The Dogs of Denali

No trip to Denali Park is complete without visiting Denali's Alaskan huskies, also known as sled dogs. The sled dogs have two layers of fur, bushy tails and long legs. Their unique features are a good fit for the cold winter temperatures that can dip as low as -40F.

Sled dogs can vary in appearance because they are bred for performance, rather than appearance. Born with a passion for running, they thrive when they have frequent exercise and an opportunity to pull sleds.

The kennel is home to about 30 dogs. Each year new puppies are born and those who are 9 years old and have ran about 8,000 miles on patrols retire. Retirees are not forgotten. Rather, wooden plaques with their names are proudly posted at the kennel. The dogs are then adopted by loving families who lead very active lifestyles.

Picture taken from: http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/kennels.htm

The dogs have a busy schedule. In the winter the dogs provide reliable transportation for the rangers who patrol the vast area of Denali Park and Preserve. Patrols can last 1 day to six weeks. During the patrols rangers function in a variety of capacities: they contact winter guests and give them trail conditions; provide assistance; intervene if there is illegal activity such as poaching or snowmachining; provide transportation for winter researchers; haul supplies for cabin building, restoration projects, etc. In addition to incredible strength and endurance, the huskies are also highly intelligent. They have the ability to locate patrol cabins in whiteout conditions and feel snow covered trails beneath their paws.

The summer is spent running demonstration loops at the kennel, greeting visitors and resting. In the evenings volunteers sign up to walk the dogs around Denali. Here are some sled dogs napping before their demonstration.

And just moments later they are ready for the demonstration! For more information on Denali's sled dogs visit: http://www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/kennels.htm.