| Sled dog breeds are characterized by endurance, | | | | strong, but in sled dog racing where speed is important, |
| strength, and intelligence. They are usually medium to | | | | and the distances are shorter, Alaskan huskies were |
| larger dogs, with a very muscular build, and have | | | | found to perform better. |
| helped mankind transport supplies in times before the | | | | Alaskan husky dogs are not a recognized breed. They |
| automobile. | | | | are bred for their performance, and so they cannot be |
| Nowadays, sled dog breeds are found as pets, as well | | | | easily characterized as a breed. Alaskan husky dogs |
| as trained to participate in sled dog racing. | | | | represent a variety of types with different lines. They |
| Sled dogs were developed to withstand very low | | | | are hybrid dogs - a husky with another breed, that is |
| temperatures. Their coats have a double layer, with | | | | determined by the needs and ideas of the breeders. A |
| the undercoat acting as insulation against the ice and | | | | husky may be bred with a wolf, setters, or any other |
| snow. Because they have such thick coats, they need | | | | breed that can bring genetic advantages in speed and |
| regular brushing and grooming. They also shed a lot, | | | | endurance. |
| especially at the beginning of summer when they lose | | | | Sled dog racing is a winter and fall sport where the |
| a lot of their undercoat. This could be a problem for | | | | sled dogs are attached to a sled (or a 3 or 4 wheeled |
| people with dog allergies. | | | | cart in autumn), and pull the driver along. The driver |
| Traditional sled dog breeds include the Siberian Husky, | | | | stands on runners. The dogs are harnessed individually, |
| the Alaskan Malamute, the Chinook, the Sakhalin | | | | with tug lines attached that are linked into a central |
| Husky, the Canadian Eskimo dog, the Seppala Siberian | | | | gang line. The dogs are linked in pairs, and there are up |
| sled dog, the Tamaskan husky, the Samoyed, the | | | | to 22 dogs in a racing team. Teams race either |
| Eurohound, the Mackenzie River husky, and the | | | | against the clock, and a winner then announced, or |
| Greenland dog. | | | | against each other in a seemingly chaotic race. There |
| Whilst these dogs were purpose bred, many other | | | | are dog sled races in three categories - short distance, |
| breeds have been used, including mixed breeds. These | | | | middle distance, and long distance. |
| days, that tradition lives on in sled dog racing, where | | | | Like the sled dog breeds themselves, the sport of sled |
| the most popular breeds include the Alaskan Husky, | | | | dog racing has seen some interesting adaptions to |
| and various cross breeds, often based on the German | | | | modern times and different climates. In Australia, for |
| Shorthaired Pointer. However, many breeds have | | | | example, where there is very little snow, even in winter, |
| been used, including the poodle! | | | | sled dog races are held. Here, modified scooters are |
| Alaskan huskies are favored in modern sled dog races | | | | used, and racing is done on dirt tracks. Australian sled |
| because they are faster than traditional breeds like the | | | | dog racers tend to use all sorts of dogs as sled dogs, |
| Alaskan malamute or the samoyed. They are not as | | | | including kelpies, english pointers, and red heelers. |