Sled Dogs
James Moyog
November 15, 2008
A sled also known as sledge or sleigh is a type of vehicle used for commuting at places with low friction like ice, snow, river washed stones, sand and dry grassy places. These vehicles do not have wheels for rolling instead they have runners that help in sliding. Man hauled sleds have been used earlier but with changing times and with domestication of animals, man has started using animals to pull the sledges. Different animals used for this purpose are oxen, horses, mules and dogs. There are several features exhibited by the dogs for sale that are used for the sledding purpose. These are very good and sound physical health to pull the sled. Endurance and stamina is also very essential to travel long distances with a reasonable speed. Dogs that are used to pull these sledges or sleds are called sled dogs, sledge dogs or sleight man dogs. A single dog cannot pull the sled alone so usually there are two or three dozens dogs pulling a sled by means of harnesses. Most common breeds of dogs used for this purpose are Siberian husky for sale, Mackenzie River husky, Foxhounds, Alaskan husky, staghounds, tamaskan dog, poodles and German shorthaired pointer.
Earlier sled dogs were used for commuting and transporting goods or people from one place to other but now day´s sled dogs are being used as a source of winter recreation. There is sled dog races held that are a means of entertainment where in several dogs run up to a predestined mark with a single dog driver. The numbers of dogs participating in the races are also decided before the race. The dog sled team has leader dogs, point dogs, swing dogs and wheel dogs divided on the basis of their power, strength, endurance and speed. The dog that leads the team is most important, well trained and powerful. Point dogs are optional to provide the extra back up to lead dogs. Swing dogs are between the lead dogs or point dogs and wheel dogs. Wheel dogs pull the sled from the snow. They are also very important players of the team. For such races, dogs should be well trained. The most famous dog sled race is Iditarod Trail sled dog race. The main function of dogs is to pull the sledge; there can be different types of sleds used like sprint racing sleds, traditional ash freighting sleds, trapper´s high fronted narrow toboggan sled and plastic bottomed distance racing to boggan sleds.
Earlier sled dogs were used for commuting and transporting goods or people from one place to other but now day´s sled dogs are being used as a source of winter recreation. There is sled dog races held that are a means of entertainment where in several dogs run up to a predestined mark with a single dog driver. The numbers of dogs participating in the races are also decided before the race. The dog sled team has leader dogs, point dogs, swing dogs and wheel dogs divided on the basis of their power, strength, endurance and speed. The dog that leads the team is most important, well trained and powerful. Point dogs are optional to provide the extra back up to lead dogs. Swing dogs are between the lead dogs or point dogs and wheel dogs. Wheel dogs pull the sled from the snow. They are also very important players of the team. For such races, dogs should be well trained. The most famous dog sled race is Iditarod Trail sled dog race. The main function of dogs is to pull the sledge; there can be different types of sleds used like sprint racing sleds, traditional ash freighting sleds, trapper´s high fronted narrow toboggan sled and plastic bottomed distance racing to boggan sleds.