What temperatures are too warm or too cold for the dogs?
Sled dogs are amazingly adapted to living and performing in cold climates. They have a thick layer of outer guard hairs that protect against wind and water, and then a dense inner layer of fur similar to wool that acts as insulation. This insulating layer is shed out every summer and then re-grown at the start of winter. In fact, some people spin sled dog fur into yarn and makes hats, pillows, and other items that are extremely soft and warm. The dogs also are very well adapted in terms of their physiology. Dogs don’t lose heat through their skin as we humans do. To cool themselves, they pant and sweat a little through their feet, but nowhere else. Also, the dogs have metabolisms that allow them to efficiently digest fats, allowing their “furnaces” to run hotter and keep them warmer. This means that the dogs are capable of surviving at temperatures below -60oF without problem. However, this also requires a considerable amount of energy, so mushers give the dogs coats to wear when to he
