Dog Sledding

 Sled dogs, are also known as sleigh, sled or sledding dogs. They are a group of dogs that are used for pulling sleighs for races or just for fun over snow and ice. The breeds for pulling sleighs are Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute are the common sled dogs. The rare sleigh dogs are the Mackenzie River Husky. Dog drivers have a really long history of trying out different breeds to see which ones are comfortable to them. Sled dogs are expected to demonstrate speed and good health. In one single day a sled dog can pull a sleigh for about 80 miles or more. Speed is needed to travel for a certain amount of time.  The popular dog sledding countries are Canada, Russia and, Alaska.

     Finding the right sleigh dogs is very hard work. First, you get 24 dogs to test by, making them pull and sleigh for 1 1/2 or 2 hours. When you are done measure their heart rate, breathing rate, and speed. Once you do that a couple of rounds you'll find 4-10 dogs suitable for dog sledding.

    Dress for dog sledding is really important, especially if you are going somewhere that is really cold. Wearing lots of layers of sweatshirts, coats, socks and, hats will keep the cold from biting into your skin. If you don't have lots of layers of clothes on then you might get frost bite which is when, its really cold out and you don't cover yourself, your hands or feet freeze.

Siberian Husky                       Alaskan Malamute      Mackenzie River Husky

Siberian Husky                          Alaskan Malamute     Mackenzie River Husky

  (close up)                                      (close up)                   (close up)

Here are some websites about the Sled Dogs:

Siberian Husky

www.dog.com/breed/Siberian-Husky.asp

www.bigpawsonly.com/Siberian-Husky-breed.htm

Alaskan Malamute

www.pgaa.com/canine/general/malamute.html

www.tigara-alaskan-malamutes.com/tigara8tam.htm

Mackenzie River Husky

www.sleddogcentral.com/mackenzies2.htm

www.alaskahuskyranch.com/Mackenzie.htm

Here is a link that another person make about the Iditarod

Becky

Facts About The Sled Dogs

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, working dogs. These dogs are gentle and playful. A puppy at heart they are mischievous, sociable, clever, loving, easy-going and, docile. Siberian Huskies are very trainable, but have a mind 0f their own and will only obey a command if they see the point. These huskies need a fair amount of exercise and can dig out of fences to go out and hunt. This breed prefers to live in packs.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a large, strong artic dog, It is a ponderous dog