Iditarod Vocabulary

Team Dogs

• Dogs that run in the front of the team, leading the sled.

• Dogs that run in the middle of the team, helping to pull the sled.

• Dogs that run at the back of the team, providing support.

• Dogs that are trained to bark loudly during the race.

Veterinarian

• A doctor who checks the health of the sled dogs during the race.

• A person who trains sled dogs for competitions.

• A veterinarian who specializes in treating cats and dogs.

• A doctor who performs surgeries on horses.

Lead Dog

• The dog at the front of the team helps guide the other dogs on the trail.

• The dog that runs the fastest in the team.

• The dog that carries the most weight in the team.

• The dog that is responsible for barking at other animals.

Dogsled Team

• A group of dogs trained to pull a sled.

• A team of dogs that race in competitions.

• A group of dogs that guard a property.

• A pack of wild dogs living in the forest.

Finish Line

• The point where the race begins.

• The end of the race where mushers and their teams complete the journey.

• A checkpoint along the race route.

• The area where spectators gather to cheer.

Runners

• The two bottom pieces of the sled which come in contact with the snow.

• The top part of the sled where the driver sits.

• The part of the sled that holds the cargo.

• The mechanism that steers the sled.

Alaskan Husky

• A breed of dogs that can survive in cold climates.

• A northern breed of dogs that have the natural traits to stay healthy in Alaska’s climate.

• A small dog breed known for its agility and speed.

• A breed of dogs primarily used for herding sheep.

Booties

• Special shoes worn by the dogs to protect their paws from ice and snow.

• A type of clothing worn by humans in cold weather.

• Footwear designed for running on ice.

• A brand of dog food for winter months.

Balto

• A famous sled dog from the 1925 serum run, which inspired the Iditarod race.

• A legendary wolf known for its speed and agility.

• A popular cartoon character from a children's movie.

• A historical figure who led an expedition to the North Pole.

Gee

• Command for right turn.

• Command for left turn.

• Command to stop.

• Command to go forward.