The Parts of a Dog Sled

Dog sleds have been used for thousands of years as a form of transportation in the northern regions of the world. Technology has replaced much of the use for dog sleds, but dog sledding endures as a sport. Dog sled races are held year-round and can be enjoyed in many countries. Dog sledding teams are comprised of the musher, the dogs and the sled. Just as the dogs share specific characteristics that make them suitable for dog sledding regardless of breed, dog sleds also share common characteristics.

  1. Runners and Handle Bar

    • The runners are the skis that support the sled and slide on the snow. They can be made from either wood products or composite material. Contemporary sleds will also have plastic on the bottom of the runner, providing a slick surface and reducing drag.
      The handle bar provides a mechanism for the mushers to keep hold on the sled.

    Cargo Beds

    • This is the part of the sled that carries the load. There are three types of cargo beds that define the type of sled being used. The Basket Sled has a cargo bed that is usually made from wood slats and sits about 6 inches above the runners. The Toboggan Sled has a cargo bed constructed from plastic that is attached directly to the runners. Fairly new is the Raised Toboggan, with a cargo bed constructed from plastic sitting 4 to 6 inches above the runners.

    Brushbow, Footboards and Brake

    • The brushbow acts as a bumper for the sled, protecting it from trees and brush and absorbing collisions. Most modern sled brushbows are constructed from plastic. The footboards are made from non-skid material and are mounted at the end of the runners, providing the musher with a place on which to stand. The brake is an aluminum or steel bar shaped into a "U" with claws that hang down from it. When it is stepped on, the claws dig into the snow.

    Snowhook

    • The snow hook is not a standard feature, but is found on most sleds. It is an anchor made from metal that keeps the dog team stopped. The hooks are angled so that if the dog team pulls on the sled, the hooks will dig deeper into the snow, preventing the team from moving.

    Track and Snubline

    • A track or drag is a secondary braking mechanism found on most sleds. The track can be found dragged between the runners. It will drag over the top of the trail to slow the team as the snow hook digs into the snow.
      The snubline is a rope used to secure the sled and team to a stable object.