The Best Dog Breeds for Sledding in Jenison, MI

Have you ever thought about trying dog sledding? This exciting sport isn’t for everyone, but if you live in a region where it is a possibility and you’re interested in getting started, it’s a good idea to brush up on which breeds of dog to consider for the task.

In the article below, you’ll find information about the most common dog breeds used for sledding. With the help of this list, you can narrow down your options and start digging deeper into the breed or breeds you want to consider for your exploration into dog sledding.

Huskies

Siberian Huskies are usually the breed most people think of when they imagine sledding dogs. This is no coincidence; they have been bred to work as sled dogs for many years. Even though these dogs only weigh about 60 pounds at their mature size, they are muscular and sturdy enough to handle sledding with no trouble.

Additionally, these beautiful dogs have long, thick coats that keep them warm and protected in the snow. They are very fast dogs and can travel long distances while pulling a sled, which makes them a good choice for the sport.

 

Chinooks

The chinook is a beautiful light brown dog with a distinctive face. They are highly intelligent and patient dogs who do well as working dogs in a sledding team. They are very sturdy and muscular, allowing them to easily pull a sled.

The Chinook is a rare breed and was saved from near extinction circa 1981 through responsible breeding. They are now bred not only for their work capabilities, but also for their known affection and devotion to children, making them good choices as a family dog.

 

Malamutes

The Alaskan Malamute is similar to the Siberian Husky, but much larger. These dogs can weigh up to 85 pounds and are sturdy, durable dogs with a lot of power behind their movements. The Malamute has a dense, weatherproof coat that keeps them warm in cold temperatures, and they are stocky enough to pull sleds with ease.

These dogs were originally bred to work as sled dogs and are very loyal and friendly. Malamutes love spending time with their human family members, however, they can be very independent and stubborn. Socialization and training is a must for this breed to prevent them form becoming dominant over time.

 

Samoyeds

This breed is easily recognizable, with its long, thick white coat and its bold smile. According to the American Kennel Club, the “smile” of the Samoyed keeps them from drooling, which means they do not risk  having ice form on their muzzles while spending time in the cold. This trait combined with their thick coat and sturdy build make them the ideal candidate for being out in the snow and ice.

These dogs are just as beautiful as they are powerful. If you want to practice sledding with a dog breed that is stunning to look at and perfectly capable of handling the sport, the Samoyed is a great choice!

 

Mixed Breeds

Sledding with a mixed breed dog? It’s not as impossible as it sounds! Mixed breeds may be able to give you the best of the different breeds of dog combined in one, and they can become excellent members of a dog sledding team. For example, you might end up with a dog that has the power and gentle nature of a Chinook bred with the thick coat of a husky. This combination could work perfectly for your sledding needs, if you’re able to find the right dog.

Of course, just because a dog is a mix of two potentially good choices, that doesn’t mean the individual dog will be ideal for sledding. Mixed breeds may not have inherited the traits from the sled dog breeds that make them a good candidate for the sport.

 

In the end, if your are looking for a sled dog, it’s probably better to seek the breeds that are bred specifically for these purposes. However, you do not have to discount the possibility of sledding with a mixed breed, especially if you have the time, patience, and funds to find the right dog for the job.

Most importantly, when choosing a dog breed to work as your sled dogs, do your research and make sure you choose a breed that has a thick, warm coat and is strong enough to pull a sled. The breeds mentioned above are bred specifically to withstand icy conditions, extreme cold, and heavy workloads.

If dog sledding is something you are interested in pursuing, reach out to local sled dog sporting groups in your area. They will be able to provide you with further information and guide you on how to appropriately get involved in the sport.