The Iditarod dogs of Karen Ramstead--“pretty sled dogs”

If anyone tells you that the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is all about the prize money and that the mushers don’t care about the dogs, back away slowly. That kind of ignorance might be contagious.

One of the perennially popular mushers in the race is Karen Ramstead, 45. She became interested in running the race after reading Libby Riddles' book, Race Across Alaska and acquiring her first Siberian Husky.

Her love for the breed continued to grow and today she and her husband, Mark, share their lives with 50 purebred Siberian Huskies as part of their successful breeding program.

A native Canadian, Karen has run in eight Iditarod races and finished four. Her team has never finished above 56th place, but that isn’t important.

This is just a part of who I am. I love this race.

Unlike the smaller marathon-type dogs of Lance Mackay and the top contenders, Karen’s team of purebred Siberian Huskies are more like the larger dogs of the 1920s who made the original serum run to Nome to save the lives of the children during a diptheria epidemic.

Not only are her Sibes competitive sled dogs, but they are also beauty queens and kings. They have done well in conformation at Canadian and U.S. dog shows. ”Pretty sled dogs" is the motto at their kennel.

Note: The Sibes in this video are chained. This is not cruel. These are dogs genetically programmed to run. An untethered Siberian Husky is one who is quickly off on her own little adventure. This includes pretty dogs who live in Pennsylvania and write their own blogs.

 

 

Did you know that Poodles once ran in the Iditarod?

Comments

[Khyra and Sometimes Her Mom]

I wonder which Siberian woo might be pawing about?

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Thanks fur the woof out fur The Iditarod and The Pretty Sled Dogs! The Nice Karen Lady's Border Collie Bet is SOOOOOO furry jealous of our khurly tails!

[Becky]

I think that is great. You can see the love on both sides.

[Jen]

Pretty sled dogs? That's freaking awesome!

See, that's what I'm talking about. Conformation winners who also perform the work for which they were created.

[Jeffy]

Thanks, Jan. I love sled dogs. I can't have one because I don't have that kind of time (or want to have to chase one.) We had a Siberian when I was young and tried to keep him on 20 acres. It doesn't work. The do LOVE their adventures.

[Sherry in MT]

Sibes are still MY favorite sled dog breed and always will be!

[Jodi]

The chain wouldn't bother me if it was a tad bit longer. It really doesn't give the dogs much room to move.

[Jim]

I don't know why you love Karen and the Iditarod so much, but the race is very cruel. I bet animal protection activists have posted facts about the race on your blog and you've deleted them. Suit yourself. But http://www.helpsleddogs.org has it right.

[Kristine]

Awesome! Anyone who even attempts the Iditarod is amazing and to have actually finished four times... Wow. Malmstead sounds like a fascinating woman for sure.

My childhood dog was a Siberian husky so I can vouch for the fact they will run at every opportunity. Even our eight foot fence couldn't keep our dog in.

[Jan]

Actually, “Jim” I have had your group regularly paste
comments into my blog and I don’t delete them. The Sled Dog Coalition and PETA
have taken it as their project in life to shut down the Iditarod with their misguided
attempts to present opinions not supported with facts or experience. Frankly, you're rather boring.

[The Cartoonist]

Just an FYI in regard to Jodi's comment about the length of the chain in the video, the dogs are currently at their training facility and space is limited, therefore their chains are shorter than they are in their North Wapiti dog yard. Additionally, all 24 in Willow get daily exercise off their chains in preparation for the race. 16 will race, the ones left in willow get daily exercise from Karen's handler.

[Linda]

I didn't know that about Poodles!....COOL!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

[California Callie]

Great you shared your video, I can't wait to have one very soon and take him out.

[jackie]

they are incredible ..and just beautiful

[Jodi]

Thank you to the cartoonist for clarifying that for me, I don't know much about sled dogs.

[Renee Sharma]

WOW! Amazing post
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