Humans and canines on the frozen continent: An examination of the relationship between explorers of the heroic era of Antarctica and their sledge dogs

In this research, a series of case studies of heroic era (1898 to 1917) Antarctic exploration parties which included sledge dogs were examined. Eight expedition parties were investigated with a focus that accorded the sledge dogs status as actual, and reciprocating, historical actors alongside the men. The findings illuminate the seemingly contradictory roles of the sledge dogs; as expendable commodities, co-workers, shipmates and companions. Polar exploration is shown to provide an exceptional circumstance in which to examine the complexity of trans-species emotional relationships. The research contributes to the growing field of animal-human histories, and to polar historiography.