Sled Dog Breeds: Identifying The Best Polar Pup For Your Needs!

Sled dogs are dogs that pull sleds and people over long distances.

They are precisely bred to have all the characteristics that make them capable of achieving the desired results. For around 8000 years, sled dogs are being used in the Arctic.

Sled dogs were initially put to use in areas that were not easily accessible through planes and semi-trailer trucks. Though today they are replaced by various modern technologies, rural people still prefer sled dogs, as they have become an essential and inseparable part of their lives.

Apart from hauling, sled dogs serve multiple purposes. They are some of the best companion dogs and are also used for recreation.

Iditarod Trail and the Yukon Quest are two of the most popular sled dog races in the world. There are 12 different sled dog breeds.

Each breed serves different purposes. Based on the weight and type of work, you can pick a sled dog breed that is suitable for you.

This article focuses on some of the most popular sled dogs, like the Alaskan husky and Siberian husky, and how they are used for their speed and pulling skills. You can also check out our other articles on the smallest dog breed in the world and which dog has the strongest bite.

What breed of dogs pull sleds?

Alaskan Husky: The Alaska husky is the most preferred dog in sports. This breed is specifically built to be a sled dog. These dogs were first bred and used in America 12,000 years ago.

They were utilized in the Arctic regions after a few thousand years. The Alaska husky sled dog breed is closely related to other breeds like Siberian husky and Alaskan Malamute. Alaskan huskies are also known as racing machines.

Canadian Eskimo Dog: The Canadian Eskimo dog, popularly known by several names such as Canadian Inuit Dog, Esquimaux Husky, Esquimaux Dog, and Qimmiq is from the Canadian arctic and can pull 99-176 lb (45-80 kg).

Because of their capacity to pull big loads over a long distance, they are commonly utilized as draught dogs. Since these sled dogs have a thick double coat, they can handle bitter cold climates well.

The Canadian Eskimo dog became an essential part of the Inuit people's life as its skills came in handy while hunting seals, polar bears, and other animals.

Greenland Dog: Greenland dogs are not considered as a separate breed due to the genetic similarities between them and Canadian Eskimo dogs. These big dogs aren't especially quick. Their endurance, though, is what makes them one of the most popular sled dog breeds. These dogs have been used as sled dogs since 1996.

The Greenland dog is a massive, muscular canine. Greenland dogs can handle incredibly hard terrain with ease and speed. Their bold and relentless demeanor, along with their physical power, makes them ideal working dogs.

Chinook: The Chinook is a well-built sled dog breed that originated in New Hampshire. This rare breed of sled dog was introduced in the early 20th century.

The Chinook makes a great sports dog due to its athletic nature and upbeat personality. It is also well-suited for outdoor adventures like hill climbing and camping. They are easily trainable and have a strong desire to please their owners.

Mackenzie River Husky: Mackenzie River husky is one of the traditional sled dog breeds. It is a cross between Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Staghounds, and the wolf. They were bred with the motive to develop a robust freighting dog that could withstand severe Arctic conditions.

Siberian Husky: Despite being smaller when compared to the Alaskan malamute, the Siberian husky shares a lot of similarities with the Alaskan malamute. The pulling skills of Siberian huskies are far better than that of malamutes. They were kept as working dogs by the Chukchi people of Siberia. In the 1910s, they were also utilized as racing sled dogs.

What is the most popular sled dog?

Siberian Huskies, Alaskan malamutes, and Alaskan huskies are the three most popular sled dogs.

In 2010, the Alaskan Malamute was chosen as Alaska's state dog. It is the most well-known of all Alaskan dog breeds. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the top-tier breeds in sled dog racing.

The Siberian husky was mainly bred for companionship by the Chukchi people. However, because of their strength and pulling abilities, they soon became some of the best sled dogs and attained popularity in sled races.

Though Siberian huskies are not steadfast, they are still chosen by several mushers all over the world for sled racing as they are considered traditional Iditarod dogs.

The Alaskan husky is also a popular sled dog. On an international level dog sled racing, Alaskan huskies are the most preferred dog breeds.

None of the purebred dogs can beat Alaskan huskies in dog sledding. However, the Kennel Club is not willing to accept the Alaskan husky as a distinct sled dog breed. The only drawback is their thick coats, which makes them ill-suited for warmer regions.

What is the largest breed of sled dog?

The Alaskan Malamute is the largest sled dog breed. It is one of the purebred sled dogs.

These are known to originate from North America. Male Alaskan malamutes are 24-26 in (61-66 cm) long while females are 22-24 in (56-61 cm).

The males are 79-98 lb (36-43 kg) and females are 70-84 lb (32-38 kg). There are three main types of Alaskan malamutes, namely the Giant Alaskan malamute, M'Loot type, and the Hinman Irwin type. Giant Alaskan malamute puppies are formed by combining the largest malamutes that are over 100 lb (45.3 kg).

What breeds make the best sled dogs?

Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Chinook are some of the best sled dogs. They are also used in sled racing.

How To Choose The Ideal Sled Dog

Here are a few things that you have to look for before purchasing a sled dog breed.

Physique: Endurance and agility are two of the most evident attributes required of a sled dog. These canines must be built strongly to pull objects that are way heavier than them.

Stamina is yet another quality that is required as they carry these heavy objects for extended periods. They should be able to sprint as well as have the endurance to be active over long distances. Sled dog breeds are expected to be brawny and must especially have a firmer back.

Environment: Around the world, dog sledding is seen in a variety of conditions. But it is most common in cold regions.

For the sled dog breeds to withstand the climatic conditions in the colder region and to walk on snow, they need to have a thick coat and tough feet. This will keep them well protected and better suited for the job.

Temperament: Sled dogs have various personalities. The majority of them enjoy working in teams, however certain sled dog breeds do not. Some of the most important things include getting along with other teammates, obedience, and hard work.

To be an excellent sled dog, the animal must be thin, powerful, alert, and cold tolerant. Since a lot is expected of them, the attributes listed above are some significant factors in determining whether the dog should be picked.

As there is no cap on the number of dogs that should pull the sled, mushers choose the dogs based on the intensity of the work. For modest operations, three to four dogs are chosen. For strenuous works, the number can be anywhere between 10 and 20.

Famous Sled Dogs

There are few sled dogs in history that have gone to great lengths to save humans. They helped the human race at our most difficult times. The stories of these dogs still warm the heart of people.

A Siberian husky named Balto was the lead dog of a sled dog team. Doctors predicted a fatal diphtheria outbreak was about to affect the young population of Nome. The cure serum was found in Nenana, Alaska, which was 700 mi (1126.5 km) away from Nome.

The only transportation method was through airways. Unfortunately, the airplane, capable of delivering the medication, had a frozen engine. Experts attempted, but failed, to explore alternative solutions.

So they decided to transport the medication using a dog sled. To deliver the serum, a relay with 20 teams was planned.

Balto was the last leg on the 1925 serum run to home. After his death on March 14, 1993, his body was exhibited in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. It is still found in the museum.

Togo was a Siberian husky that belonged to Leonhard Seppala. Togo was initially nothing but a troublemaker.

How is a troublesome dog one of the most famous sled dogs in history? Togo also had exceptional skills, even in the early days when he was not trained.

He would compete and fight with other lead sled dogs. Togo was also part of the same relay that Balto participated in. Togo, along with Seppala and his team, went to great lengths and traveled several miles in the biting cold to deliver the serum.

Togo also saved his other teammates courageously. Since Togo has become partially blind and was in excruciating agony owing to joint deformities and old age, he was euthanized by Seppala in December 1929.

Taro and Jiro were two brave sled dogs who managed to stay on their own in Antarctica for 11 months in the biting cold without any human care. In the Japanese Antarctic trip in 1958, due to emergency evacuation, 15 sled dogs were left behind.

Due to the climatic conditions and other barriers, the team was not able to come back and get the dogs until the following years.

When the team returned on January 14, 1959, sadly, seven of them were found dead and still chained. The rest of the sled dogs (except Taro and Juri) that had managed to break free from the chains were never found.

How can I get involved with sled dogs?

Once you choose the right sled dog breed, you are on the right track. Though training might not be a cakewalk, choosing the right breed will help you quicken the process.

Mushers suggest that you should start training by allowing your sled dog to pull an inanimate object. Once the dog gets comfortable with the minimal weight, you can add more weight depending on the size and type of dog.

Start using commands like go and stop when your dog is young. Patience is key. So wait for your dog to get used to things.

While adding weight, make sure to not go overboard. Experts say that owners must pay attention and inspect the bottom of their dog's feet regularly after training in order to avoid serious injuries.

Fun Fact: The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is conducted every year where sled dogs participate in a race between Anchorage and Nome. Mushers participate in the Iditarod Trail sled dog race along with a team of 14 dogs. They work as a team to cover the distance in 12-15 days.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for sled dog breeds, then why not take a look at spotted dog breeds or Siberian Husky facts?