January 29, 2024 | Miles Brucker

20 Things About Dog Sledding That Blew Our Minds


Dog Sledding

Dog sledding is a lesser-known sport to some, but a common tourist activity for others. Some people travel the world in search of the best dog sledding destinations to spend their winter holidays.

What about this sport makes it so appealing?

From the history of the sport to the types of dogs and equipment used, we’ll dig into the exciting world of mushing and find out what makes this sport so popular.

Dog sled split image

The Origin of Dog Sledding

Dog sledding originated over 4,000 years ago. It is one of the oldest forms of transportation and can be traced back to ancient culture in the Arctic regions.

Even today, it is commonly used by indigenous communities for hunting, transportation, and communication.Dog sledLibrary of Congress, Picryl

Dog Sledding as a Sport

Dog sledding is not only used as practical transportation, but it has also become a thrilling adventure. Countries such as Canada, Alaska, Norway and Greenland are known for their dog sledding traditions.

Dog sledding races include the Yukon Quest, Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc, among others.Yukon Quest comes to Birch CreekBureau of Land Management Alaska, Flickr

Dog Teams

As you may already know, dog sledding includes a sled pulled by a team of dogs. A team usually consists of 8 to 14 dogs.

The lead dog sets the pace, followed by the swing dogs, who help steer the sled, and the wheel dogs who provide the power to pull the load.Husky dogs pulling a sledJames Padolsey, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Dog Breeds

The most common breed used for dog sledding are Huskies. They are known for their endurance and strength.

They also have a thick coat, strong muscles, and the ability to withstand low temperatures.Husky dogs pulling a sledvioletta, Pixabay

Seasonal Dog Sledding

Contrast to popular belief, dog sledding is not just a winter activity. In places with colder climates, dog-sledding can take place all year round.

Some places have specially designed sleds for changing terrain in dryer seasons.Husky Sled dogs pulling a sledbadamczak80, Pixabay

Training & Care

Dog sledding requires proper training and care for the dogs. Dog sledders, often called mushers, spend a lot of time teaching commands and ensuring the health and well-being of the dogs.

Dogs pulling a sled slowing downFrank Kovalchek, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Building a Bond

It is essential for mushers to bond with their dogs, building a trust and connection. Trainers spend countless hours building a special bond with their dogs in order to understand body language and predict behaviors.

Dog sleddingbadamczak80, Pixabay

Pulling Weight

Sled dogs are strong, but they are extremely powerful as a team. They can pull loads that are many times their own body weight, sometimes as much as 10-20 times their weight.

For example, a single pair of sled dogs could haul upwards of 1,000 pounds over a short distance. Dog teams used specifically for hauling often manage loads of 300 pounds or more on a regular basis.

Transportation by dog sled, AlaskaLibrary of Congress, Picryl

Running Speed

Sled dogs can run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour over shorter distances, and 10-14 miles per hour at longer distances.

In poor trail conditions, sled dogs can still manage about 6-7 miles per hour.Dog Sled Race, dogs runningstrangebiology, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mushers

The “drivers” of the sled are often referred to as “Mushers”. This is because the term “mush” is used to command the dogs to start running.

Some believe the term mushing comes from the French word “marcher”, which means to walk. It is believed that French voyageurs in the late 1800s introduced the term.

Others believe the Norwegian word "mushu" to be the origin of the English command "mush."Huskies pulling sleds and MushersTambako The Jaguar, Flickr

The Leader

The lead dog in a dog sled team is crucial, as it is responsible for following the musher's commands and navigating the route.

A lead dog is chosen based on its intelligence, initiative, common sense, and the ability to locate trails.Dogs pullingwerdepate, Pixabay

Famous Dog Sledding Event

The Serum Run to Nome in 1925 is one of the most famous dog sledding events. Teams of sled dogs and mushers delivered diphtheria antitoxin to the remote town of Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria outbreak.

It is also known as “The Great Race of Mercy”. It included about 20 mushers and 150 sled dogs. They traveled close to 700 miles in 5 and a half days.Leonhard Seppala With DogsCarrie McLain Museum / AlaskaStock

Dog Sledding Heroes

All of the mushers and sled dogs in The Serum Run in 1925 were considered heroes.

Balto, one of the lead dogs on the serum run, became a famous hero, and his statue stands in New York City's Central Park.Celebrated sled dog Balto with Gunnar KaasenBrown Brothers, Wikimedia Commons

Sled Materials

Modern sleds are typically made of lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, making them easier to handle and faster.

Early, traditional dog sleds were made of strips of wood lashed together.sled dogs pulling a sledWolfgang Hägele, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dog Equipment

Sled dogs wear specially designed harnesses that distribute the weight evenly across their bodies to prevent injury.

Having a proper fitting harness will reduce tension on the neck when they pull, and allow for effective use of force while maintaining freedom of movement.White Huskies Dog SleddingEclecticBlogs, Martin Male, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Tourism

Dog sledding has become a popular tourist activity in many cold regions, giving people the chance to experience the thrill of mushing.

Some tour companies will allow people to cuddle and bond with the dogs prior to the adventure. Most tours involve a small lesson in dog sledding before the journey.dogsled tour of the White MountainsBureau of Land Management Alaska, Flickr

Ethics & Environment

Dog sledding is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, as it doesn't rely on fossil fuels. It is also considered ethical as sled dogs are treated extremely well.

They are often seen as athletes and are cared for as such.dogs attached to a sledTambako The Jaguar, Flickr

Winter Olympics

In 1932, dog sledding was included as an official sport in the Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid, New York. Five contestants from Canada and seven contestants from the United States competed.

The event, run under the rules of the New England Sled Dog Club, ran twice over a 25.1 mile (40.5 km) long course.winning dog sled teamThe Library of Congress, Wikimedia Commons

The Biggest Dog Sledding Race

The Iditarod is the most prestigious sled dog race in the world. The event happens each year, and takes competitors about 10 days to travel two mountain ranges, the frozen Yukon River and the treacherous Bering Sea ice. The race ends in the old Gold Rush town of Nome.

The top 3 winners in 2023 received $40,000-$52,000 in prize money.Iditarod dog sledding competitionBureau of Land Management, Flickr

Dog Sledding Experiences

There are many opportunities around the world for dog sledding. 

You can take courses/lessons, go on guided tours, and attend dog sledding events. If you happen to visit a colder climate destination you are likely to see dog sledding as active transportation. Most dog sledding tourist experiences will cost around $500+, but it is said to be an experience like no other.Husky dogs pulling a sledTriplexAdventures, Needpix

Final Thoughts

Dog sledding is currently both a thrilling winter sport, and a commonly used mode of transportation in climates and locations where roads are scarce.

Sled dogs are extremely powerful and are exceptionally well cared for, making the activity both environmentally friendly and ethical.

If dog sledding sounds intriguing to you, there are tons of opportunities around the globe for both spectating and participating.

dogs pulling a sledchristels, Pixabay


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