Sled Dogs of the Arctic

Sled DogsSled DogsThe Arctic region consists of the Arctic Ocean which froze in winter, and areas of Russia, Canada, Greenland and Alaska some of their surrounding islands. Six different pure breeds of sled dogs were developed by the various indigenous peoples who lived in these isolated areas. These people used teams of powerful dogs to pull sleds through the ice and snow, providing transport for themselves and their goods. This section looks at today's six pure breeds that were developed to assist people to survive.

Sled Dogs From Wiki

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

In order to understand how these dogs worked, we shall begin with the true story of the world's most famous dog sled competition, the Iditarod Trial Sled Dog Race. »» Read more...

Huskies antarctic

Greenland Dogs and the Australian Antarctic Expedition

In 1898, 90 sled dogs or 'Huskies' as they were colloquially known, were purchased for the Australian Antarctic Expedition. As none of the other sled dogs described in this section were recognised pure breeds at that time, Greenland Dogs were chosen. These would have been the fore-runners of the now recognised FCI breed No 274 we know today. »» Read more...

Dog Sledding

Canadian Eskimo Dog and the Esquimaux Dog

Historically the Esquimaux Dog is historical Spitz Dog from which many of today's Sled Dogs descend. They also had the legendary ability to withstand the cold. From observation of their skeletons, they weighed up to 80 pounds and had thick necks and deep chests but short strong legs. »» Read more...

Alaskan Malamute head 1

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

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 Profile REV

Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Comparison

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

Samoyeds 3 lying Judy Hughes

Samoyed

The Samoyed we know today, is another Spitz-like descendant that originated from the 'Esquimaux Dog', the oldest type of dog known in Central Europe. From observation of Esquimaux dogs' skeletons, these tough, powerfully built hard-working dogs weighed up to 80 pounds. »» Read more...


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