Sled Dogs

Sled Dogs is a compelling 2016 documentary film directed by Fern Levitt that digs deeper into the underbelly of the Dog Sled racing world. Through the film's scope, the audience gets to see beyond the thrill, excitement, and camaraderie often associated with this popular winter sport.

Set against the expansive and breathtaking landscape of Alaska and Canada, Sled Dogs takes its starting point during the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Known as the celebrated annual event where mushers and their sled dogs cover about a thousand miles of grueling, ice-laden tracks in sub-zero temperatures, the Iditarod serves as a magnet attracting global media attention, spectators, and enthusiasts from around the world. Right from the start, the documentary captures the intensity of the environment, the extreme weather, and the significant distances that humans and dogs travel together.

The film purposefully mirrors the dogs' varying experiences -- from those involved in racing competitions, to dogs at commercial sledding operations, and even those who are rescued and rehabilitated. By doing so, Sled Dogs presents a broader perspective of the sled dog culture beyond the icy race tracks.

Director Fern Levitt takes viewers on a gripping journey that exposes the less glamorous side of the sport, one often hidden from the glossy tourist brochures and jubilant race annals. The director uses a combination of compelling narratives, disturbing footage, interviews with kennel owners, whistleblowers, activists, and veterinarians, and comparison of laws and regulations across various regions to present a multi-faceted take on the sled dog industry. Through this, she unveils the harrowing secrets behind the celebration and passion associated with dog sledding.

In the film, we primarily follow four different stories that serve as the documentary's dynamic center. The viewers are introduced to the retired sled dogs living a second life, those still actively on musher teams, kennel owners with distinctly different views on their furry athletes, and the emotional journey of activists trying to change the system.

Undoubtedly, the documentary is not an easy watch. It exposes a darker reality that challenges the viewer's perceptions about the treatment of dogs in the sled racing industry. Its profound and thought-provoking exploration includes intense themes of animal abuse, neglect, overworking, and, at the worst, euthanasia of surplus sled dogs.

It also brings to the forefront a breed of dog – the Alaskan Husky, bred specifically for endurance and speed in these races, revealing the physical strain these dogs endure. There is extensive focus on the training and conditioning of these dogs, raising questions about the ethical limits of their treatment. Levitt interviews racers, handlers, breeders, and veterinarians who offer #diverse insights -- from those who view their dogs as family members, to those who strictly consider them working animals, offering a nuanced view of this debate.

Tackling such a contentious subject, Sled Dogs is a brave and ambitious film which balances its narrative with heart-warming stories of dogs who have been given a second chance in rescue homes and the dedicated individuals who devote their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of these dogs.

The cinematography of the film is stunning with sweeping icy landscapes and close-ups of the expressive dogs that cannot tell their own stories. The visual narrative, mixed with an emotive background score, adds to the entire experience, making it as beautiful as it is poignant.

Away from the adrenaline and charm of this so-called 'last great race on Earth', Sled Dogs is a compelling documentary that shines a spotlight on the dark corners of the industry and advocates for a reconsideration of norms and practices for the welfare of these dogs. It urges the audience to question the harsh realities that exist behind the scenes of what's typically presented as a thrilling and exciting spectacle.

In summation, Sled Dogs serves as an eye-opening piece of cinema that is an absolute must-watch for animal lovers, activists, and those inquisitive about the underreported aspects of popular sports.