Dog Sledding started 4,000 years ago in Siberia and was brought to Alaska by their nomadic ancestors. Sled dogs were first recorded being seen over 4,000 years ago in Siberia, and then were shipped to Alaska where they became trained for pulling sleds for the Alaska Natives.

Sled dog racing is Alaska's official state sport. When racing, the temperature is usually about -50 degrees F. But can sometimes even drop to -100 F. Hypothermia is the most feared result of dog mushing when people go out and do the Iditarod. Each musher has to carry certain required items to qualify to win the race. The purpose of that is to act like the original mushers did. The type of dog most used in dog sled racing are huskies because they are the most suited with their thick fur, will to pull, and long endurance. Racing dogs often wear little booties to protect the huskies feet.

Money prizes are given to the top finishers in the Iditarod. The Iditarod was one of two longest sled dog trails in the world. The other was the Yukon Quest. To enter the Iditarod you must pay a fee of $1,750. Many mushers have corporate sponsors who help pay for their entry fee and many other costs. There are usually four to twenty dogs on a sled-dog racing team. The record time for the Iditarod was just over nine days in 1995.