a good sleddog keeps a tight tugline at all times when harnessed and in motion, evidence that he is actively pulling his share of the load.
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Endurance
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a good sleddog will maintaining satisfactory speed and pulling power throughout the duration of the longest runs for which he has been conditioned.
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Speed
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Speed is not an absolute; it is a relative matter entirely. In general, selection is in favour of the faster dog, provided that pulling ability and endurance are also present.
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Attitude and Determination
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a good sleddog displays a positive mental and emotional attitude towards his work. Selection favours the dog who refuses to quit no matter how bad conditions get and keeps going no matter what happens. He does not pick fights with other dogs or dogs in the team.
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Born sleddog
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a born sleddog pulls the first time he is harnessed, which may be as young as 4 or 5 months. He does not need to be taught to pull or "broken" to harness.
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Intelligence
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a good sleddog displays an intelligent orientation to his work. He avoids obstacles, he avoids line tangles or tries to clear them for himself when they occur, he is aware of the driver's presence, he listens for and expects verbal commands, he responds intelligently to new and unfamiliar situations.
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Trainability
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a good sleddog responds quickly and positively to learn commands or procedures, even to assist with his own harnessing and unharnessing, lineout etc..
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Co-operation
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a good sleddog is highly co-operative. He attempts to discern his driver's desires. He obeys commands. In unfamiliar situations he looks to his driver for guidance and attempts to comply with what is asked of him.
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Bonding
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a good sleddog bonds strongly to his owners or drivers. He displays overt affection and dependence. He desires the company of his human masters. In return for his food, care and training he offers love, companionship and loyalty.
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Eating and Drinking
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a good sleddog eats with a good appetite whenever food is offered and drinks plentifully and reliably, without going off his feed or refusing to drink due to the stress of working.
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Movement
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a good sleddog displays qualities of physique, proportion, musculature and innervation which result in a smooth and efficient working movement at any gait or speed. In particular the fast pace and Canter is essential.
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Metabolism
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a good sleddog is metabolically efficient. He functions well on small quantities of high-energy food. His physical exertion is efficient. His rest/recovery cycle is rapid. Given correct conditioning and nutrition, he is able to work and to continue working indefinitely in a stable work, rest, food and recovery cycle.
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Climate Hardiness
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a good sleddogs coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. The feet are large, toes tight fitting and well arched. There is a protective growth of hair between the toes. The pads are thick and tough, toenails short and strong. Eyes are almond shaped and of medium size. stoicism in the face of pain or discomfort, and his metabolism render him capable of living and working in the climatic extremes of arctic and subarctic environments.
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