Types of Dogs

There are several breeds of sled dogs which are part of the sport, these include the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, and the Alaskan Husky. The Siberian Husky is a working dog of medium size, effective in pulling lightweight over long distances. They are often more reserved and independent, with a thick undercoat and a fur of many colours. The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest varieties of sled dogs, is a larger and powerful breed. They are designed for strength and endurance, recognized for pulling heavy loads, and also come in a variety of different colours. The Alaskan Husky is actually a crossbreed between husky-type dogs and other more slender breeds such as greyhounds, setters and hounds. The reason for this crossbreed was to have a faster dog for racing. It is the most common type of sled dog today and they have a wide variety of colours, weights and sizes. Their fur is never long to optimize the discharge of heat during running.

A common misconception about sled dogs is that they are all large robust animals, when in fact many of the dogs, including the Alaskan Husky, have lean frames and powerful muscles, in addition to shorter fur which gives them a more slender appearance. Another common question asked is if I have to wear so many layers of clothing outside, are the dogs cold? Definitely not! Sled dogs have been living outside for thousands of years – it’s their natural habitat! They are adapted to outdoor life, so they absolutely love the cold and are always ready for some fun in the snow.

Safety and wellbeing of our dogs are of utmost importance to us. Know more about how we care for our dogs >