Do mushers make their living running sled dogs?
$68,000 is a lot of money to win in a dog sled race, and that money could definitely support a regular family for a year. However, the money can’t support both a family and a large kennel of dogs requiring the best food and care possible every day. In other words, the prize money that mushers win helps to support the dogs, but is not enough to make a living. Most mushers view their lives with the dogs as a hobby, and focus considerable time on earning the money necessary to support the dogs. Some mushers, however, are fortunate to have generous sponsors who provide money, dog food, and other services, allowing these mushers to use their race winnings to support their families. Other mushers use their dogs as a source of income with tour businesses that provide dog sled rides and tours to the public.
