BREED
INFORMATION
All you need to know about sled dogs!
WHY SLED DOGS?
At SSDR we specialise in rescuing Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute breeds... Yes, we are gluttons for punishment BUT there is a reason WHY we focus mainly on these breeds.
Sled dogs for YEARS have grown in popularity, from things like TV shows and Disney films has meant owners purchase sled dogs WITHOUT the research. These ancient working breed still hold the roles of their ancestors such as hunting small furries with their high prey drives, liking to be in large numbers and pulling like freight trains with the love to RUN!
These are a majority of the reasons sled dogs come into our care, we aim to help educate and support sled dog owners with the balance of exercise, training, good diets and a routine to keep this amazing breed happy in their homes. A lot of breeds are misunderstood including Huskies and Malamutes, they are not your usual dog they are strong willed, clever, spirited working animal with the need for a purpose.
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What you SHOULD to know before adopting or fostering a sled dog...
Before taking on ANY breed of dog you should RESEARCH!!! All breeds hold different qualities which you need to be aware of to make sure they the RIGHT breed for you. Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute breeds are stunning to the eye but they are also working breeds which are very mich close to their ancestors. Here are a few things to consider BEFORE being owned by a sled dog:
Sled dog can need approx 2 hours of exercise per day.
SLED DOGS PULL ON A LEAD!
Sled dogs can be strong minded, willful dogs who need firm, but fair approach in training.
Sled dogs can range from 16 kg - 50kg in some giant Malamutes.
Sled dogs can be destructive if un-exercised or bored, causing destruction around the home.
Sled dogs LOVE to talk and howl.
Sled dogs shed fur all year round but blow their coats twice yearly.
Sled dogs should NEVER be let off lead in un-enclosed areas, especially near livestock
Sled dogs VERY rarely get along with small furries and have a high prey drive.
They need daily routine of good diet, exercise, training and mental stimulation.
THE
SIBERIAN HUSKY
THE
ALASKAN MALAMUTE
Average height: 50 - 60 cm
Average weight: 16 - 27 kg
Coat: short double coat
Eye: blue, brown, bi-eye, parti-eye
Working Role: Endurance dogs working in large numbers with the ability to pull at speed for prolonged periods of time without tiring.
Average height: 55 - 70 cm
Average weight: 30 - 50 kg
Coat: short double coat, long woolly coats
Eye: brown eyes
Working Role: Weight pulling, endurance dogs who can work in smaller numbers pulling freight for long distances.
HUSKY VS MALAMUTE
Can you spot the difference??
FUN FACTS...
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- Sled dogs LOVE to run! They can run long distances without the need to rest over freezing, harsh terrains.
- Sled dogs, especially Huskies are very well known escape artists. If they can't get over it, or under it they WILL try to go through it!
- Sled dogs are highly intelligent breeds who can pick up on changes in their owners moods and body language.
- Sled dogs rarely bark but they do hooooooooowl
- They have super thick, double coated fur so they can withstand temperatures as low as -60C
- Sled dogs can be VERY mischievous by nature they can be challenging to train.
SLED DOG FRIENDS WE RECOMMEND...
Also for great information about training, health, diet and grooming please check out our partners SnowDogGuru site which has some fantastic articles to ensure your sled dog stays in top health.
Please note that information provided on this site might not be the same advice provided by Saints Sled Dog Rescue or by any of its Team.