Pumpkin - Mushing question

[DogPaddle]

I have a probably dumb question for you.
I have seen dogs mushing singly, in teams of 2,4,6,8 and 12. There are probably 10s but I haven't come across them. So here is my question: Are there different types of races that generally use more or less dogs? Is the number just set by the race organizers? Are activities like recreational day mushing or camp trips by dogsled more likely to use a different number of dogs?
Ok, I guess thats questions but anyway perhaps you can help me out.

[Pumpkin the musher]

Most races have a set number of dogs you can use- for instance, I do mostly 6 dog mid distance, and most rules state that you can have no more than six but no less than 4 or in some cases 5 dogs. Sprint racing is the same, mostly classes of 4,6,8 and then open class, which can have teams of up to 22 dogs :o . In races like the Iditarod, Yukon Quest and the Beargrease, most racers start with 14 to 18 dogs, dropping some at checkpoints, leaving some to finish with as few as 6 dogs. The Iditarod gives awards to mushers who finish with the same number of dogs they started with, usually a tremendous accomplishment. Dogs are dropped for all sorts of reasons including sore feet, tired, and sometimes if the musher wants to go faster, droppong a slower dog will actually speed up your team. There is obviously allot of info, so if you are stillcurious, check out Sled dog Centralgreat site with lots of info
The link below is for some pics of open class teams. Very impressive!
[http://www.sleddogcentral.com/results04/alaska/rondy_photos.htm

[DogPaddle]

Thanks Pumpkin. I will have to spend some time on that site. Great pics.

[courtnek]

Pumpkin, I HAVE to ask this. I know you treat your dogs well, and care for them. But I have heard horror stories about Iditarod....that owners dont care for the dogs, let them mush even though injured, even put them down if they prove "unprofitable" to their race. I have also heard that there are vets, warming stations, resting stations, for the dogs, and that the musher is supposed to bust his ass to make sure the dogs are well.

which is the true story? I have watched Iditarod on TV, and they always show the mushers taking excellent care of the dogs. But the rumor of non-care, and only caring about the win, persists.

Thanks.

sorry....

:o :o :o

[Pumpkin the musher]

With the amount of time, money and energy it takes just to qualifyfor the Iditarod, no musher could afford to mistreat their dogs. Yes,dogs have died in the race- moose attacks and a disorder called myopathy have claimed some, but these dogs live to run-it is impossible to make them run if they don't want to. You can't just go up and enter the race- you must finish qualifying races to prove that you can take care of yourself and your dogs.