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“If you’re going to go dog sledding you best be on top of a glacier.” Well, that’s sage advice Sir Sells-Tours-A-Lot.

While widely popular, dog sledding isn’t Alaskan. Nay, the Russian occupation left behind its preferred mode of transit. Once hauling mail and supplies, the veritable Pony Express of Alaska now carries passengers. The sleds are sleek and modern. The dogs are working dogs. The mushers are rabidly obsessed workin’ folk. This particular dog sled team takes its summer residency atop the Hubbard Glacier — located twenty miles from Juneau. If you’re interested in glaciers check out some of my previous posts!

Alaskan Huskies are mutts. This is wildly advantageous. Long ago Russian Huskies were ideal for heavy cargo and arduous treks. Nowadays the Alaskan Huskies run supreme. Without the need for Siberian breeds of Canis lupus familarius, the Alaskans have evolved from mixes all stock, typically originating from a “Village Dog,” or the native Alaskan breeds. Native village dogs bear a striking resemblance to wolves, yet arrived in North America fully domesticated. Evidence of similar breeds range from Indonesia to Mongolia.

Eurohounds are Alaskans bred with Greyhounds. Noted for their sustained strength and agility, these pups serve as the wheelhouse. They are larger in mass yet offer a slender streamline frame. If the Russian Huskies are the powerful linebackers, the Eurohounds are the marathoners. Whoop-whoop Olympics!

These two seen above are team leaders. Combining a mixture of dominant and intelligent genes, they are better off leading the team. What’s better than trained police dogs? German Shepards with their keen eyesight and intelligence are often chosen. Notice their sleek frame, and short coat. The coats are double layered, but they will not grow the second layer until faced with fierce weather. Sleek frames are the dominant feature among the gangline. Think of marathon runners or cyclers. (btw Lance is dead in the water) Folks ask, “Do they run males or females?” They actually run both, side by side, to ease the temperament of the team.

A dog team consist of twelve to sixteen sled dogs. The foremost on the gangline, or the line connecting dogpower to craft, are swing dogs. This is the most interesting because of pack dynamics. Lead dogs must be dominant. While spats do arise, Alaskans are bred to work together. Some are simply destined to be swing dogs. Single swing dogs have included Irish Settlers for their drive and focus and even the Border Collie with their innate instinct to lead. Swing dogs carry responsibility for the guidance and pace of the team. Next down the gangline are point dogs. These pairs account for much of the power and endurance of the team as a whole. Last, we have the wheel dogs who are responsible for pulling the sled left or right.

To qualify as a fast sled dog with stamina, the dog has to be built right and they must have those interior qualities of heart and desire. Rarely do single litters comprise an entire team. The dogs must be equal in height and length of the back, which equates to gait and power.

Alaskans are calm and affectionate. They often hug on you or burrow their hindquarters into you. While some are shy, they are most likely focused on pulling that damn sled. It’s all they want to do. We also held puppies so here’s a departing shot. Couldn’t take her home. Bummer. In. The. Summer.

Thanks folks for checking this out. I appreciate all of the feedback. Keep writin’ in and I’ll keep it all up.