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