Monday, September 3, 2007

Denali animal stories number 5: Dogs


Just before leaving the park, we stopped by to visit with the Denali sled dogs. These dogs haul freight and carry rangers on their rounds during the winter. They are bred to travel through deep snow, carry heavy loads, and keep warm in an extremely cold environment. The dog's temperament is also important since it is in frequent contact with us, the unpredictable and motley public. There is no specific breed that provides these qualities; various types of dogs are bred to produce animals with long legs, compact feet, long bushy tails, and the personality of a saint with a sense of humor. They typically weigh between 75 -85 pounds. Here is a handsome example.

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