Why would sled dogs run themselves to death?

Dog want to please their alphas. If it is something they like to do - they take that pleasing goes further. KJ (Katy Jane) a couple rescues ago, love to fetch balls out of the water. I had to make her stop doing this her whole life - because she would keep doing it. There are other ways to channel that energy. read more

Dog want to please their alphas. If it is something they like to do - they take that pleasing goes further. KJ (Katy Jane) a couple rescues ago, love to fetch balls out of the water. read more

In addition, they can die from "exertional myopathy," or running themselves to death. It's estimated that more than 120 dogs have died during the Iditarod since its inception in 1973. When a sled dog is about 10 years old, or has injuries or other circumstances that prevent it from racing, it is retired. read more

Balto, a Siberian husky sled dog, led his team in 1925 on the final leg of a serum run to Nome to combat an outbreak of diphtheria. Antitoxin was transported from Anchorage to Nenana, Alaska, by train then to Nome by dog sled. read more