The Alaskan husky is the most widely used race dog in North America. Sled dogs have thick fur and special hairs that protect them from the coldest temperatures. Extra straw is sent to these checkpoints so the dropped dogs can rest comfortably. The Iditarod rules allow a team to start with no more than 16 dogs and to finish with no fewer than five. The dogs are checked for dehydration at every race checkpoint.
Sled dogs can race for many years.
Some still compete when they are 10 or 11 years old. Read our Privacy Policy Statement .