Listmania!
Ultimate in dog sledding movies
By an Amazon.com customer
Snow DogsSnow Dogs
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $1.94
The first of Disney's "Big Three." Loosely based on the book 'Winterdance' by Gary Paulson. One of the most popular mushing movies. DJ, the dog who plays Demon, went on to star as Max in 'Eight Below.' Features Siberian huskies and a Border collie.
Iron WillIron Will
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $5.00
Number 2 of the "Big Three." The dog who played Gus was actually piebald (white with black patches)but was colored all white for the film. Siberians and malamutes make up the teams.
Eight Below (Full Screen Edition)Eight Below (Full Screen Edition)
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $1.94
Last of the "Big Three." Over 30 dogs were used to portray the original eight, some of which were rescued from animal shelters. Remake of the movie "Antarctica," which was said to have been extremely abusive to its' animal actors (i.e. if a dog had to fall over a cliff for a scene, the dog was actually thown off, then filmed). Shows 6 Siberians and 2 malamutes.
BaltoBalto
Buy used from: $24.86
Loosely based on actual events that took place in 1925. However, the real Balto was not part wolf, and many teams transported the serum in a relay, not just one team. Dogs are described genarically as 'huskies.'
Stone Fox [VHS]Stone Fox [VHS]
Buy used from: $16.65
Based on the book, which the movie follows pretty closely. Kleenex warning for the ending! The main dog is described as a Briard mix, plus Siberians and a team of Samoyeds.
Kayla: A Cry in the WildernessKayla: A Cry in the Wilderness
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $0.84
A boy adopts an Alaskan malamute to train for a dog team. Based on the book "Three Dog Winter." Includes some skijoring scenes. Shows a malamute, Siberians, and a German shepherd.
Toby McTeagueToby McTeague
Buy new: $14.95 / Used from: $1.99
Fairly good plot, but if rough handling of dogs bothers you, skip this one. In one scene Toby is portrayed beating a dog for being disobedient. Shows Alaskan huskies.
The Call of the WildThe Call of the Wild
Buy used from: $3.27
One of many, many retellings of Jack London's book. This one also shows rough handling of dogs. It gets points, though, for being historically accurate in the way the dogs are hitched to the sled, one in front of the other rather than in pairs as is typical today. Buck and Spitz are German shepherds, while their team mates are Siberians and malamutes. Also shows a pointer, briefly.
The Call of the Wild - Dog of the Yukon (1997) [VHS]The Call of the Wild - Dog of the Yukon (1997) [VHS]
Buy used from: $22.94
This one is probably the best retelling over all. Fairly true to the novel,many lines are straight out of the book. The dogs are shown in a single file hook up and in tandem. Buck is a Leonberger,with several other breeds and mixes making up his team mates. Siberian huskies play both sled dogs and 'wolves.' Definitely my favorite version. If you can find a copy,it's well worth it.
Call of the WildCall of the Wild
Buy used from: $6.58
Another version, anime style. This one actually is closest to the book (except for the ending)in that the movie's focus is on Buck rather than the people who own him. Also gives screen time to his team mates, Sol-Leks, Billy, Joe, Dave and others including Thornton's dogs Skeet and Nig. Buck looks like a German shepherd and the team mates are simply called "huskies."
Kavik the Wolf DogKavik the Wolf Dog
Buy new: $4.98 / Used from: $0.40
Doesn't show much dog sledding, only at the beginning, really. Based on the classic book by Walt Morey. Kavik is a German shepherd, and the other dogs appear to be Alaskan huskies.
Due South: The Ultimate Collection - Three Complete SeasonsDue South: The Ultimate Collection - Three Complete Seasons
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $29.99
A great series with lots of action and humor. Canadian mountie Benton Fraser is teamed up with Deifenbaker, who is a purebred Siberian husky (although they insist on calling him "half wolf"). Several episodes feature sled dogs, and one crook even makes a getaway by skijor team. Almost all the dogs are Siberians.
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon: The Complete 1st SeasonSergeant Preston of the Yukon: The Complete 1st Season
Buy used from: $19.89
The first season, followed by two others. Sergeant Preston is always teamed up with Alaskan malamute Yukon King. Only some episodes show dog sledding, but King is in every one. Most of the dogs shown are malamutes.
White FangWhite Fang
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $4.99
Also doesn't show much sledding. Doesn't follow the book very well either but it's still an enjoyable movie. White Fang is played by Jed, a wolf/malamute mix. Also shows wolves, wolf dogs, Alaskan huskies, a Saint Bernard (named Buck, incidently) and an American pit bull terrier.
Silver Wolf [Slim Case]Silver Wolf [Slim Case]
Buy used from: $3.24
Skijoring here rather than mushing.