The sport of dog carting or drafting has very utilitarian roots. Throughout recent history, dogs have proven themselves as willing and capable draft animals in a variety of capacities. In Europe, large farm dogs pulled wagons laden with produce, milk, eggs, and other perishables to market. Patient, hardworking canine companions pulled tinkers' wagons and peddlers' carts. During World War I, the armies of the United States, France, Germany, Belgium, and Great Britain used specially trained and courageous draft dogs to pull massive munitions carts, travois stretchers and supply wagons along the front lines of battle. Today, carting is growing in popularity among Leonberger owners who want to share an activity with their dogs while maintaining the working heritage of their breed.
Leonbergers are particularly well-suited to drafting because they are a large, sturdy working breed with a desire to please. Unlike the sports of agility, flyball, lure coursing, or other canine sports where fleetness of foot on the part of both handler and dog are crucial, drafting is a relatively slow-paced activity, making it ideal for those who prefer something a little less intense! Whether your and your dog wish to earn a title, march in a parade, give rides to the neighborhood kids, or just bring in the firewood, drafting is extremely rewarding.
Carting is quickly growing in popularity within our club. Many members have become true devotees of the sport, and are working toward earning drafting titles. The LCA offers two titles for accomplished carting dogs: Novice Draft Dog (NDD) and the more advanced Draft Dog (DD) can be earned by any Leonberger upon earning a qualifying score at any Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America or Newfoundland Club of America sanctioned Draft Test.
For more information on just what is required in these tests, see the links below.
More Information on Carting:
Carting Equipment:
Plans for building/converting your own cart:
