
14/09/2025
NOT ALL DOGS CHASE POSTMEN... SOME ARE ATHLETES THAT REPRESENT THEIR COUNTRY
In a heartwarming demonstration of community commitment to canine athleticism, Downe Vets can reveal that we are providing sponsorship for “Dizzy”, a spirited Border Collie mix, to represent Ireland at the 2025 Canicross World Championships which will be taking place in Pardubice, Czech Republic this November.
Dizzy will compete alongside his owner, Matt Milliken, as part of Team Ireland.
The Canicross World Championships takes place from November 6–9, 2025, drawing in excess of 1,000 competitors from over 30 countries.
Although many Irish dog owners enjoy jogging with their canine chums, the sport of canicross (cross country running with a dog) is a little-known activity on the island. The sport was developed as a competitive activity by Scandinavians who were seeking a way to maintain their sled-dogs fitness after the winter snows had melted. From there, canicross has spread across the world and every year the finest athletes compete with the speediest dogs on an international stage at the World Championships.