Good to know

Mushing Terminology

Musher – The person standing on the sled
Handler – A person who assists the musher during races or training
Nome style – The musher drives a sled behind a dog team
Pulka/Nordic style – Used in Nordic skiing, where the owner skis behind 1–4 dogs pulling a small sled (pulka)
Sled – Used in “Nome style” where the musher stands on runners and holds the handlebar (5–14 dogs)
Gee – Command for right
Haw – Command for left
Stakeout – A wire line where the dogs are secured during shorter breaks or overnight at races
Gangline – The line system that connects the dogs to the sled or pulka
Snow anchor – A metal or aluminum hook pushed into the snow to keep the sled from moving when the dogs are not supposed to run
Runners (plastic) – Plastic strips mounted on the sled/pulka runners, available in different colors for different snow temperatures
Checkpoint – An obligatory meeting and resting place during a race

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Dog Categories in Sweden

In Sweden, dogs are divided into groups A, B, and C.
This system ensures fair competition since different breeds and types of dogs vary in speed.

Group A
All dogs, both purebred and mixed breeds, are allowed to compete here.
However, it is the mandatory group for mixed breeds and pointing/hunting bird dogs.

Group B
For all purebred dogs except those listed in Group C and pointing dogs (which belong in Group A).

Group C
Includes Siberian Huskies and Dobermans.

📌 In both Groups B and C, dogs must show registration papers.
📌 If a team consists of mixed categories, the group is determined by the fastest dog.
Example: If there is one Group C dog and the rest are Group B, the team competes in Group C.