But it is sand - not snow - that is flinging up from under their paws. The Siberian huskies are not towing a sled but a man in boardshorts, Narellan's Chris Taylor, who races to keep up.

"Some people say they're hard work, but it's all time invested," said Mr Taylor from the beach at Bulli yesterday.

"You need to treat them like a working dog because they're very hierarchical. Every one of them will have a position in the pack."

The foursome were among about 20 dogs at Bulli as part of a social outing by Arctic Breed Rescue.

The not-for-profit group saves arctic breeds - mostly Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies - from death row and re-homes them with people who are prepared to put in the hours understanding and engaging with a time-consuming but often enchanting kind of dog.

Regular social get-togethers are aimed at socialising the dogs, which are fond of their own kind.

Characters at yesterday's meet included Odette, the first dog saved by ABR founder Anna Karas, of Roselands.

"Arctics are different - we call them the anti-dog," Ms Karas said.

"You know how some dogs are super responsive to their owners? Arctics have got an attitude of 'what's in it for me?'. They need to be constantly stimulated or they act out. It's not unusual for these guys to jump a seven-foot fence from a standing start."

The group has operations in Queensland and NSW. Dogs are rescued from pounds and then looked after by foster carers until a permanent home is found.

There are 10 ABR dogs currently awaiting homes in NSW.