History of Mushing

According to archaeological finds, the history of dog sledding goes far back to the time around AD 1000 to the Thule culture (ancestors of today’s Inuit). Back then there was only one type of dog and the sleds they pulled were made of whale and caribou bones, lashed together with sinew. The harnesses for the dogs as well as the tug lines were made of seal skin.


Several hundred years later, towards the end of the 19th century the sleds were made of wood, the connections were made of leather. There were the bigger and sturdier “working sleds” and smaller, lighter “hunting sleds”. Harnesses became more various in design and material. Other pure bred dogs of the Polar Regions were used, such as the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky or the Alaska Malamute.


By the time of the Great Gold Rush in Alaska dog sleds were used by trappers, hunters, traders and authorities. Especially with the arrival of the prospectors, e.g.  from the southern parts of North America, more different dog breeds were used and bred in to the “original” sled dogs and dog sleds remained the number one means of transportation in the Northern Regions until the introduction of snowmobiles.


The use of dog sleds first raised more common interest outside the Polar Regions when in 1925 dog teams relayed life saving diphtheria serum over a distance of over 1000 km across Alaska to Nome at the Bering Strait, fighting snowstorms and temperatures to 60 below. This event has been commemorated since 1973 by the Iditarod Sled Dog Trail Race, one of the world’s two longest and toughest races.


Sled dogs had a prominent part in the race for the South Pole as well.


Nowadays the equipment, from sleds to harnesses becomes more varied and sophisticated by the year. The pure bred sled dogs have been widely replaced by the mixed breed Alaskan Husky who became the dominant dog on the racing circuit. Numerous research projects are initiated to find the best suitable nutrition and medical care for the canine athletes.


The historic and traditional role of the working sled dog has been drastically changed by the introduction of the modern snow machine (commonly referred to as the "Iron Dog"). The contemporary use of the sled dog for recreational and sporting activities ensures that sled dogs will long have a place not only in the hearts of Northerners, but also in the hearts of all who admire and are inspired by the incredible performance of man's best friend.

 

 

Copyright © Muktuk Adventures   All rights reserved