About the Sled Dog Association of Scotland.

IN THE BEGINNING

In 1990, three people from Auchterarder, with a passion for Spitz Breeds and related sled dog activities, got together to discuss the whole sled dog scene in Scotland.

Neil Brown, owner of Alaskan Malamutes since the early 60s, and Rick & Keron Miller, novice owners of Malamutes and Siberian Huskies since 1988, recognised the need to promote the pursuits of sled dogs and put Scotland on the sled dog event map. Their main objective was to:

- encourage people to work their sled dogs
- for sled dog lovers to cooperate together in exchanging views and information
- achieve a fun and informal competitive environment that recruits sled dog enthusiasts and provides them with the information they need to pursue their interest

At that time there was no recognised sled dog organisation in Scotland. Like the government, everything was organised “down South” aside from the big Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain event at Aviemore every January. Residents north of the border could only gather in informal groups, on the occasional Sunday, take the sled dog teams out and then go home.

In 1991, the Sled Dog Association of Scotland held its inaugural meeting, with a membership of nearly 45, now the numbers are some 240 members. A committee sits at the centre of the SDAS, always serving the needs of the membership. It has its own set of rules and code of ethics which only changes, at AGMs, if the membership wish it so.

The Sled Dog Association of Scotland was the first Scottish specific body to put together a calendar of events in Scotland, novice sled dog workshops, invited guests from sled dog kennels in the US, seminars on nutrition, weight pulls, long and short distance racing/trekking events and many more informal events including agility competitions and barbecues. A magazine called the Sled Dog Ecosse is produced twice a year sharing news and views from the members.

The essence at the heart of the founders of the Sled Dog Association of Scotland has always been to enjoy their sled dogs in the activities for which they have been developed, be sportsmanslike in everything relating to SDAS events, keep the well being of their dogs always at the top of mind and HAVE FUN.