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Messenger Dog Trials
Messenger dog trials (also known as rapporthund, message dog trials or messenger dog tests) are competitive events where trained dogs demonstrate their ability to carry messages between people over long distances and challenging terrains.
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Messenger dog trials (also known as rapporthund, message dog trials or messenger dog tests) are competitive events where trained dogs demonstrate their ability to carry messages between people over long distances and challenging terrains. Based on military dogs who delivered messages on battlefields, these contests are held primarily in Scandinavia, especially Sweden.
Competitors perform as teams of three, two handlers with each dog. The dogs navigate a course of one to six kilometers on their own, carrying a “message” from one handler to the other. The course must be completed within a set time without barking, whining, or making excessive noise.
Photo by Matteo Max Putzolu on unsplash
Historically, the breeds used by military units were German shepherds, Bouvier des Flandres and Airedale terriers. Today’s competitions also include Belgian sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren and similar breeds.
