Nowadays, sled dog breeds are found as pets, as well as trained to participate in sled dog racing.
Sled dogs were developed to withstand very low temperatures. Their coats have a double layer, with the undercoat acting as insulation against the ice and snow. Because they have such thick coats, they need regular brushing and grooming. They also shed a lot, especially at the beginning of summer when they lose a lot of their undercoat. This could be a problem for people with dog allergies.
Traditional sled dog breeds include the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute, the Chinook, the Sakhalin Husky, the Canadian Eskimo dog, the Seppala Siberian sled dog, the Tamaskan husky, the Samoyed, the Eurohound, the Mackenzie River husky, and the Greenland dog.
Whilst these dogs were purpose bred, many other breeds have been used, including mixed breeds. These days, that tradition lives on in sled dog racing, where the most popular breeds include the Alaskan Husky, and various cross breeds, often based on the German Shorthaired Pointer. However, many breeds have been used, including the poodle!
Alaskan huskies are favored in modern sled dog races because they are faster than traditional breeds like the Alaskan malamute or the samoyed. They are not as strong, but in sled dog racing where speed is important, and the distances are shorter, Alaskan huskies were found to perform better.
Alaskan husky dogs are not a recognized breed. They are bred for their performance, and so they cannot be easily characterized as a breed. Alaskan husky dogs represent a variety of types with different lines. They are hybrid dogs - a husky with another breed, that is determined by the needs and ideas of the breeders. A husky may be bred with a wolf, setters, or any other breed that can bring genetic advantages in speed and endurance.
Sled dog racing is a winter and fall sport where the sled dogs are attached to a sled (or a 3 or 4 wheeled cart in autumn), and pull the driver along. The driver stands on runners. The dogs are harnessed individually, with tug lines attached that are linked into a central gang line. The dogs are linked in pairs, and there are up to 22 dogs in a racing team. Teams race either against the clock, and a winner then announced, or against each other in a seemingly chaotic race. There are dog sled races in three categories - short distance, middle distance, and long distance.
Like the sled dog breeds themselves, the sport of sled dog racing has seen some interesting adaptions to modern times and different climates. In Australia, for example, where there is very little snow, even in winter, sled dog races are held. Here, modified scooters are used, and racing is done on dirt tracks. Australian sled dog racers tend to use all sorts of dogs as sled dogs, including kelpies, english pointers, and red heelers.
Weight: 90-130 pounds
Height: 28-32 inches
Overview
The Akbash is a fairly rare dog breed, and they are originally from the western part of Turkey. Shepherds from this area established this breed about 3000 years ago. The Akbash were specifically bred to be white so that they can stand out between the predators. The name of the Akbash dog has been derived from the word "akbas" which is Turkish for "white head".
Temperament
The Akbash is a dog that loves to work, and will thrive in a location where there is work that they can do. This dog will try to take control, and will work best in families with older children so that they can teach the dog to be submissive. The Akbash will protect its families by patrolling and barking - so you might expect them to bark at night. Akbash dogs are very clever dogs that are also brave and loyal toward their families. This breed is very committed and loyal to toward their owners. They are also very independent, and they also have strong defensive instincts. As soon as these dogs have bonded with their families, they will not show any hesitation to protect them.
Care
In order to keep the shedding of these dogs to a minimum, they should be brushed on a frequent basis. The Akbash dog should only be bathed when it is really necessary. When bathing them, be sure to use a shampoo that is mild and that will protect their weather resistant coats. If you dry shampoo the dog, it will also be adequate.
Training
It is important to socialise these dogs from an early age onwards, especially if they are going to be a companion dog. Because these dogs have a very independent nature, they will sometimes object to commands given by their owner. This breed will not do very well in advanced obedience training, but will do so in basic training. The Akbash dog is a slow maturing dog, and they will do best in a training environment which is fair and consistent.
Health problems
Health problems that are known for the Akbash are hip dysphasia and OCD. These problems are usually evident in the larger dog breeds, but not so much in the Akbash as some of the other breeds. It is advised that you only but the Akbash from OFA hip certified stock in order to prevent many of these problems.
All round this dog is a great breed and choice for many.
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