Dog-powered sleds have been used for centuries throughout the circumpolar North, and naturally competitions arose as to who had the strongest or fastest dog team. Today sled dog races are held around the world -
not just in snowy places, as wheeled carts take the place of sleds when there's no snow.
In the snowy regions, "huskies" (in the most generic use of the term) are the favoured breeds not only because of their ability to deal with the
cold, but also because of their sociability and their natural love of adventure. If you've never seen a dog smile or laugh or scream in excitement and anticipation, come out to a sled race!
Mushers are not only found on race routes today - there are scores of companies around the world who will take you on into the wilderness on a sled towed by a team of huskies.
Whether you're an animal lover, a wilderness fan or a novice in both areas, it's an experience you'll never forget.
To get started, here are some links to sites that will let you watch and/or learn about sled dogs in various ways:
Sled Dog Races:
Related Resources:
- Everything Husky! - an educational resource about Northern breed dogs
- Sled Dog Central - the largest source for information about mushing
- ExploreNorth - the world's largest guide to the circumpolar North, from Alaska and the Yukon to Greenland and Siberia
- YourAlaskaCruise.com - the "ultimate Alaska excursion" for cruisers is a helicopter trip to a musher's camp on a glacier and a sled ride across the glacier!
