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Dog Sled RacesIn the shadows of the Grand Tetons -
Rich in History"It is our sincere wish that the World shall be acquainted with the history of the American Dog Derby." - 1947 race program -
The Oldest All-American Dog Sled Race
February 20-21, 2026
From 1917 when Tud Kent won the first American Dog Derby during a blinding blizzard to this year’s races, the running of the dogs in Ashton is an exciting event rich in history. There are 5 different races offered and a start/finish line full of activities including a celebrity race, a snowshoe race, and a weight pull in which spectators and their dogs can compete. Read more about the historical American Dog Derby's past
There are different races offered and a start/finish line full of activities including a celebrity race, a snowshoe race, and a weight pull in which spectators and their dogs can compete.
Sponsor the American Dog Derby
Find out how you can help keep this piece of Idaho History alive.
Proceeds go toward musher purse and race expenses
News and Announcements
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Schedule of Events
THURSDAY
- 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Soup Challenge at the Community Center $2.00 per person
FRIDAY
- 8:30 a.m. Main Races start on Main Street or Bear Gulch leaving at 2-minute intervals
- Noon - 2 p.m. approximately teams return to town
SATURDAY
- 8:30 a.m. Main Races again start on Main Street
- 9:30 a.m. Registration for kid's snowshoe race and mutt race. Bring your dog to enter the Mutt Race. You can also enter the weight pull. You need to be registered for each race at least 1/2 hour before the race begins. Please keep dogs leashed while you wait your turn for the mutt race and weight pull. If you have a female in heat, please leave her home.
- 10:30 a.m. Snowshoe Race begins on Main Street
- 11:00 a.m. (approx) Mutt Race begins on Main Street
- 12:30 p.m. Weight Pull
- 2 p.m. (approx) Awards Ceremony at the Start/Finish line
Sponsors
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