with smooshed-in noses or muzzles (think pugs, boxers and bulldogs) labor during heavy exercise and can’t get too sporty. If you are thinking about getting a dog or just wondering if your pet is an athlete check out the Dog Breed Info Center for more details.
Want more ways to get sporty with your pup? Check out Get fit with your dog! Exercise with your pet.
And however you choose to exercise this summer, be sure to keep cool and take precautions to protect your pooch from heat stroke.
