How Much Weight Can an Alaskan Dog Sled Carry?

More than 300 years ago, native Alaskan tribes used dogs and sleds to haul people and freight. Airplanes, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles replaced dog sleds for moving people and goods. As the dog sled culture began to disappear, Alaska's annual Iditarod race was organized to preserve the culture and the historical trail between Nome and Seward.

  1. Dog Sleds

    • Dog sleds vary according to size, composition and use. In the 1700s, people in the Bering Straits fashioned their wood and gut-skin kayaks for snow-running purposes by adding skilike runners. These early dog sleds were usually pulled by three dogs between fishing and hunting camps and villages. Wood continues to be a popular choice for sleds, though sled builders are increasingly trying other materials such as aluminum and fiberglass. Sleds vary in length and have runners ranging from 6 feet long to more than 14 feet long, useful for carrying heavy freight. No matter what the sled's made of or how big it is, it must be strong and flexible so the driver can steer it.

    Heavy Loads

    • In the freight-pulling days, dog sleds could carry hundreds of pounds -- sometimes more than 1,000 pounds -- village to village. Sled dogs are built to pull large loads, so it was normal for a 75-pound dog to pull loads between 100 and 150 pounds into the early 20th century. Back then, drivers typically ran or skied beside the loaded sleds, riding on the sled only with race teams or fast mail teams. Dogs participating in the Iditarod race can carry several hundred pounds, in addition to the sled driver. Mushers Anna and Kristy Berington of Seeing Double Dog Sled Racing note their loaded sleds typically weigh around 175 pounds. Teams of sled dogs can carry impressive loads. Working together, a team of 200 or more dogs can move a bus.

    Built for Sledding

    • On the surface, it would seem the bigger the dog is, the bigger the load he can pull, however that's not necessarily the case. Musher Joe Runyan cited a 43-pound dog able to pull more than 800 pounds, which may include the driver. Sled dogs range from as small as 35 pounds up to 70 pounds or more. The sled team should be balanced, with dogs of similar size and gait so it moves efficiently. A dog will be on his feet for hundreds of miles, so he needs good feet, tough pads and toes that aren't spread or splayed. Proper weight is important, too; a dog who's slightly overweight will have a tough time on the trail and is prone to soreness. A sled dog needs an undercoat insulating him from cold temperatures and an overcoat preventing ice and snow from accumulating on him.

    Sled Dog Care

    • Pulling a big load requires a lot of energy and stamina, so a high-quality diet is critical for a sled dog. Your pup might be fine on 800 calories a day, but a sled dog requires up to 10,000 calories a day when he's pulling. High energy requirements mean a diet high in protein and fat. Minor foot injuries are the most common ailments for a sled dog, so the musher will keep a supply of booties to protect his working dogs' feet. Though it sounds like a rough life, a racing sled dog is subjected to intensive veterinary care and testing, including EKGs, blood work and regular exams to ensure he's safe to work and run.