How exactly are sled dogs different from typical house dogs? Dr. Stuart Nelson, the Iditarod’s chief veterinarian, compares dogs to NFL players. On a pro team, the sled dogs would be the wide receivers.
“They’re fast, they’re light on their feet. A lab would be more like a defensive tackle,” said Nelson.
Alaskan huskies who dominate the top echelon of the sport are bred for performance and have what Nelson calls “hybrid vigor.“
“They’ve been crossed with various other breeds to get more endurance and speed. A lot of hound crosses, setter types to get more speed and stamina,” said Nelson.
Iditarod musher Aaron Burmeister maintains a tightly controlled breeding program.
“They’ve got a lot of drive, they’re mentally strong, have a good appetite and digestion, and they have a quick recovery time, plus solid feet and good coats” said Burmeister.
And then there are purebreds. Lisbet Norris and her family have been breeding a specific kind of Siberian Husky from the Russian Far East for decades and racing in the Iditarod.
Alaska Public’s Mushing Explained video series will have new episodes throughout the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.