Spot the odd ones out

IT is an event usually dominated by huskies. But yesterday a team of dalmatians was, er, spotted in a sled dog race.

Teams of mushers and their four-legged friends gathered in Aviemore yesterday for the 39th Sled Dog Rally.

The event is hosted by the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, one of the most renowned dog breeds for pulling sleds.

Known for their stamina, huskies can sustain speeds of 30mph. However, this year dalmatians were on site to give them a run for their money. Although they are not well known for their racing abilities, the energetic spotted hounds have an impressive turn of paw.

Previous events have been held in snow, but this year the course along tracks in Glenmore Forest near Loch Morlich are snow-free following a recent thaw.

Because of this the dogs pull three- and four-wheeled rigs along the trails in the shadows of the Cairngorm mountains.

The race features teams of between two and eight dogs pulling their musher on a sled around trails of up to seven miles.

Hundreds of mushers train their dogs along woodland trails throughout the year in preparation for the event.

Since its first event in 1984, the rally has seen a boost in popularity with mushers ranging from eight years to over 60.