Kolyma Kennels
European Clubs and Kennels
The sled-dog sport in Central Europe started in the early 1960’s in Switzerland. The SKNH undertook (under the inspiring initiative of Thomas Althaus) the task of putting the sled-dog breeds back to the work they were bred for in the first place. A sled-dog camp in Engelberg, Switzerland was organised, and more sled-dog camps followed, including Axalp. Lew and I contacted the enthusiastic Mayor of Latrop, and the first sled-dog race in Germany took place.
The German press turned out in rather overwhelming numbers, a helicopter flew with the teams during the race, and footage was shown on the German TV the same evening. The German breed club DCNH followed with a race in Todtmoos, which is still being run today.
Meanwhile in the Netherlands the sled-dog club Mushing Holland was founded and their first race was held in Winterberg, Germany. The Swiss sled-dog enthusiasts founded the Trailclub, organising open races, allowing all breeds to participate, including non-pedigree crossbreeds. The first Trailclub race was held in Saingnelegier, Switzerland, Hyls Heeringa initiated the Trailclub race in Tannheim, Austria and Lew and I started a Trailclub race in Bernau, Germany, which is also still run today.
The sled-dog sport took off in a spectacular way, races were organised everywhere in Central Europe where snow could be more or less guaranteed, and Rig-races became popular as well. It was a dynamic and inspiring time. All of us who were part of it still share those good memories.
For further information on these European pioneers of the sled-dog sport
Below you will find links to the most important Siberian Husky breed and sled-dog sport clubs in Europe:
The competition at the 1970 Open-class race trails
This picture was probably taken at the trophy presentation at the Tannheim race in Austria.
From left to right:
Toni Schmid (CH), Engbert Hoekstra (NL), Ernst Müller (CH),
Lew van Leeuwen (NL), Peter Thomann (CH), Edi Habegger (CH).
Picture courtesy: Nies & Hyls Heeringa.
|
|
NSHK - The Norwegian Siberian Husky Club is the oldest breed club in Europe. Many races - long distance as well as sprint - are organised in Norway, open to all breeds. |
|
|
SPHK - The Swedish Siberian Husky Club. The Swedish breed club organises races, including several very popular long distance events. |
|
|
SHS - The Finnish Siberian Husky Club. The Finnish breed and race clubs organise many races, both sprint and long distance. |
|
|
DPHK - The Dansk PolarHunde Klub. When quarantine regulation was lifted in Denmark, many mushers and breeders became part of the Central Europe race and breeding scene. |
|
|
SKNH - Swiss Polarbreed club who organised the first sled-dog races in central Europe in Engelberg and Axalp. |
|
|
DCNH - The German Polardog breedclub came shortly thereafter with races in Todmoos en Bad Wiessee. |
|
|
SHKN - The Dutch Siberian Husky Club followed suit with Latrop, Winterberg and Tannheim. |
|
|
SHC - The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain organizes sled-dog races in Scotland. |
|
|
TCE - Trail Club of Europe organised the first open races in Central Europe in Sainglegier and Bernau. |
|
|
MHSC - Mushing Holland Sledehonden Club took over Winterberg from SHKN, but for purebred sled-dogs only. |
|
|
SHF - Siberian Husky France organises sled-dog races in France. |
