Sled Dog Breeds: Alaskan Malamutes, Canadian Eskimo Dogs, Alaskan And Siberian Huskies

Mush, mush! When most people hear these words shouted loudly, they automatically conjure up the image of an endless wilderness of snow being traversed by brave drivers urging their team of sled dogs along. However, most people are not aware of the enormous importance of good sled dogs to the sport of sled dog racing, and are certainly not aware of the variety of sled dog breeds that make this world so interesting.

There are certain traits that are common among the majority of sled dog breeds. Most sled dogs tend to be on the larger side with thick coats to protect them from the biting elements of cold climates. As blubber with seals, the undercoats of sled dogs keep them well-insulated. To be sure, all sled dog breeds are meant to attain and maintain the traits that sled dogs are known for: endurance and speed.
However, dogsled racing, the main form of several kinds of mushing, is considered Alaska's official sport, so it is no surprise that there are Alaskan-bred sled dog breeds like Alaskan Malamutes and Alaskan Huskies.

One of the oldest of sled dog breeds are Alaskan Malamutes. Their main purpose, because of their size and strength, has been to pull freight rather than be utilized as racing dogs. Alaskan Malamutes have a distinctive fluffy tail that tends to lie on one side of the dog. This cork-screw -like tail allows Malamutes to retain heat by shielding their noses when sleeping. Alaskan Malamutes are registered by the American Kennel club whose standards of the dogs require brown eyes, an ability to pull heavy weight, and an appropriate build (usually a medium-sized stature of between 75 and 85 pounds, and 23 to 25 inches in height). Alaskan Malamutes are sharp, loyal, and known for their affectionate nature.

Alaskan Huskies are included among sled dog breeds, but they can more appropriately be deemed as a type of dog rather than a breed. This is because they are identified by their function instead of ancestry, since a number of various sled dog breeds have influenced the genetics of Alaskan Huskies. The sled dog breeds that are included in the Alaskan Huskies genetic makeup are Siberian Huskies and hounds and sometimes even wolves. Alaskan Huskies are between 38 and 60 pounds, and while they appear similar to Siberian Huskies, they tend to be taller with longer legs to aid them in racing. Additionally, they have shorter, sparser coats which allow them to rid themselves of heat more efficiently during racing conditions. Alaskan Huskies are first and foremost known for their impressive speed and are considered possibly the fastest of sled dog breeds in the world.

Another favorite among sled dog breeds are Canadian Eskimo Dogs, also known as Canadian Inuit Dogs. These dogs are known for their strikingly strapping appearance, strength, and ability to perform hard work. These dogs tend to have thick, full coats and range from about 40 to 88 pounds in weight, and between approximately 19 ½ to 28 inches in height. The coats of Canadian Eskimo Dogs come in a spectrum of colors from solid white to solid black and in between. This breed is estimated to be as old as at least 1,000 years and are attracting a growing interest with arctic tourists who delight in taking sled dog rides and observing firsthand how Canadian Eskimo Dogs function in their natural environment.

Not all sled dog breeds are native to Alaska. Siberian Huskies are a breed of sled dogs that are native to Siberia. Siberian Huskies are are often confused with wolves, even though they are no more genetically linked to wolves than other sled dog breeds. Siberian Huskies range in size from about 20 to 23 ½ inches in height and about 35 to 65 pounds in weight. Their overall behavior and temperament is gentle and accommodating, but they are also known for their strong prey-drive, running instincts, and stubborn will.

While sled dog breeds are becoming more popular as domestic pets, they have evolved to survive in cold weather, so naturally, they are most comfortable in cooler climates. However, the loyalty, hearty health, robust and kind temperament, and love of activity inherent in sled dog breeds can make them nearly impossible to resist.


Sources:
"Alaskan Husky." Wikipedia. 26 June 2007. 28 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_husky.
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C"anadian Eskimo Dog." Wikipedia. 23 June 2007. 28 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Eskimo_Dog.< br />"Mushing." Wikipedia. 27 June 2007. 18 July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musher.
Prescott, Rebecca. "Sled Dog Breeds and Sled Dog Racing." Buzzle.com. 8 July 2006. 18 July 2007. http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/7-7-2006-101558.a sp.
"Siberian Husky." Wikipedia. 24 June 2007. 28 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky.
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