Which animal is closely associated with the Iditarod race?

The animal closely associated with the Iditarod race is the husky. This breed, specifically the Alaskan Husky, is highly valued for its endurance, speed, and ability to thrive in harsh Arctic conditions, making them ideal for long-distance sledding. The Iditarod itself is a grueling long-distance race that covers roughly 1,000 miles of rugged terrain, and the performance of the teams of sled dogs is critical to success.

Siberian Huskies, in particular, have been historically bred for sled pulling, and many teams in the Iditarod use this breed to harness their natural abilities. On the other hand, while Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds are also strong sled dog breeds, they are less commonly used in competitive racing events like the Iditarod. Beagles, on the other hand, are not suited for sledding and are primarily known as scent hounds used for hunting. Thus, huskies are undeniably the most iconic and related breed to this historic and challenging race.