A new genetic study finds that Alaskan sled dogs, the mutts that pull sleds, are actually their own breed. Despite coming in all sizes, coat lengths, and ear shapes. The people who breed Alaskan sled dogs feel free to mix in any other dogs they want. They aren’t making purebreds, like a poodle breeder would. But still, the genetic signature – the doggy essence – that all those all those dogs share is Alaskan sled dog. (Not, as the researchers expected, Siberian husky or Alaskan malamute.) Read all about it in my ScienceNOW story.

Photo: Heather Huson