Westcountry Sled Dogs

Breeds - Who can be a sled dog?

Sibes Verses Non-Sibes.

Our ethos is (as stated on the home page):

West Country Sled Dogs are a social group that support and motivate each other in developing their love for sled dog activities, whether it be mushing, bike-joring, scootering, CaniX or even showing.....whatever the breed.

It has been said that we run a "mis-match of breeds" and therefore not true mushers.

Well, we are proud of our mis-match of breeds that currently range from Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, Dobermans and Inuits. We are probably the first group in the UK not only to meet for the fun of it but provide a social activity to attend on a weekly basis that involves pedigree and non-pedigree dogs of all different breeds that are capable of pulling a person on a bike, scooter or a rig.

In fact, through this group, one of our members has been able to enter their Doberman into ABSA rallies as she has proven to be an amazing sled dog.

What is a Sled Dog?

Here I will endeavor to show you what a sled dog is, using quotes and website addresses as examples. Typically, the Siberian Husky has been know to be a sled dog by a novice, but infact all sorts of dogs have been used in the past to pull a sledge in the snow or even for competition across the world. Still not convinced???

Types of Sled Dog by Stephen R Lee

Naturally, most northern breeds were used as sled dogs. Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Eskimo Dogs, Greenlands, Samoyeds, Norrbottenspets, and Hokkaidokens are all sled dogs. However, lots of different breeds of dogs have been and are used to drive sleds and carts. People use Irish Setters, Dalmations, Golden Retrievers, Hounds, etc., to enjoy mushing sports. In fact, most modern day speed and endurance mushers use mixed breeds (often a Siberian cross, and Alaskan Huskies). So, if you do not have a "sled dog," but still want to enjoy the sport, fear not, for almost any type of dog can be used. Mushing is fun, both to take part in and simply to watch.

What kind of dogs are used in the Iditarod?

http://www.ultimateiditarod.com/faq.htm

    The most commonly used dog in the Iditarod (and in all of mushing) is the Alaskan Husky. The Alaskan Husky is actually a mixed breed, or mutt, dog that is born and bred to love to pull. Alaskan Huskies are a descendent of the original northern sled dogs (mostly domesticated wolves and wild dogs) used by the native peoples of the North Country.
    Beginning 150 years ago, white settlers, gold miners, and fur trappers moved into thee northland and brought their own dogs with them. These dogs were a hodge-podge mix of larger breed dogs from the Lower 48 and other parts of the world that were not raised and bred for pulling. As a result, these dogs didn't do very well, but as these dogs interbred with the native sled dogs, the resulting dogs were excellent sled dogs, and the original "mutt" Alaskan Husky was born. The mixing of the breeds provided a great deal of genetic diversity and hybrid vigor that is still found in these dogs today. Over the last 100 years, mushers have mixed in other breeds in order to obtain dogs best suited to various uses. Some of these breeds include hounds, pointers, collies, and even some German Shepard.
    Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are purebred derivatives of the original sled dogs, and can be considered cousins to the Alaskan Husky. Some mushers use these breeds, but these breeds lack the stamina, endurance, and attitude of the Alaskans.