Not just any dog will do

If you own a poodle, Pomeranian, min-pin or schnauzer and want to recreate a classic scene from Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," strap on your skis, harness up your dog, attach the towline, toss your little bundle of joy out in front of you and see what happens.

Chances are, like the Grinch's dog, Max, your toy pooch will stare back at you with confused, sad eyes then, in an instant, run and jump back into your arms, grinning, as if to say, "Ride!" (Pant. Pant. Pant.) "Ride!"

You see, when it comes to skijoring, not just any dog will do.

While Northern working dog breeds like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Chinook or Samoyed are most associated with the sport, any dog that weighs more than 30 pounds and has a desire to run is a candidate as a skijor companion.

My father-in-law has a 35-pound Llewellyn setter, a small but feisty bird dog with more speed out of the gate than my purebred sled dog. With his cooperation, I just may put this size-doesn't-matter theory to the test, especially if my own dog doesn't work out.

And, while you may already have a suitable and willing best friend, the other question you absolutely need to ask yourself is: Will he (or she) listen?

This is my main concern with my dog, Saber, which has resulted in nightmarish visions of riding headlong into a tree or, worse yet, onto thin ice.

If you wish to consider the sport of skijoring and already have a dog and skis, the first thing you need to do is spend some time - and this could take weeks or months - training. It's something that can be started any time of year with basic commands like "Hike!" and "Whoa!"

Otherwise, you may be putting your life in your dog's hands - er, paws.

Required and recommended equipment for skijoring: One or two dogs weighing at least 30 pounds each, dog harness(es), skijor belt, towline with an attachment for one or two dogs, cross-country skis, boots and poles, helmet, goggles and a loaded daypack. Estimated expense to start from scratch: $500, not including the dog(s).