The International Canine Federation (FCI) recognizes several breeds of sled dogs. They are the Alaskan Malamute, Greenlandic, Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Canadian Eskimo or ‘Qimmiq’ and Yakutian Laika. However, mushers have a long tradition of using other breeds (greyhounds, hunting dogs) and of crossbreeding to increase the racing performances. This is the case with the Alaskan Husky or Alaskan, the oldest line of cross dogs that dates back to the 19th century and has been constantly improving since then. He is the preferred dog for racing today.