Canine drafting is a fun activity for active dogs. Drafting, also known as carting, is a sport in which a dog pulls a cart, wagon, or other vehicle. More deets on the specifics in later posts. Many large breed dogs have a history of drafting successfully. The Newfoundland, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Mastiff, Rottweiler, and Great Pyrnees are some of the more common breeds that participate in drafting. I’ve been drafting for seven years with my Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and I’ve been judging draft trials for almost 3 years now. I had planned on writing an updated drafting book, but I decided that it would be easier and more logical to post it as a blog. I can easily answer questions via the comment feature, and I can also edit and add information more readily.
Enjoy!
Hi Jennie,
I have a question regarding the distance from the cart to the rear quarters of the dog such as in a Newfoundland. Is there a specific dimension that a judge would be looking for as in, is there too much distance or not enough. I have searched the internet for some solid information but it is very vague. Is there a formula that would be used, such as, half the height at the withers giving the distance between the cart and the rear legs of the dog.
As you have been judging for 3 years is this something that you would pass or fail when reviewing the equipment.
Steve