title: [Keeping, transport and racing of sled dogs].
abstract: An introduction of the practice of sled dog racing in Germany is given. Reference is made to the origin (Alaska, Siberia, special breeds) of the dogs, the keeping systems, the preparation for racing, transport and rules of racing, either on snow or when snow is lacking on bare ground. In some countries tethering of dogs is still allowed. The keeping in groups in kennels suits the animals, tieing is easier for man. There are sprint races (4-18 km), middle distances (40-450 km) and long distance races (> 500 kg-1000 miles). Below -25 degrees C no sprint races are performed. Above +15 degrees C ambient temperature all races are stopped (hyperthermia). The close control of the kennels and the permanent control of the health of the dogs before and when racing by veterinarians is asked for by organisations, owners and performers. The veterinarian decides on each dog individually whether it is fit for racing or not. There exists an International Association of Veterinarians for sled dogs (ISDVMA).
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dolif
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000592:standards; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005858:Germany; D006799:Housing, Animal / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D012420:Running; D014186:Transportation; D014730:Veterinary Medicine
vernacular_title: Haltung, Transport und Renneinsatz von Schlittenhunden.