Since 1998 Finnish basenjis have been allowed to practice and compete officially in greyhound track racing and lure coursing competitions. Basenjis always course eagerly; a dog does not notice the difference between competitions and practices. Official competitions with prizes are more for the humans. On the other hand, they do offer a possibility for dogs to race in different kinds of surroundings with different kinds of partners.
Dog races can be divided into lure coursing and track racing. Lure coursing tries to simulate more of authentic hunting. There are always two dogs at the most coursing at the same time. Even though there are also judges giving points for each dog, the speed with which each dog courses the track is also taken into account.
Track racing is more restricted. Up to six dogs can compete on the track simultaneously, each starting from a small box next to each other. The dogs run on the track at a maximum speed and the fastest dog wins. What is common to both forms of racing is that the dogs are not allowed to disturb each other, nor can there be any disturbing cheerings from the audience, as these will always lead to disqualifications and possibly even a total ban from further competitions. All dogs compete together with other dogs of the same breed. Bitches and dogs race in the same class. For novices it is perhaps better first to try out lure coursing and from there to go on to track racing.
Where to practice?
For a basenji to be able to practice lure coursing, its owner should be a member of the Finnish Basenji Club or one of the local sighthound clubs. This way basenjis can participate in practices from sighthounds organized all around Finland. All you need is an eager basenji and some time. For example, at the old sighthound track of Kilo, and behind the sports centre of Leppävaara lure coursing practices are organized weekly during the summer months and nearly all the different sighthound breeds are represented there.
A small fee (about 1 - 4 €) is usually charged for each run. If you are not a member of the club, the fee may be slightly higher. Novice dogs usually course on their own. The order of coursing is usually the same as the order of arrival. It is regarded polite for owners to help to return the lure back to the starting point for the next courser. You can always aks the coursing leader for any help or advice. It is a good idea to reserve a lot of time for the practices as it does take some time to return the lure. Practice sessions are also organized in Hyvinkää and Lohja. For further information you are welcome to contact the members of our racing committee or check the web pages of local sighthound clubs.
What do you need to be able to compete?
Equipment
For a dog to be able to take part in offical competitions, it needs a track racing or lure coursing book. Each dog needs a book of its own. The books cost somewhat, but they are also in force for the dog's entire coursing or racing career - from 15 months till 8 years.
Lure coursing books can be ordered form Sirke Örn (tel. 019-483 430) and track racing books from Tuulikki Niemelä (tel. 09-825 0753). There are no special requirements for getting lure coursing books, but a dog needs to have a valid solo test run and two accepted group test runs to get a track racing book.
Your dog will also need an officially approved muzzle (either a so-called English muzzle, an Australian muzzle, or a plastic muzzle). You are welcome to contact our racing committee for advice, for example, on how to order a muzzle - just one example, nine measurements are needed from the dog's head for the Australian muzzle. And naturally, each dog is an individual! Your dog will also need a loose collar (only for lure coursing). Your dog should have its vaccinations in order for racing and coursing, it should also be physically fit. Bitches in season or sick dogs are not allowed to participate in competitions or practice sessions.