Sled dogs today are still used by some rural communities, especially in areas of Russia, Canada, and Alaska as well as much of Greenland. They are used for recreational purposes and racing events, such as the Iditarod Trail and the Yukon Quest.
What replaced sled dogs?
The use of sled dogs as a means of transportation has been steadily replaced by snowmobiles in Alaska. The pros and cons of sled dogs versus snowmobiles (aka "iron dogs") is an ongoing discussion up here.
Why was the use of sled dogs decreasing?
Many reasons for falling sled dog populations Sea ice is melting due to global warming of the atmosphere and the ocean currents that flow along the coast of Greenland. This stops local people from venturing out on the ice to hunt and fish and therefore fewer sled dogs are needed.
Are sled dogs killed?
For hundreds of years, these dogs were used by the Inuit and their ancestors to pull sleds as a means of transportation. From the 1950s to the 1970s, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other government officials killed thousands of sled dogs, rendering the breed extinct.
Do mushers still exist?
Mushing as a sport is practiced worldwide, but primarily in North America, northern Europe and the Alps.
