Iditarod Sled Dogs: The Real Athletes of the Last Great Race

The mushers get the headlines, but the Iditarod is really about the dogs. Here's what makes these remarkable animals the true athletes of the Last Great Race.

Not what you'd expect

Iditarod dogs are mostly Alaskan huskies — not the fluffy Siberian Huskies of pet calendars, but lean, tough, mixed-breed running dogs bred over generations for endurance, appetite, good feet, and an almost unstoppable drive to run.

The team

A team lines up in pairs along a central gangline. Up front are the lead dogs (smart, fast, responsive to the musher's commands); behind them the swing dogs steer through turns, the team dogs power the middle, and the strong wheel dogs run closest to the sled.

Dog care comes first

Dog welfare is the priority on the trail. Veterinarians examine every dog at the checkpoints, mushers fit booties to protect paws and massage tired muscles, and any dog that needs rest can be "dropped" and flown back to safety. A team can start with up to 14 dogs and must finish with at least five.

Athletes, through and through

These dogs can cover 100+ miles a day for over a week in brutal cold. Watching them surge out of a checkpoint — tails up and eager — is the heart of the Iditarod.

See the race on our Iditarod 2027 hub, and read the Iditarod explained and the history of the race.