Glossary
Mushing
Travelling or racing with a team of dogs that pull a sled, cart or rig, from short sprint races to the long-distance Iditarod in Alaska.
Also called: dog sledding, sled dog racing, dog sled racing, sled dogs, skijoring, bikejoring, canicross, Iditarod
Mushing is the sport of driving a team of dogs that pull a sled, cart or other rig, with the driver, called a musher, riding or running behind. The word is thought to come from the French word marche, meaning go. Races range from short sprints of a few miles to long-distance events such as the Iditarod in Alaska, which covers about 1,000 miles. Related sports include skijoring, where a dog pulls a skier, and canicross, where a dog pulls a runner.
Most racing dogs are Alaskan huskies, a type bred for speed and stamina rather than looks, and they are not a registered breed. Registered breeds used include the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. Dogs wear a padded harness with a tug line, not a collar.
Sled dogs need conditioning, good feet, plenty of food and rest, and care in hot weather.
Last reviewed November 8, 2026