
Dog sledding is an integral part of Greenlandic culture, where it's been used for centuries as a primary mode of transportation.
The documentary highlights the importance of dog sledding in Greenland, showcasing its role in the daily lives of the Inuit people.
Dog sledding is not just a means of transportation, but also a way of life for the Inuit, who rely on the dogs for their survival.
The documentary features stunning footage of the Greenlandic landscape, showcasing the vast and unforgiving terrain that the Inuit people have learned to navigate with their dogs.
Broaden your view: Inuit Sled Dogs
The Documentary
The documentary "Sled Dogs" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of dog sledding. It shines a spotlight on the harsh realities of the sport, revealing shocking practices of mushers and trainers.
The film exposes the treatment of dogs in the industry, including being chained outside in all weather extremes, forced to run until their bodies break down, and killed if they don't meet certain standards. This is a stark contrast to the romanticized image of dog sledding often portrayed in media.
More than 150 dogs have died during the Iditarod since it began, and over 220 dogs were pulled off the trail during the 2020 race alone due to exhaustion, illness, injury, or other causes.
About The Show

The documentary "Sled Dogs" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of dog sledding. It's a compelling film that sheds light on the harsh realities of the industry.
The film focuses on the lives of mushers and their dogs, showcasing the close bond between them. The mushers featured in the film are passionate about their sport, but the documentary also reveals the darker side of the industry.
The documentary highlights the shocking treatment of dogs in the industry, including the use of "surplus" dogs who are routinely shot, bludgeoned, or abandoned. This is a stark contrast to the portrayal of dog sledding as a romanticized and idyllic sport.
The Iditarod, a 1,000-mile race, is a major focus of the documentary. It's a grueling event that pushes dogs to their limits, with many suffering exhaustion, injury, or death.
Here are some disturbing facts about the Iditarod:
- More than 150 dogs have died during the Iditarod since it began.
- During the 2020 race alone, over 220 dogs were pulled off the trail due to exhaustion, illness, injury, or other causes.
The documentary also highlights the role of women in the sport, with several female mushers featured in the film. The film shows that women are just as passionate and dedicated to the sport as their male counterparts.
Overall, "Sled Dogs" is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges viewers to think critically about the dog sledding industry. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in animal welfare and the world of sports.
Recommended read: Pitbull Dog Documentary
Irish Dog Sled Racer
Meet Misha Wilczek, the Irish dog sled racer who's been making waves in the Arctic. Misha is a member of the Irish team competing in the 2019 Arctic Circle Race.
Born in Ireland, Misha's passion for dog sledding began at a young age, influenced by her father's love for the sport.
Explore further: Dog Sledding in the Arctic
Embed Video
Embedding a video in your documentary can make a huge impact on your audience. Videos can be a powerful way to tell a story and convey information.
To embed a video, you'll need to use a video hosting platform like Vimeo or YouTube. These platforms allow you to upload and share your videos with a wide audience.
You can also use a video player plugin to embed videos directly on your website. This can be a great option if you want more control over the video player's appearance and functionality.
Some popular video player plugins include Video.js and Plyr. These plugins are easy to use and offer a range of customization options.
If you're using a video hosting platform, you can usually get a code snippet to embed the video on your website. This code snippet typically includes the video's URL, width, and height.
The Show
The Show is a documentary film that follows four sled dog racers, known as mushers, over the course of a year.
The film showcases the lives of Kelsey Beaber, Blair Braverman, Alex LaPlante, and Martha Schouweiler as they prepare for the Iditarod and other winter races.
Kelsey Beaber is just 11 years old and has already participated in her first big race, demonstrating that you're never too young to start mushing.
Blair Braverman writes about her experiences as a published author, highlighting the importance of storytelling in the sport.
Alex LaPlante runs her own veterinarian practice, which is a great complement to her racing hobby, showing that you can have multiple passions in life.
Martha Schouweiler is a 62-year-old musher who is winning races and feeling better than ever, thanks to her fitness regimen of kettle balls and rope climbing.
The film reveals what it takes to be a sled dog and a musher, showing that it's not just about the dogs, but also about the people who care for them.
Dog mushing is one of the few sports where men and women compete together, highlighting the equality and camaraderie that exists in the sport.
Sources
- https://qimmeq.ku.dk/english/news/2019/world-premiere-five-documentaries-about-the-threatened-greenlandic-dog-sled-culture/
- https://www.rte.ie/culture/2020/0611/1146847-the-dog-sled-racer-flying-the-irish-flag-documentary-on-one/
- https://www.pbs.org/video/musher-jahxdy/
- https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/award-winning-dogsledding-documentary-now-on-prime-video/
- https://www.pbs.org/show/musher/
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