Much to my surprise, as I learned about the state sport of dog mushing in Alaska was that the sled dogs I encountered looked nothing like the “Alaskan Husky” that I knew and loved. In reality, true sled dogs are a mixed breed of all colors, smaller and leaner than the purebred “show” dogs.
These mixed breeds create a dog that is strong, more resistant to disease, suited to the cold climate and most importantly has a strong desire to run and run and run. The blue eyes are only predominant when the dogs are young and as they age most turn dark in color.
When racing over long distances these animals will run 8-10 MPH for about 6 hours and then will rest until allowed to go again by the musher (driver of the sled). They will consume about 10,000 calories per day to meet that challenge. Wow!
There are many short sprint races that dog teams run but the most famous and well know race, more like a marathon, is the Iditarod. It runs annually from Anchorage to Nome, covering more than 1,000 miles.
Another lesser known but just as prestigious race is the Yukon Quest. It covers about 1,000 miles from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Yukon.
I’ve also learned, by visiting many kennels this summer, that winning is wonderful but more than that is the bond and friendship that comes from working with these wonderful athletes.
These “mutts” of Alaska are some of the hardest working athletes in the world. Mush On!!
These mixed breeds create a dog that is strong, more resistant to disease, suited to the cold climate and most importantly has a strong desire to run and run and run. The blue eyes are only predominant when the dogs are young and as they age most turn dark in color.
When racing over long distances these animals will run 8-10 MPH for about 6 hours and then will rest until allowed to go again by the musher (driver of the sled). They will consume about 10,000 calories per day to meet that challenge. Wow!
There are many short sprint races that dog teams run but the most famous and well know race, more like a marathon, is the Iditarod. It runs annually from Anchorage to Nome, covering more than 1,000 miles.
Another lesser known but just as prestigious race is the Yukon Quest. It covers about 1,000 miles from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, Yukon.
I’ve also learned, by visiting many kennels this summer, that winning is wonderful but more than that is the bond and friendship that comes from working with these wonderful athletes.
These “mutts” of Alaska are some of the hardest working athletes in the world. Mush On!!
