Alaskan husky: Difference between revisions

The Alaskan husky has selectively been bred specifically for its athletic performance.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=Benjamin F.|last2=Drake|first2=Joshua C.|last3=Peelor|first3=Frederick F.|last4=Biela|first4=Laurie M.|last5=Geor|first5=Raymond|last6=Hinchcliff|first6=Kenneth|last7=Davis|first7=Michael|last8=Hamilton|first8=Karyn L.|date=2014-08-22|title=Participation in a 1,000-mile race increases the oxidation of carbohydrate in Alaskan sled dogs|url=https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00588.2014|journal=Journal of Applied Physiology|volume=118|issue=12|pages=1502–1509|doi=10.1152/japplphysiol.00588.2014|pmid=25150223|issn=8750-7587}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> As such, its level of athletic ability, as well as [[Anabolism|anabolic]] efficiency are far greater than the average domesticated dog, especially in endurance feats. Distance-specialist Alaskan huskies out-speed most animals and all other types of sled dogs when running distances of 50 miles or greater, even while pulling moderately sized loads.<ref name=":2" /> Studies on the metabolic capabilities in working Alaskan husky sled dogs reveal that their system transitions to utilization of low-glucose energy sources (from high-glycogen carbohydrates) early on during long periods of travel, and their reliance on these low-glucose fuels (such as those higher in fats and proteins) continue and even extend to become more pronounced after working for longer periods.<ref name=":4" /> A good appetite is a highly desirable trait, and is emphasized in breeding choices.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2013-12-26|title=Modern Sled Dogs; Sled Dog Facts; Alaskan Huskies; Siberian Huskies|url=http://www.yukonquest.com/site/modern-sled-dog/|access-date=2021-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226050558/http://www.yukonquest.com/site/modern-sled-dog/|archive-date=2013-12-26}}</ref>[[File:Idol swingley.jpg|thumb|168x168px|Five-year-old male Alaskan husky from championship distance racing lines]]Like most working sled dogs, Alaskan huskies are capable of pulling far greater than their own body weight in load while in harness. Sprint teams of Alaskan huskies are capable of speeds of up to 28&nbsp;mph (45&nbsp;km/h),<ref>{{Cite book|last=Stephen|first=Person|title=Sled dog: powerful miracle|date=2011|publisher=Bearport Pub|isbn=978-1-61772-134-2|pages=4–10|oclc=776988782}}</ref> whereas distance-specialist teams have completed 938 mile (1510&nbsp;km) races in just 8 days, 3 hours, 40 minutes, and 13 seconds with time including 40 hours of mandatory rests and other routine rests on the trail.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fastest time to complete the Iditarod Trail|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-time-to-complete-the-iditarod-trail|access-date=2021-09-14|website=Guinness World Records|language=en-GB}}</ref>

 

 

In 2020, the largest study of "canine hematologic and serum biochemical analytes" to date was published, including within it the largest data set of healthy athlete dogs; the dogs of reference were 4,804 sled dogs training for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the overwhelming majority of which were Alaskan huskies.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last1=Connolly|first1=Sara L.|last2=Nelson|first2=Stuart|last3=Jones|first3=Tabitha|last4=Kahn|first4=Julia|last5=Constable|first5=Peter D.|date=2020-08-20|title=The effect of age and sex on selected hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in 4,804 elite endurance-trained sled dogs participating in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race pre-race examination program|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=15|issue=8|pages=e0237706|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0237706|pmid=32817656|pmc=7444536|bibcode=2020PLoSO..1537706C|issn=1932-6203|doi-access=free}}</ref> The study found that anti-aging and anti-inflammatory biochemical levels in the dogs increased over time and with training, enhancing the dogs' physical and mental abilities until an average of 6.6 years of age. Despite noted differences in sex, genetic, and age groups in other areas, they were not statistically significant and were outside the scope of the study, making them scientifically inconclusive despite their observance.<ref name=":3" />