Sled Dogs of the Arctic

Sled DogsThe Arctic region consists of the Arctic Ocean which froze in winter, and areas of Russia, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and Norway and some of their surrounding islands. Different breeds of sled dogs were developed by the various indigenous peoples who lived in these isolated areas. These people used teams of large, powerful dogs to pull sleds through the ice and snow, providing transport for themselves and their goods. This section looks at the various breeds of indigenous dogs that assisted these ancient people to survive.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

In order to understand how these dogs worked, we shall begin with a story about the world's most famous dog sled competition, the Iditarod Trial Sled Dog Race, held in Alaska, USA. On March 30, 1867, America purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Gold was discovered some 20 years later. Dog sledding then became even more significant for hauling ... »» Read more...

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is the sled dog that was described by early Euro-American explorers. They gave the impression of being powerfully built. Their deep, chest and and strong, well-muscled body that ended with a bushy tail that was carried well over the back. Consequently the tail resembled a waving plume. Today, the Alaskan Malamute should still display their active, but ... »» Read more...

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was developed by the Chukchi people of Russia who are native to the Chukchi Peninsula which is so far north that the Arctic Circle runs right through it. The Chukchi Peninsula is so called because it is bounded by the Chukchi and Bering Seas. This Peninsula is also so far east, it is the closest point in ... »» Read more...

Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Comparison

The difference in specific breed characteristics are summarised in the table below: »» Read more...

Samoyed

Although the Samoyed is a strong, active working dog that can be used to pull a sled, unlike the other breeds discussed in this section,sledding was not the Samoyed's primary purpose. Instead the Samoyed dog was originally developed to guard and gently herd the flocks of reindeer that belonged to the nomadic Samoyede people who lived in Russia in the ... »» Read more...