Can a mutt compete or any other type of dog in an Alaskan race ?

Question

Instead of a quincenera, next year, I'm having a sled dog race. My parents agreed to take me to Alaska to compete. I have a German Husky, a Pointer Mix, a Wolf Husky mix, and 4 German pointers. Are they elegible to compete ?

Answer 1

Huskies are technically a type, not a specific breed (they don't have the same pedigree requirements as other dogs like, say, for a show.)

If they're able to compete, they'd probably be eligible.  But husky-type dogs are sled dogs for a reason--they're bred for structure, stamina, temperament, and fur to withstand the cold and difficulties of racing.

Also, they're able to run as a pack, rather than hunting (which the Pointers are bred for.)  

If your dogs were any good at racing, it would be a total fluke.  I don't think you could even get them to run together, much less go anywhere.  If you and your dogs aren't in prime condition, you or they risk serious injury or death.

I don't see how this would even be any fun.  You'd be much better off going on a sledding tour with a reputable company (such as the ones by the Boundary Waters area between Minnesota and Canada) or buying a proper sled dog team and gear from somebody who does it for a living.

Personally, I'd love to go on a sledding tour in Canada--you go from lodge to lodge along the lakes by dogsled by day and stay in the lodges at night.

I'd recommend that over any kind of homemade sled dog team.