How many dogs make up a team?
It depends on the category: from four in sprint to more than ten in endurance races. The number is set by the organiser.
Speed and running
Sled Dog Racing
The classic sport of the North: a sled, a musher and a team of dogs. From sprints of a few kilometres with four dogs, to endurance races lasting days.
About the discipline
What Sled Dog Racing is
Sled dog racing is the ancestor of all pulling sports. A musher drives a sled pulled by a team that can number from four to more than ten dogs.
The categories differ greatly: sprint, mid-distance and endurance. Long races involve stages, compulsory rests and rigorous veterinary checks at every checkpoint.
The lead dog at the front is the one that takes the commands and guides the whole team. Selecting and training it is the most delicate part of building a team.
How it works in practice
How a race is organised
- a team of 4 to 10 or more dogs
- a musher on the sled, with brake and snow hook
- a lead dog that takes the directional commands
- sprint, mid-distance or endurance categories
- compulsory veterinary checks along the route
- mandatory rests in long races
Which dogs it suits
- northern pulling breeds, bred for the job
- dogs with stamina and high cold tolerance
- mushers with infrastructure for several dogs
It is a lifetime commitment, not a weekend hobby. A team means housing, feeding, veterinary care and training for many dogs at once.
What you need
- a racing sled with brake and hook
- pulling harnesses for every dog
- a gangline system
- winter clothing for the musher
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Sled Dog Racing
What does the lead dog do?
It runs at the front and takes the musher's directional commands, guiding the whole team. It is the hardest position and requires a dog with initiative and a clear head.
Is it an accessible sport?
Not really. It requires many dogs, space, expensive equipment and snow. Those who want the sensation without the infrastructure choose canicross, bikejoring or scooterjoring.
The rule figures on this page come from IFSS - International Federation of Sleddog Sports. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Dryland Mushing
Team racing on dry ground.
Greyhound Racing
Speed racing on a track.
Lure Coursing
Chasing an artificial lure across a course in open field.
Straight Racing
A sprint in a straight line after a lure.
We do not run Sled Dog Racing
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.