Dog Sledding
Okie, Ricky, Toby
Mr. Eddy’s 5th Grade
Book Sources: Mush & Alaska
Long ago, Eskimos figured out a way to make wooden sleds that can slide
over ice and snow. They harnessed long leather straps made from the
skins of seals on their dogs to pull the sleds. Sleds pulled by dogs
were a good way to carry heavy loads far distances in their cold land.
In 1973, the Iditarod dogsled race began. It was started to keep
the tradition of dogsled racing alive, since snowmobiles were now being
used. The race stretches from Anchorage to Nome, which is over 1,000
miles. The three dogs mushers use are Malamutes, Huskies, and Samoyeds.
There are about 12 – 15 dogs on a team. The musher is not allowed
to whip the dogs. Mushers control their dogs by verbal commands.
The race usually lasts 12 – 32 days. The first 20 to finish the race
split $100,000. It is good even if a team can cross the finish line,
because of the treacherous obstacles along the trail.
TRUE OR FALSE
Mushers use Malamutes, Huskies, and Shepherds.
True
False
Eskimos created the idea of dog sledding.
True
False
There are about 36 dogs on a team.
True
False
Everyone who crosses the finish line wins $100,000.
True
False
Mushers control the dogs with verbal commands.
True
False
Eskimos used sealskins to harness the dogs.
True
False