Today was my first hands on day here. We did pre-race vet checks on about half the teams (the other half had theirs done by local vets in the last couple weeks). The dogs were surprisingly "handleable"- really nice dogs that were obviously well-socialized. They were also remarkably skinny. Not shocking but based on the literature I had received, I had expected them to have a little more reserve on this end of the race. For those vet types out there reading this, most were 3/9. My friend and colleague, Dave Roos would think they are perfect. Which I guess they are, for what they need to do. Another thing about the dogs - very few of them were Siberian huskies or malamutes. Most but definitely not all look like they have some husky or other sled breed in them, but as a rather minor component in many cases. The purebred huskies are referred to by certain insiders as "slow-berians" because they are, well, slow. The fastest dogs are mash of husky, shepherd, pointer, and other breeds.. Basically, they look like a dog you would adopt from the pound. Another point for hybrid vigor!
Wow. It looks cold!! I love the photo of the dogs in the kennel type thing. It almost looks like an amusement park for dogs.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the taxidermy goes--- ewwww--- i assume that none of them are dogs?!
Elizabeth
There are two stuffed dogs in the Iditarod welcome center- previous champions.
DeleteYou've started your adventure! Yay! Wow, I didn't know that there aren't many Huskies and Malamutes on the dog sled teams. That is really interesting. I wonder what the selection process is for the dogs or are they bred? Interesting. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteEach musher has their own kennel and breeding program with their own recipe for success. There is a team from Russia here and those dogs are stockier with thicker coats than the rangy somewhat mongrely looking dogs on many of the other teams. It will be interesting to see how they do.
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