Overview
The Kamchatka Sled Dog comes from the Kamchatka peninsula, where indigenous peoples relied on dog teams for transport across snow and ice. It is a large, powerful spitz-type dog with a dense double coat, strong shoulders and the deep chest of a draught animal. It was nearly lost in the Soviet period and is now being rebuilt by enthusiasts, so you are unlikely to meet many.
Sled dogs share a temperament: friendly with people, team-oriented with other dogs, and driven to run and pull. They are not guard dogs and not particularly interested in obedience for its own sake.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day of real exercise, ideally including pulling or running. Canicross, bikejor or a weighted harness walk gives them the job they were bred for. Ordinary lead walks need to be long and brisk.
Heat is the enemy. In a British summer, walk very early or late, keep it short and carry water.
On the walk
- Pulling: Expect a dog that leans into the harness constantly. This is what it was bred for, so manage it with equipment rather than trying to train it out on a walk.
- Recall: Poor in most sled types. They run forward and keep going. Secure areas only.
- Other dogs: Generally sociable, used to living in a team. Can be rough in play with smaller dogs.
- Wildlife: Many have a prey drive and will chase. Keep the line on near livestock and wildlife.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a proper pulling harness and a bungee lead if the owner has one; it saves your shoulders.
- Choose cold, early mornings in summer and skip the walk in heatwaves.
- Check pads after road work; sled dogs are used to snow, not tarmac.
- Expect a heavy spring moult and plenty of hair in the van.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog pull in harness, and is there equipment it is used to?
- What recall, if any, does it have, and where do you let it run?
- How does it cope with warm weather, and when do you cancel walks?