Sled dogs or sledge dogs are highly trained types of dog that are used to pull a sled, a wheel-less vehicle on runners also called a sledge or sleigh, over snow or ice, by means of harnesses and lines.
Dog-sledding has become a popular winter recreation and sport in North America and Europe. Several distinct dog breeds have been specifically bred for the purpose of pulling sleds, and there is also a long history of using other breeds or crossbreeds as sled dogs. There are two main qualities that are expected in sled dogs: endurance and speed. Racing sled dogs will travel up to an average 20 mph (32 km/h) over distances up to 25 mi (40 km).
