The Olympics is a once-every-four-years sports extravaganza and every time around we revel in the ‘summer of sport’. But each time the Olympics rolls around, we can’t help notice there isn’t much airtime being given to dog sports.
So, we decided to change that! Without further ado, here are the dogs who we think deserve a place on the podium for their sporting achievements and effort. (Okay, maybe some of them get a treat for taking part.)
1. Training is always better in pairs
2. Cue the Chariots of Fire soundtrack for guaranteed inspiration
3. Inspiring, but don’t try this at home – professional athletes make it look far too easy</>
4. True champions are never afraid to reinvent the game…
5. Or give up on it entirely
6. Others remain brave against all the odds – “Port? Starboard? Oh crumbs, how do you steer this thing again?”
7. You could never accuse a dog of sabotaging an opponent
8. Or of playing up to the cameras
9. While others take their sport very seriously
10. Eat your heart out, Tom Daley
11. Sports-dogs make questionable fashion choices
12. … and they have a reputation for getting carried away
13. But they have speed on their side
14. And some even have specialist skills
15. This tug of war was only ever going to end one way
16. Boxers look tough but they’re really just having a cuddle
17. You have to be able to really focus
18 . … and keep your eyes on the prize
19. After all that training, performance on the day alone will decide who wins gold
Phew, after all that sporting we need a dog-nap, who’s with us?
Does your dog have special sporting skills? Why not share a tail (sorry!) about their abilities, or funny attempts to be Olympians in our comments below, or on Twitter or Facebook.