"Mush!"
It's a word that immediately conjures up images of husky dogs pulling a sled through snowy Northern forests. Believed to have evolved from the French word marche (go!), mush is a command that's reserved for the toughest of travellers.
It began with the first Aboriginal people that inhabited Northern Canada thousands of years ago. Their lives depended on their ability to perform everyday tasks no matter how bad the weather was—and dogs were an essential helping hand.
From hauling a hunter's kill back to the village to transporting people and supplies across great distances, these remarkable dogs also played a key role in locating potential prey and protecting their masters from would-be attackers. They were perfectly adapted for cold climates and completed their tasks with minimal nourishment and energy output.
Today, the spirit of these original canines lives on in the Canadian Eskimo Dog and the better-known Siberian Husky. But a number of other breeds have emerged as this ancient form of transportation continues to gain popularity as a recreational activity and competitive sport. For the true northern adventurer, dog sledding is the only way to go!