General Terms

Dog-powered sports / Mushing – A general term for sports where dogs pull a driver or equipment, such as a sled, pulka, bike or runner.

Musher – The person driving the dog team.

Dog team / Team – A group of dogs pulling together.

Dog driver – Another term for musher.

Bib number / Race number – The number used to identify a team in the race.

Competition class – A class with official rules, timing and results.

Touring class – A non-elite class focused more on the experience and completing the course than on placement.

Sprint – A short-distance race at high speed.

Mid-distance – Races over longer distances, often several tens of kilometres.

Long-distance – Very long-distance races, often lasting several days and including mandatory rest periods.

Dogs & Positions

Lead dogs – The dogs at the front of the team that guide the team.

Swing dogs – The dogs directly behind the lead dogs.

Team dogs – Dogs positioned in the middle of the team, providing pulling power and stability.

Wheel dogs – The dogs closest to the sled or pulka, often strong and steady.

Equipment

Sled – A vehicle used on snow, steered and braked by the musher.

Pulka – A smaller sled-like vehicle pulled by the dogs, with the musher skiing behind.

Harness – A pulling harness designed to distribute the load across the dog’s body.

Lines / Tug lines – Lines connecting the dogs to the sled or pulka.

Gangline – The main central line to which the dogs are attached.

Neckline – A short line connecting two dogs running side by side.

Drag mat / Brake mat – A rubber mat used to slow down the sled.

Snow hook – An anchor used to secure the sled when stopped.

Commands

Hike! / Go! – Start command.

Gee! – Turn right.

Haw! – Turn left.

Easy! – Slow down.

Whoa! – Stop.

Race Terms

Start area – The area where teams start the race.

Finish area – The area where teams finish the race.

Checkpoint (CP) – A designated point where resting, veterinary checks and support may take place.

Veterinary inspection / Vet check – A health check of the dogs.

Rest period – A mandatory or optional period of rest during the race.

Scratch – To withdraw from the race.

DNS (Did Not Start) – Registered for the race but did not start.

DNF (Did Not Finish) – Started the race but did not finish.

Safety & Dog Welfare

Dog care – Everything related to the dogs’ health, recovery and well-being.

Booties – Protective footwear for the dogs’ paws, helping prevent wear and cold-related injuries.

Hydration – Providing fluids to the dogs, often in the form of warm broth or water.

Recovery – Rest and care following physical exertion.