Yes, especially since Alaska is so close to western Canada, Alaskan Huskies, traditional sled dogs, also claim British Columbia as their home. Sled dogs are not only in Western Canada, but Alaskan Huskies are also a unique part of Canadian culture and history.
In fact, according to Canadian dog experts, Hey Husky, “British Columbia is a dream come true for those who love the outdoors and adventures – from the Pacific coast, where you can go wild salmon fishing to the rugged mountains that are perfect for hiking and skiing, British Columbia has a lot to offer. Along with all of these awesome outdoor adventures, dog sledding is also a popular activity in the area.
The native people of British Columbia flourished in the area because of the abundance of food and resources, but their relationship with dogs was also important to their success. Just like dog sledding in Lapland, husky sledges were used here to pull sleds with freight, for protection from bears, and some tribes even had wooly dogs to use their hair for weaving!
The BC Sled Dog Association is the most specialised in the region. Of course, the International Federation of Sled Dog Sports and International Sled Dog Racing Association support some racing events in British Columbia as well.
The Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Races take place in the areas of Cariboo and 100 Mile House, British Columbia. Races are held every year, provided the snow conditions are good. They have teams of ten, six or four dogs as well as junior level races. There is even a weight pulling dog sled competition. The racing courses are designed to be spectator friendly and ideal for racing.
The Caledonia Classic Sled Race is a highly popular and exciting event in Fort St. James, British Columbia. This weekend event of racing has sprint and stage races on awesome trails, which, if temperatures are right, lead across a frozen lake. The sprints are for teams of four, six and ten dogs. The stage race is 150 miles (241 kilometres) long and takes place over three days,”.
(Photo Credit: National Park Service)
How long do sled dogs live together as a pack
Sled dogs begin their life together as litter mates and continue to live, work, eat, and play as a pack until they retire.
The National Park Service in Alaska shares about how sled dogs living as a pack begins early and that, “When the pups are between seven and eight months old, they are harnessed with the teams for short runs. Positioned next to well-trained adult dogs, they learn much of what it takes to become a sled dog from their furry mentors, though they occasionally chew on lines or harnesses, play with the dogs running next to them, and are distracted by new sights such as other dog teams.
The pups develop into working sled dogs very quickly. By the end of their first winter, they will already have several hundred miles of experience running in harness. This first winter of training is so significant to their physical and mental development that by the time their second winter comes around, they will be hooked up into team as full-fledged sled dogs,”.
While I have not had the pleasure of having a pack of sled dogs, I have had my share of “packs” over the years and have taken them camping “Up North” in Michigan, where we have black bears.
When my oldest son was born, we had a chocolate Labrador (Josi), a Shepherd-Coyote mix (Roxy), and a Cockapoo-Shiatzu mix (Luke). And when you have three or more dogs, you have a pack. Let me tell you, I thought it wouldn’t be that big of a deal to add a third, especially since he was a little dog breed, but the pack mentality set in immediately. You must be good with animals if you are going to be the alpha of a pack of dogs.
Later, when my sons were twelve and eight years old, we had another pack that included Luke, an Australian Shepherd-Beagle mix (Clio), and our beloved Labrador-Pitbull mixed female (Phoebe). After Luke and Clio passed away, we got a German Shepherd male (Otis).
A few years ago, Phoebe and Otis mated and had six puppies. Of those six puppies, we kept the baby of the girls (Lucy) and once again had a pack, or as we called them, “family.” After Phoebe and Otis passed away, we were left with only Lucy, which was a first. However, that did not last long, and most recently, we added a female Bull Dog-Staffy mix (Mila) to the mix.
Outside Interactive shares that sled dogs or guard dogs are significant deterrents to bears, “Turns out the simple presence of a livestock guardian dog can reduce visits from grizzly bears by 87.8 percent… Scientific evidence that, unlike bear spray, a dog with significant guarding instincts is effective at deterring the largest land predator in the world. That should help reduce conflicts with humans as the species continues to expand into its historic habitat. If you do everything else right, a dog can be an additional tool for avoiding grizzly bears the next time you recreate in the places they call home,”.
Is a bear scared of a dog?
Yes, typically black bears will run away when dogs chase them; even the smallest breeds can scare them because most bears have learned to associate dogs with people, and if not provoked, bears want to stay away from us humans and our pets.
Another factor contributing to bears’ aversion to dogs is the noise they produce. Sled dogs, in particular, are known for their vocal nature, often barking or howling, which can be unsettling to a bear. The raucous sounds signal the presence of something unfamiliar and potentially threatening, prompting a bear to retreat.
All of my dogs, big and small, twos and threes, protected us from bears when we camped in the National Forest in Manistee, Michigan, where there is a thriving population of black bears. We also have a hunting rifle just in case!
Are there sled dogs in Canada?
In conclusion, sled dogs are deeply woven into Canada’s culture and history, from British Columbia’s thriving racing scene to their ancestral role alongside indigenous peoples — a proud legacy that continues to flourish today.