The Western Australia Sleddog Sports Association (WASSA), was formed in 1991 (initially under the name of Alaskan Malamute Association of Western Australia but changed due to the variety of breeds the club has attracted), to bring this sport to the dog owners of Western Australia.

The club has grown quickly over the years, and our members enjoy the benefits of participating in training days and races over the colder months of the year.

About Dryland Dog Sledding in WA

Dog sledding is usually depicted as involving long tracks through the snow with large teams of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. In Australia, and more specifically Western Australia, snow is impossible to come by.

Dryland dog sledding uses scooters, rigs and bikes in place of a snow sled there is also canicross where the musher is on foot. Any dog that has the desire to pull, and run, can participate in the sport. The variety of options available in dryland sledding also caters for small dog breeds.

For the health and safety of all dogs, we have a strict policy that no dog is to be run at temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. This applies to both training and races.

The sport is definitely not restricted to any specific breeds. We encourage owners of any breed or mix to come along and have a go.

The breeds that are currently enjoying this sport through our club include ‘traditional’ arctic dog breeds commonly associated with sledding as well as Shepherds, Pointers, Retrievers, Kelpies, Border Collies, Samoyeds, various hounds, mixed breeds of all sizes, and more.