What is the max weight in pulling events?
Depends on the events. At UKC it's now your dog's 20 point pull so it varies depending on the dog. I just did some research on this subject for my blog and remember these are
extreme's and NOT typical weights pulled at every event
Max Pulled on a Sled(
www.iwpa.net):
Natural Snow Surface: 1,500lbs by both an Alaskan Malamute and an American Bulldog (
www.iwpa.net)
Artificial Snow Surface: 2,630lbs by a Mastiff
Max pulled on a Cart (
www.iwpa.net):
Natural Surface: 5,395lbs by an English Mastiff
Artificial Surface: 5,002 by an English Mastiff
Maxed Pulled on a Rail (NWDA):
12,270lbs by Bart an American Bulldog
I list every kind of pulling there is there because there's a HUGE difference in what a dog can pull on different surfaces and on different types of carts/rails/sleds
Also is it really necessary for a person to want their dog to pull 5K.
Actually that really does come in handy if your car gets stuck in a ditch and you need some extra help. Also on the farm it could also come in handy. Is it necessary? Well no but it doesn't hurt the dog.
I would think that this much weight would be harmful no matter how much training the dog has received. Thanks in advance.
Actually, because this topic comes up all the time, it was asked among a lot the pullers if anyone has ever had a dog hurt during a pull (a good 100 or so people). The answer? A few pulled muscles, and some torn and broken nails is all anyone has ever heard of as injuries from weight pulling. Ask Agility people that same question and you get broken legs, CCL tears, sprang paws, heart attacks, and heat stroke in a few rare events.