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
12 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 djohnson@iditarod.com Libby