Dog mushing is when sled dogs pull a sled across snow. In Alaska, people have used sled dogs for hundreds of years. Long ago, they needed dogs to carry supplies and find food. Today, people also enjoy dog mushing for fun, learning, and adventure.
This post tells how dog mushing started, how it helped save lives, and how it became a sport. It also shows how you can try it yourself. If you’re new to Alaska or love winter travel, this story is for you.
Native Alaskans and Their Dogs
Before cars, planes, or snowmobiles, Native people in Alaska—like the Inupiat, Yupik, and Athabaskan—used dogs to travel.
These dogs helped move homes during the seasons. They pulled sleds filled with gear, food, or hunted animals. Their sleds were simple—just wood, rope, and rawhide. But they worked in deep snow and cold wind.
Dogs were more than workers. They were family. People passed down tips on feeding, training, and taking care of the dogs. This made travel safer and showed respect for nature.
The First Visitors and Mushing Records
In the 1700s, Russian traders came to Alaska for fur. They saw dog teams in action and took notes.
Russian priests and settlers also used sled dogs. They brought food, supplies, and even church tools into small villages. These early routes helped build the first maps of travel in Alaska.
This early mushing was the start of long-distance dog sledding. It wasn’t for fun—it was the only way to reach some places in winter.
The Gold Rush Changed Everything
In 1896, gold was found in Alaska and the Yukon. Thousands of people rushed in to find treasure. But most of them had no idea how to survive in the snow.
That’s where sled dogs came in. Miners and traders paid local mushers to guide them through snowy mountains and icy rivers. Dog teams pulled everything from food and mail to mining tools and gold.
This time became known as the age of freight mushing. Dogs helped build towns like Nome and Dawson. Mushers were local heroes. They knew the land, read the weather, and protected their dogs.
The 1925 Serum Run: Dogs Saved a Town
In January 1925, the town of Nome had a medical emergency. A sickness called diphtheria spread fast, and they needed medicine from Anchorage. But snow and storms made flying or boating impossible.
So, Alaska turned to its mushers. Over 20 mushers and their dog teams passed the medicine in a relay across 700 miles of snow and wind. It took just five and a half days.
Two famous dogs from the journey:
- Balto: led the final leg into Nome and became a national hero.
- Togo: led the longest, hardest part—over 260 miles.
This event became known as The Great Race of Mercy.
Explore Further: Learn more from the Alaska Historical Society – The Serum Run
Why It Matters
The serum run showed how brave and strong both dogs and mushers could be. It also proved how important sled dogs were in remote places.
Today, this event is remembered every year in a special way: the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Dog Mushing Becomes a Sport
As airplanes and snow machines replaced sled dogs for daily travel, mushing didn’t disappear. It changed. People began racing sled dogs for fun and pride.
The first big race was the All-Alaska Sweepstakes in 1908. It was over 400 miles long and had prize money. It showed how mushers and dogs could work as a team—fast and smart.
Famous mushers like Scotty Allan and Leonhard Seppala became known across Alaska. These races helped turn mushing into a serious sport.
Want to help keep these traditions alive? Support the Kennel and sponsor a sled dog’s care
The Iditarod: A Race Like No Other
In 1973, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race began. It honors the serum run and old freight trails. The race starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome. That’s nearly 1,000 miles across snow, ice, and wind.
The race was started by Joe Redington Sr., who wanted to keep dog mushing alive. Today, mushers from all over the world join the race. Some even fly in from Norway, Japan, and France.
Racers face:
- Whiteouts (snow so heavy you can’t see)
- Freezing cold
- Long nights without sleep
- Wildlife like moose
But they also get help. There are checkpoints, vet checks, and required rest stops to protect the dogs.
The Yukon Quest: Even Tougher?
The Yukon Quest started in 1984. It runs from Fairbanks, Alaska to Whitehorse, Canada. It’s colder and has fewer checkpoints, making it even harder in some ways than the Iditarod.
Racers call it the “toughest sled dog race in the world.” But they also say it’s the most peaceful. There are fewer crowds and more wild trails.
Mushing Today: Not Just Racing
Dog mushing today is part sport, part culture, and part adventure. Want to feel what it’s like? You can book your own ride or even drive a sled!
Dog Breeds Used in Mushing
- Alaskan Malamute: One of the oldest Arctic breeds. Strong but slower.
- Siberian Husky: Fast and smart. Known for blue eyes and thick fur.
- Alaskan Husky: A mix-breed used most in racing. Bred for speed, strength, and teamwork.
The Alaskan Husky is not a show dog—it’s a working athlete. Each dog has a job: some lead, some follow, some pull the hardest in back.
Curious to try it yourself? Drive a Dog Sled in Alaska and feel the thrill of standing on the runners
How Sled Dogs Train
Training starts when the dogs are puppies. They learn to follow commands like:
- “Gee” (turn right)
- “Haw” (turn left)
- “Whoa” (stop)
In the summer, dogs pull small carts with wheels. This builds muscles before the snow comes. They also practice working as a team and trusting their musher.
Taking Care of Sled Dogs
These dogs are athletes. They need top care:
- Special food for energy and health
- Warm shelters to rest and sleep
- Vet checks to keep them safe on the trail
- Massage and grooming to help muscles recover
Many mushers now use new tools like GPS, dog heart monitors, and diet trackers.
At our kennel, care comes first. We work closely with vets and follow top standards. Our dogs are part of our family.
Dog Mushing Is Part of Alaska’s Culture
In Alaska, dog mushing isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life.
A Living Tradition
Many Native villages still use sled dogs. Parents teach kids how to care for dogs, build sleds, and find trails in the snow. These lessons also pass down language, stories, and survival skills.
Some towns celebrate with dog mushing parades, races, and festivals. One big event is Fur Rendezvous (or “Fur Rondy”) in Anchorage. It’s a winter festival with sled dog races, food, and games.
In Schools and Classrooms
Teachers across Alaska use the Iditarod to teach science, reading, geography, and teamwork. Students track mushers with GPS, learn about weather, and even write to racers.
The Iditarod Education Program shares lessons with classrooms all over the U.S. and the world. It makes learning fun and helps kids connect to the real world.
Tip: For families visiting Alaska, a kennel tour is a great learning adventure!
Dog Sledding Grows Tourism
Each year, thousands of visitors come to Alaska to ride a dog sled. Some come in winter to see the snow-covered trails. Others visit in summer and try dryland cart rides—sledding without snow.
Tour packages may include:
- Kennel visits
- Meeting mushers
- Learning commands
- Riding or driving a sled
Famous Dog Heroes
When people visit, they often hear stories of dogs like:
- Balto – Known for leading the last leg of the 1925 serum run.
- Togo – Ran the hardest part of that journey.
- Susan Butcher – A legendary musher who won the Iditarod four times.
These names remind us of courage, teamwork, and heart.
Mushing and Nature: Protecting the Wild
Dog mushers travel deep into Alaska’s backcountry. Because of this, they see changes in nature before most people do. Many mushers now speak up about:
- Melting snow and ice from climate change
- Wildlife changes, like fewer caribou or more moose
- Trail damage from storms or development
Some kennels work with science groups to report trail and animal conditions. Mushing helps protect remote lands by raising awareness.
Dogs for Life: Caring Beyond the Race
When sled dogs retire, many mushers keep them as pets. Others find loving homes through adoption programs.
Mushers today focus on sustainable mushing. That means:
- Breeding carefully—not too often
- Feeding dogs high-quality food
- Letting dogs rest and retire with care
- Being open about dog health and training
This helps keep the sport strong—and dogs happy.
Want to meet our team and see how they live? Visit our Meet the Dogs page for real stories and photos
What’s Next for Dog Mushing?
Dog mushing is still going strong. From racing to family tours, from classrooms to conservation—sled dogs lead the way.
As long as snow falls in Alaska, sled dogs will run. They remind us what teamwork, courage, and tradition look like.
Ready to Experience Mushing?
Want to meet a sled dog? Or ride behind a strong, happy team? Whether it’s winter sledding or summer cart rides, we’ve got an experience for you.
Before you go, use our Sledding Gear Checklist to pack smart and stay warm.