The History of Military Working Dogs in Alaska

Join host Michele Forto as she discusses the fascinating history of military working dogs in Alaska on Mushing. 

 Did you know that sled dogs played a pivotal role in World War II and today we are going to learn the fascinating history of these dogs and how it was not long after the war that organizations such as the Alaska Dog Mushers Association and Alaskan Sled Dog and Racing Association were established. At the same time, races such as the North American Championship sled dog derby and the Fur Rondy Open World Championship Sled Dog Race were started.

It was into this world of dogs and racing that enlisted airborne instructor and World War II veteran Joe Redington Sr., Father of the Iditarod, arrived in Alaska in 1948.