Zuma sent me a copy of a great question that came from Ms. Thompson’s students: Are all of the dogs huskies?
Any dog that races in Iditarod must be a ’sled dog’. The dogs that race in Iditarod are a ‘northern breed’ of dog, meaning that they have a natural ‘fur’ coat that protects them. There are other traits or characteristics that the dogs must meet to be able to race in Iditarod. You can read more about the traits a sled dog must have at the Veterinarian Center of the website. (http://www.iditarod.com/learn/vetcenter.html)
Most of the dogs are called, “Alaskan Huskies” or “Huskies”. A few of the mushers have Siberian Huskies.
The Iditarod dogs sometimes wear jackets, too. A light colored jacket can help the dogs from getting too warm. A dark colored jacket, a fleece jacket, or a wind resistant jacket can be a added layer to help keep the dogs safe and healthy. Sometimes mushers cover their dogs with blankest at night. I’ve included some pictures of my fur friends in their jackets.
All of the dogs that race have complete medical checkups before the race starts. They have to pass their tests or they aren’t on the team.
Boys and Girls, think about these questions. What kinds of foods should you eat? How much sleep do you get? How should you dress for your climate? How often do you see your doctor? Discuss the answers or write about these topics as you think how your answers to the questions are like or different compared to the same questions about the dogs. Make posters or reports to tell what you learned.
Just spinning some de-’tails’!
Libby Littles
29 Comments
I love the letters about different dogs and their gear. Helen
We really enjoy reading your articles in my fifth grade class. Thanks for teaching us about the Iditarod.
Mrs. Haas
Dear Zuma, you are so cool!!! Brooke
I will be following some mushers in the Last Great Race in my 6th grade class. So from this site i have learned a lot. Thanks! Jenna
i love the to learn things about the iditarod tell me more tell me more.
Hello!
Keep reading the blogs and you’ll learn more.
Libby
My handler’s class is ready to follow the mushers and their teams. They are fifth graders and have their favorite dog team to root for. Unfortunately I would not make a good sled dog as I am a border collie, so I appreciate your news from the scene!
Rascal
Dear Zuma,
I think that you are the best dog .I love your name too. I hope you win this year.
Love Emily
Dear Emily,
I don’t race, but everyone can be a winner if you do the best at the things you try!
Lots of Tail Wags,
Zuma
dogs have to pass a test, don’t they? what kind of test is it?
Kay
Hello Kay,
Yes, dogs have to pass physical examinations. You can read about that in other places on the website and at the veterinarian’s center at the Learn About section of the website.
Libby
It’s really cool to hear about the Iditarod from you
Nia
Dear Libby, how did the bering sea get its name? can we make booties for sled dogs? we heard you need volunteers.
Well that is an interesting question. The name Bering Sea has been around a long time…. I am not sure where it came from but I’ll do some thinking about that. Making booties for dogs is a fun project. There are patterns for making booties and special instructions so they are made the exact size they are needed. You can get more details on this by writing an email to the education director. Libby
Dear Libby,
Hi!I’m seven years old.Do you like all dogs.
I have a dachsund.How are you?Hope you are
doing good.
From,
Madison
How much does Zuma weigh?
I haven’t checked my weight lately, but in general female huskies weigh between 35-50 pounds.
They have to have medical check-ups! Wow tight security!What tipe of check-up is it like a human one
Dear Libby,
I love northern dogs, they’re so cute!! Ecspecially you! If it is possible for you to say hey to me I would love that, like in your blog. I’m Jinx. Do you find it annoying when humans are all “oh your just so cuddwey wuddwey” and baby you? Does it make you feel stupid? What about cats. Are you scared of them? My dog is. Her name is Ruby and she is A boxer Lab mix. She is 4 years old and is terrified of cats. She is black. She loves other dogs but is very teritorial. When inside the house she gets all barky when somebody sets foot on our street, but outside she is friendly. Are you teritorial? Are you sensitive about your side. Is play fighting scary. Have you ever been part of a sled dog team. Do you like all other dogs. Do you know Aliy Zirkle? What do you do when you are scared? I’m twelve. PLease write back.
Jinx
Do you like your name?
Listen, I totally believe that you are typing this, but how did you learn? Please please please please tell me!
We took typing classes and then we practices a lot.
Do you have a boyfriend?
i love huskies
Hey libby
what is your favorite food!!!
I am writing a story about Nigel
When you are done, please send us the story. We will be posting stories on the blog. Thanks Gypsy
We wonder how many dogs are in the race – total?
We have really enjoyed learning about you and the race!
Patrick
Hi Patrick, I hope your math skills are good. 67 mushers started the race. I know of one that started with 15 dogs, I think all the rest started with 16. So that’s 66 teams x 16 dogs = ? dogs then add 15 dogs to the total. Have fun.
Is Gypsy a girl or a boy and how much does he weigh
I’m a girl and I weigh around 40 pounds.
Just returned from AK cruise/tour. Went to Jerry Soussa’s dog farm and this was the first for me re: the Iditarod. Awesome tour and information. Can’t wait until 2010’s race.
dear libby,
i am a big fan of dogs and i would like to know if you are afraid of birds? I know its a silly question but my dog is afraid of birds!well he ate my birds leg because he was afraid of her please write back.
hey there its Ava and Ashlynne we have a question for you um has your dog ever got 1st place? WE WANT TO KNOW.KNOW NEED TO PUT YOU I A HURRY BUT WE ARE BIG FANS. LATER PEACE.AVA SAYS HI………….AND SO DOSE ASHLYNNE NOW LATER. BYE
We do not race. We enjoy reporting on the race and doing interviews.
Dear Libby,
You are to cute! I love your website and picturs. You are so small to! but remember, your as big as you feel.
#1 k9 Hallie