Dogs That Pull Sleds

In areas where carriages and wagons could not be used because of ice and snow, sleds pulled by dogs were used for the transportation of both humans and cargo. Sled dogs needed to be strong, enduring and resistant to cold weather, and there were many breeds used for this purpose.

  1. Alaskan Malamute

    • The Alaskan malamute is the largest sled dog used and, according to Dog Breed Info, it is descended from the Arctic wolf. Used as sled dogs for 4,000 to 5,000 years, they are strong dogs capable of hauling both light sleds for transport and heavier sleds weighed down with cargo.

    Siberian Husky

    • Siberian huskies are medium-sized sled dogs that are noted for their light weight and stamina. They are a preferred breed for sled races because of their speed. They originally came from Siberia, and were brought to the arctic by Russian fur traders. They were bred with the Alaskan malamute to improve their size and hauling capacity, but when other shipping methods became more popular, they were once again bred for quickness and a smaller size.

    Samoyed

    • Samoyeds originally come from Siberia, where they were bred by fishermen and hunters. They were a multipurpose dog, and besides drawing sleds, they were also used for guarding property and herding reindeer. According to the Organization for the Working Samoyed, they are not the fastest sled dogs, but they can perform well when given proper training and conditioning. They are notable for their pale fur, which can range from pure white to light yellow.

    Alaskan Husky

    • Alaskan Huskies are not recognized as a breed, but instead as a type of dog that is often used for sled racing. According to Alaskan Husky Dogs, they can be considered a hybrid dog, where a Siberian husky has been crossed with other dogs to give it speed and endurance. Some types of Alaskan Husky include the Huslia Husky and the Aurora Husky. They dominate modern sled dog races, and they tend to have more endurance the Siberian Husky while still being lighter than the Alaskan malamute.