The Paws-itively Fascinating History of Dog Sledding
In this article, we thought a little treat would be nice for our weekly blog. A little winter history story.
As December blankets the northern hemisphere in snow, our minds turn to cozy images of winter, and few are as iconic as a team of powerful dogs pulling a sled across a frozen landscape. We see it in movies, in holiday cards, and in coverage of epic races. But this incredible partnership between humans and dogs isn’t just a picturesque postcard or a modern sport; it is an ancient tradition steeped in thousands of years of survival, adventure, and one of the most heroic animal-led rescues in history. The story of dog sledding, or “mushing,” begins long before any written records, born from the simple, harsh necessity of life in the Arctic. Archaeological evidence from Siberia suggests that humans have been partnering with sled dogs for at least 9,000 years. For the Indigenous peoples of the north, like the Inuit, Chukchi, and Athabaskans, these dogs were not pets in the modern sense; they were essential colleagues. They were the first “engines” of the Arctic, the only reliable way to transport goods, hunt, and travel across vast, impassable terrains of ice and snow. These original sled dogs were the ancestors of today’s familiar breeds like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and Samoyed—breeds tough enough to withstand polar temperatures, with double coats for insulation and an innate drive to pull. Fast forward to the 19th and 20th centuries, and dog sledding exploded from an Indigenous survival tool into the backbone of an entire economy during the Klondike Gold Rush. When gold was discovered in the Yukon, thousands of prospectors flooded the north, and they quickly learned what the native populations had known for centuries: nothing moved without dogs. Dog teams became the Arctic’s express lane, hauling mail, medicine, and millions of dollars in gold over treacherous mountain passes. A strong team of dogs was more valuable than gold itself, and a skilled “musher”—a term thought to come from the French marcher (to walk or march)—was a respected professional. But the most famous chapter in dog sledding history, and a perfect “fun fact” story, is the 1925 “Great Race of Mercy.” It’s a tale so incredible it sounds like fiction. That winter, a deadly diphtheria epidemic broke out in the remote, ice-locked town of Nome, Alaska. The only serum that could stop the outbreak was in Anchorage, over a thousand miles away, and a blizzard of the century had grounded all planes. The only option? A relay of dog sled teams. Over 20 mushers and 150 dogs battled temperatures of -60°F (-51°C) and blinding winds in a desperate 674-mile race against time. This is where most people know the name “Balto.” Here’s the fun fact: while Balto was the lead dog on the final leg into Nome, becoming an international celebrity, the true hero of the run was a dog named Togo. Led by musher Leonhard Seppala, Togo, at 12 years old, ran the longest and most dangerous leg of the relay, covering an astonishing 260 miles. The serum run was a success, saving the town, and it cemented the sled dog’s status as a true hero. This heroic run directly inspired the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, which was established in 1973. The Iditarod Trail itself is a designated historic trail, following the same “highway” used by mushers for the 1925 serum run. Today, dog sledding has evolved into a beloved international sport, but its core remains unchanged. It is still a profound testament to the bond between humans and dogs. These canine athletes are not what you might expect; the most common race dog is the “Alaskan Husky,” which isn’t a recognized breed but a purpose-bred mix valued for endurance, speed, and, most importantly, a joyous love of running. So, this December, when you see an image of a dog sled, you’ll know you’re not just looking at a fun winter activity. You’re looking at a 9,000-year-old story of survival, a Gold Rush-era “superhighway,” and the legacy of real-life heroes like Togo and Balto who proved that the partnership between humans and dogs can quite literally move mountains—or at least, medicine across a frozen world.
We hope you enjoyed this fascinating History of Dog Sledding! Happy holidays, everyone.