Although sled dogs are still used for transportation in some rural communities in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, their main role now lies in racing, or “mushing.” The Iditarod and the Yukon Quest — a race from Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's Yukon territory, to Fairbanks, Alaska (considered even more challenging .
What are dog sleds used for?
A dog sled is a sled pulled by dogs over ice or through snow. At one time, people who lived in the Arctic regions relied on sled dogs as their main mode of transportation. Sled dogs also have been used to transport supplies, mail, and medicine. Dog sled teams can travel at speeds up to 20 mph.
How sled dogs help humans survive?
New research suggests that sled dog breeds belonging to an ancient lineage helped early humans spread into the Arctic regions. Ancient dogs adapted for freezing cold helped early humans survive in the Arctic more than 10,000 years ago, according to research published Thursday in the journal Science.
What is the main purpose of mushing in Alaska today?
Although dogsled racing gets more publicity and is seen now as the primary form of mushing, recreational mushing thrives as an unorganized sport providing a healthy outdoor form of winter exercise for families.
Is Alaska dog sledding cruel?
Based on our experiences and research, we would say dog sledding isn't any worse than riding a horse. In fact, the dogs are probably treated better. If anybody ever asks us, “is dog sledding cruel”, we can strongly stand by our experience and say that we don't believe it is in the slightest.
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