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Questions and Answers
Which event led to sled dogs being recognized for their vital role during challenging conditions?
Which event led to sled dogs being recognized for their vital role during challenging conditions?
Sled dogs were primarily used for recreational purposes before they were used for military applications.
Sled dogs were primarily used for recreational purposes before they were used for military applications.
False (B)
What is the name given to a driver of sled dogs?
What is the name given to a driver of sled dogs?
musher
The first 1,000 mile Yukon Quest race started in Canada and ended in ________.
The first 1,000 mile Yukon Quest race started in Canada and ended in ________.
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What was one of the earliest and primary roles of sled dogs?
What was one of the earliest and primary roles of sled dogs?
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Sled dogs are known for their inability to pull more than their own weight.
Sled dogs are known for their inability to pull more than their own weight.
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Match the sled dog race with its description:
Match the sled dog race with its description:
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In 1925, sled dogs were used to transport diphtheria _______ to stop an epidemic.
In 1925, sled dogs were used to transport diphtheria _______ to stop an epidemic.
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What is the main ingredient in the diet of racing sled dogs?
What is the main ingredient in the diet of racing sled dogs?
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Musher Jerry Riley received a lifetime ban from the Iditarod and was never allowed to race again.
Musher Jerry Riley received a lifetime ban from the Iditarod and was never allowed to race again.
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What is the maximum number of dogs allowed on a team in the Iditarod?
What is the maximum number of dogs allowed on a team in the Iditarod?
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Dogs' feet are protected by fabric __________ during the race.
Dogs' feet are protected by fabric __________ during the race.
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Match the following sled dog commands with their corresponding actions:
Match the following sled dog commands with their corresponding actions:
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The sled dogs are attached to the sled using a series of lines called:
The sled dogs are attached to the sled using a series of lines called:
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During the Iditarod, a musher can start with 10 dogs but finish with as few as three.
During the Iditarod, a musher can start with 10 dogs but finish with as few as three.
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What is the name of the activist group founded by Margery Glickman?
What is the name of the activist group founded by Margery Glickman?
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In _________ racing, wheeled carts are used in place of sleds.
In _________ racing, wheeled carts are used in place of sleds.
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What is the approximate amount of food consumed by one team of dogs during the entire Iditarod race?
What is the approximate amount of food consumed by one team of dogs during the entire Iditarod race?
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Which dog was the lead dog for the longest leg of the 1925 Alaskan serum run?
Which dog was the lead dog for the longest leg of the 1925 Alaskan serum run?
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Sled dogs are typically crossbred with wolves to enhance their speed and endurance.
Sled dogs are typically crossbred with wolves to enhance their speed and endurance.
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What is the name of the organization that was formed to address how sled dogs are cared for?
What is the name of the organization that was formed to address how sled dogs are cared for?
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The dogs that run directly in front of the sled are called the _________ dogs.
The dogs that run directly in front of the sled are called the _________ dogs.
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Match the following sled dog roles to their description:
Match the following sled dog roles to their description:
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Which of these is NOT a typical breed used for sled dogs?
Which of these is NOT a typical breed used for sled dogs?
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A dog's gender is a significant factor in selecting sled dogs.
A dog's gender is a significant factor in selecting sled dogs.
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What are two reasons why sled dogs may be preferred over helicopters or airplanes?
What are two reasons why sled dogs may be preferred over helicopters or airplanes?
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Sled dogs often sleep with their tails covering their noses to keep _________.
Sled dogs often sleep with their tails covering their noses to keep _________.
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Match the fictional or real sled dogs to their stories:
Match the fictional or real sled dogs to their stories:
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At what age do sled dogs typically start training alongside a team?
At what age do sled dogs typically start training alongside a team?
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Sled dogs are usually aggressive toward people.
Sled dogs are usually aggressive toward people.
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How much do ideal sled dogs typically weigh?
How much do ideal sled dogs typically weigh?
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The Iditarod race commemorates the 1925 Alaskan serum run from ___________ to Nome.
The Iditarod race commemorates the 1925 Alaskan serum run from ___________ to Nome.
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Match the dangers to sled dogs with their corresponding description:
Match the dangers to sled dogs with their corresponding description:
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Study Notes
Sled Dog History and Characteristics
- Sled dogs are highly adaptable, enduring extreme conditions, running fast, pulling heavy loads.
- Eskimos, 35,000 years ago, bred dogs with wolves and other dogs; these dogs were well adapted for cold and snow.
- Dogs were used for transport and hauling goods, well before 1000 BC.
- Late 1800s, Canadian and US police used sled dogs for maintaining order around gold mines.
- Explorers used sled dogs on arctic and antarctic expeditions in the 1800s.
- By the 1920s, other travel methods replaced dogsleds.
- 1925—Alaskan sled dogs vital for transporting diphtheria serum from Nenana to Nome, stopping an epidemic.
- 1908, first All-Alaska Sweepstakes, dog sled race from Nome to Candle and back.
- 1973, inaugural Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race - route over 1,000 miles in Alaska.
- 1984, the first 1,000-mile Yukon Quest race.
- Sled dog events include sprint races, weight pulls, freight races.
- Used in WWI/II—harsh terrain, heavy equipment, search and rescue.
- Recreational trips with sled dogs, using sled dogs for tourist treks, are marketed.
Sled Dog Types and Breeds
- Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, and Samoyeds are official American Kennel Club breeds; many sled dogs are mixed breeds and called Alaska Huskies or Eskimo dogs
- Crossing sled dogs with wolves generally not desirable.
- Sled dogs bred for speed, endurance, leadership.
- Ideal size for pulling sleds around 40-45 pounds (18-20 kg), but some weigh up to 85 pounds (38.5 kg).
- Young, enthusiastic, easygoing, mentally tough dogs preferred.
- Gender of the dog doesn't significantly affect selection.
- Lead dogs are intelligent and fast; swing dogs direct the team; wheel dogs are front dogs, largest and strongest; team dogs are the rest of the dogs.
- Typically, sled dogs are used between 2-10 years old.
- Dogs are often kept at kennels or adopted as pets after retirement.
- Rescue groups support unwanted sled dogs.
- Famous dogs (real and fictional): Baldy, Balto, Togo, Buck, Taro, Jiro.
Sled Dog Care and Racing
- Average Kennel size: 20-150 dogs.
- Mushers often prioritize dog care over their own.
- Sled dogs eat around 10,000 calories per day, primarily meat based, and snacks at checkpoints.
- Iditarod has 12 - 16 dogs per team at the start and 6+ at the end.
- Microchips and proof of certain dog vaccines are required in races such as Iditarod.
- Veterinarians are present in the Iditarod to examine dogs.
- Mushers use vocal commands: Hike, Let's go, All right, Easy, Gee, Haw, Come Gee, Come Haw, Straight on, Whoa,.
- Speeds during Iditarod are about 5-12 mph (8-16 kph), runs lasting 6-8 hours.
- Specialized gear for dogs: fabric booties to protect feet.
- Training involves running 2,000-3,000 miles; sometimes dry-land running or all-terrain vehicle pulling.
- Harnessing begins at a young age.
- Accidents and dangers include injury from harsh terrain, dehydration, falls through ice, overexertion, animal attacks or fights, getting tangled in lines, getting lost.
Sled Dog Racing: Ethical Concerns
- Activist groups (like the Sled Dog Action Coalition, PETA, and the Humane Society) advocate for better sled dog care.
- Iditarod rule: “no cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs.”
- Historical issues of mistreatment include incidents of dog kicking, injury, disqualification/bans, and animal cruelty convictions.
- Number of dogs per kennel: ~75 dogs.
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Description
Explore the rich history and unique characteristics of sled dogs, from their origins with Eskimos over 35,000 years ago to their roles in expeditions and races. Discover how these remarkable animals adapted to extreme conditions and became vital for transportation and rescue missions. Learn about key events like the Iditarod and their contributions during wartime.
