Probably huskies, with their beautiful blue eyes and fluffy coats. Well, guess what? They’re not the only experts in the activity! Six different breeds of dogs, all descended from the wolf, are officially recognized for sledding by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (the World Canine Organization). Here they are… (Careful, they’re all irresistibly adorable!)
The Alaskan Malamute
It can easily be mistaken for a husky, but you’ll recognize it by its upright, curved tail. Malamutes are extremely powerful and can pull sleds with ease. Their thick coat allows them to resist very low temperatures.
The Greenland Dog
No, it’s not a wolf! This breed is known for its speed and endurance. In the past, they were even used, for example, in the construction of the Swiss railway (1913).
The Siberian Husky
This is the dog that gave rise to the classic sled dog image with piercing blue eyes! Huskies are very fast, perfect for thrilling sled rides. It’s also the breed of the famous hero dog Balto, who helped save the population of Nome, Alaska, from diphtheria in 1925. The medicine was transported through a relay of sled dog teams covering more than 1000 km. We love them even more!
The Samoyed
Who could resist this fluffy white ball of fur? Hard to recognize? Just listen—he’s usually the one barking the most! Playful and mischievous, the Samoyed often teases his teammates during the ride. A wonderful companion, though not chosen for setting speed records.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog
Also known as Qimmiq, this breed is unfortunately quite rare. In the 1970s, it was even threatened with extinction due to the rise of snowmobiles and their impact on traditional practices.
The Yakutian Laika
These dogs will charm you with their stunning blue eyes! One of the oldest dog breeds, the Yakutian Laika is both a loyal household companion and a skilled hunter, perfectly adapted to sledding.
Other Sled Dog Breeds Often Used
Beyond these six FCI-recognized sled dog breeds, four other types are often seen in sledding. They may stray a little from the cliché TV image, but they’re just as capable, enthusiastic, and lovable:
The Sakhalin Husky: a very rare breed, resistant to extreme conditions. You can spot them in the film Antarctica, which tells the story of two huskies who survived alone for over a year in Antarctica.
The Alaskan: a crossbred dog created for better performance, combining husky traits with a leaner build closer to European dogs.
The Eurohound Sled Dog: a mix of Alaskans, English Pointers, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Known for breaking speed records—this one guarantees adrenaline!
The Greyster: a cross between a Greyhound and a German Shorthaired Pointer. Generally tall and very fast.
At Annecy Aventure, every musher has their own team, made up of different breeds—each one cuter than the next!
The Qualities of a Good Sled Dog
In general, a great sled dog needs:
Strength
Endurance
Speed
Cold resistance
Obedience
Within the pack, you might notice a leader—that’s completely normal! Just like their wolf ancestors, sled dogs function in packs with one or several dominant dogs. The leader is placed at the front of the team. Behind him are the swing dogs, who support the leader. The biggest dogs are the team dogs, while the strongest ones, closest to the sled, are called wheel dogs.
Do Sled Dogs Really Enjoy It?
People often wonder: “Do the dogs really like it, or is it a chore for them?” Well, it all depends on how the activity is presented to them! As long as their well-being is respected, these furry athletes absolutely love it (you’ll see for yourself if you try the experience)—they get especially excited during the harnessing process.
However, it can indeed become a burden if the sessions are too long or too demanding. That’s why we set a maximum sled load of 200 kg and keep sessions around half an hour. Of course, we always take time afterward to give them cuddles as thanks for this amazing adventure in nature.
Will you be able to spot the breed and the leader dog during your adventure with us? 😊