The management of sledge dogs in the Antarctic

Abstract

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has relied on sledge dogs as the main form of transport for field parties since its predecessor, the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS), imported them in 1945, when it created a permanent presence on the continent. Over the years dogs have been used for extensive work over a very wide area. In 1975 BAS changed its policy with respect to work in the southern Antarctic Peninsula. In future seasons scientists will not winter in this area but will be flown to Adelaide Island and then into the field. They will carry out more detailed scientific work in particular areas of interest. This means that it is no longer practical to maintain huskies on base as they could not be kept fit and well disciplined during the winter for a short summer season. The scientists, similarly, could not be expected to learn to work the dogs efficiently in the time available, and the change in the nature of their work means that they will not move camp so frequently. The dogs, since they must be fed even if they are resting, would be uneconomic in such a situation. Finally, most of the work will be in areas that are thought to be safe so the dogs will not be needed to probe for crevasses. In future seasons BAS will rely on skidoos for field work (Figs 1 and 2).

The Birch Creek Canids and Dogs as Transport Labor in the Intermountain West

“…Whereas archaeological research into dog labor is scarce, several studies tied to different goals provided useful data, especially for sled dogs. One study demonstrated that sled dogs averaging 39 kg (85.98 lb) in body mass and acting as a group could pull as much as 115 kg (253.53 lb) each but required frequent rests (Taylor 1955; cited by Bostelmann 1975). Loads of 45 kg (99.21 lb) per animal (115% of body mass) were found more reasonable (Taylor 1955; cited by Bostelmann 1975), and the most efficient load for rapid-transport sled dogs was only 23 kg (50.71 lb, 58.97% of body mass; US War Department 1994).…”

“…One study demonstrated that sled dogs averaging 39 kg (85.98 lb) in body mass and acting as a group could pull as much as 115 kg (253.53 lb) each but required frequent rests (Taylor 1955; cited by Bostelmann 1975). Loads of 45 kg (99.21 lb) per animal (115% of body mass) were found more reasonable (Taylor 1955; cited by Bostelmann 1975), and the most efficient load for rapid-transport sled dogs was only 23 kg (50.71 lb, 58.97% of body mass; US War Department 1994). These data indicate sled dogs can move extremely large loads (e.g., 115 kg, 253.53 lb or 294.87% of body mass) but do so in teams and in snowy or icy conditions, which reduce friction.…”