Types of Dog Sleds

Dog sleds have been used as transportation in Northern regions for centuries. Dog sledding was once the sole means of transportation in these areas, but the activity is now enjoyed by vacationers and competitors. Sleds are pulled by a team of as many as 22 trained working dogs, and different sleds are used for different terrains and purposes.

  1. Basket Sled

    • The basket sled is a traditional style of dog sled. These sleds have foot-boards for the driver, or musher, to stand at the back of the sled, and a basket-like cargo area over the body of the sled to hold bags and equipment. The cargo space is made of boards that are raised about six inches above the sled's runners, or skis, and the cargo area is usually parallel to the runners. The advantage of a lifted cargo bed is that the base of the sled and cargo items do not drag through the snow when being pulled, which increases the sled's speed. Basket sleds work best on trails with packed snow, and are commonly used in racing events.

    Toboggan Sled

    • The toboggan sled was invented in the 1970s and bears a similar appearance to the toboggans used for downhill sledding. This sled has a similar musher footboard area, but cargo bed made of low-friction plastic instead of wood slats. In addition, the cargo basket is attached between the runners instead of lifted above them like the basket sled. This sled style has a lower center of gravity, which increases stability with large cargo loads. The solid, plastic bottom of the toboggan sled also increases the surface area, allowing for easy gliding on unpacked snow. These sleds do not have the speed or versatility needed for racing, but are often used for tours or off-trail riding.

    Raised Toboggan Sled

    • The raised toboggan sled combines the raised aspect of the basket sled with the plastic cargo base of the toboggan sled. This sled has the cargo support placed on top of the runners, allowing the low center of gravity of the traditional toboggan sled, while maintaining the speed and maneuverability of the basket sled. The raised toboggan sled style is popular in short racing events because it offers the benefits of both toboggan and basket sleds.