Sled Dogs
Getting The New Dog
Once you have decided to buy an experienced dog, you should think about the kind of dog you would like. You don't need the world's fastest dog, not yet.
Sled dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While almost any dog can be taught to pull a sled, the breeds shown below are the more popular and better suited breeds used today. First is the Alaskan Husky, probably the most popular dog used for racing today. They will weigh between 35 and 65 pounds depending on the breeder's line. Although the Alaskan Husky is not a recognized purebred by the AKC or other registries, their linage is as traceable as the purebreds. Next is the Siberian Husky which will weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. The third breed is the Samoyd which will weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. The fourth breed is the Alaskan Malmute. While not as popular for racing, these 85 to 130 pound giants are well suited for freight work and recreational mushing. Another breed is the German Shorthair Pointer. These dogs are popular with the skijoring and pulk racers of Europe and are becoming more common for sled work in this country and Europe. The last breed shown is the Greenland Husky. This is another breed of dog which is bred primarly for working as opposed to racing. These dogs are well known for their hard working ability and their ability to withstand very harsh conditions.
A smart and obedient dog who is patient with new mushers is the dog for you. A dog who has been a successful leader but now is a little too old or slow for a senior musher's team might be just right to help you train a pet dog to make your two dog team. If you can promise to give the dog a good home, you may not have to pay much money.
Write a list of questions to ask the dog's owner because you will need to know a lot about your new dog. Some of these questions might sound like these:
What sled dog and other command words does the dog understand and obey?
What type and size of harness is best for him?
Is the dog used to walking on a leash?
What kind of food does the dog eat?
Can you give me a record of his vaccinations?
Has the dog been spayed or neutered?
What are the dogs best point?
What are his bad habits?
Can I call or write to you if I have questions?