Wonderful World Of Huskies

The Siberian Husky, Samoyed, and Alaskan Malamute are all breeds directly descended from the original "sled dog." Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest breeds of dog as can be seen with the Alaskan Malamute.

In this breed of canine, the word "husky" derives from Inuit tribes called "huskies", named by Caucasians who made early expeditions into their lands. The word "Siberian" in this breed's name is derived from Siberia itself, because it is thought that Eskimo or sled dogs were used to cross the land bridge of the Bering Straight on the way into, or out of, Alaska, though this theory is continuously disputed by scholars. Breeds descending from the Eskimo dog were once found throughout the Northern Hemisphere from Siberia to Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Labrador, and Baffin Island.

With the help of Siberian Huskies, entire tribes of peoples were able to not only survive, but push forth into terra incognita. Admiral Robert Peary of the United States Navy was aided by this breed during his expeditions in search of the North Pole. The Siberian Husky's role in this feat cannot be over estimated.

Dogs from the Anadyr River and surrounding regions were imported into Alaska from 1908 (and for the next two decades) during the gold rush for use as sled dogs, especially in the "All-Alaska Sweepstakes", a 408 mile (657 km) distance dog sled race from Nome to Candle and back. Smaller, faster and more enduring than the 100 to 120 pound (45 to 54 kg) freighting dogs then in general use, they immediately dominated the Nome Sweepstakes. Leonhard Seppala, the foremost breeder of Siberian Huskies of the time, participated in competitions from 1909 to the mid 1920s.

On February 2, 1925 Gunnar Kaasen was first in the 1925 serum run to Nome whom delivered diphtheria serum from Nenana over 600 miles to Nome. This was a group effort comprised of several sled dog teams and mushers. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race commemorates this famous delivery. The event is also loosely depicted in the 1995 animated film Balto, as the name of Gunnar Kaasen's lead dog in his sled team was named Balto. In honor of this lead dog a bronze statue was erected at Central Park in New York City. The epitaph upon it is inscribed with

Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of a stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance--fidelity--intelligence

In 1930 the last Siberians were exported as the Soviet government closed the borders of Siberia to external trade. The same year saw recognition of the Siberian Husky by the American Kennel Club. Nine years later the breed was first registered in Canada. Today's Siberian Huskies registered in North America are largely the descendants of the 1930 Siberia imports and of Leonhard Seppala's dogs.

Siberian Huskies are still used occasionally as sled dogs in dogsled racing but have been widely replaced by the more popular Alaskan Husky and hound-type crossbreeds that are specially bred and selected for speed and have less heavy coats. Freight Siberian Huskies were selectively bred to pull a medium load over long distances at a medium pace, and simply can't keep up with their faster counterparts. Siberians are still popular in races restricted to purebreds and are faster than other pure sled dog breeds such as the Samoyed and the slower but much stronger Alaskan Malamute. Today the breed tends to divide along lines of "racing" Siberians versus "show" Siberians.

Apart from dog sled racing -- they are very popular for recreational mushing and are also used for skijoring (one to three dogs pulling a skier) and European ski-pulka. A few owners use them for dog-packing and hiking. They have also seen use as therapy dogs.

In the United Kingdom, husky racing on forest tracks using specially designed tricycles, known as rigs, instead of sledges is popular during the winter

Because the Siberian Husky is a working breed, is is a high-energy dog that requires a lot of exercise. This breed is one that needs early socialization and training, in addition to an exercise and training schedule that is kept up throughout the dogs life time.

In the year 2000, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention performed a study that resulted in about 15 human fatalities attributed the husky-type dogs, excluding the Alaskan Malamute, that resulted between the years 1979 and 1997.

So, if this isn't enough to persuade you into proper training, I don't know what else is. Just remember that an untrained, unexercised dog is one that will create problems later in his/her life. As a puppy, the behavioral problems may be cute, but as an adult, probably not.

When training a Siberian husky remember that the breed is both gentle and devoted, but stubborn, as well.

The breed can easily become a dominant dog if not trained otherwise. So, do keep up basic training and commands such as sit, stay, wait, come, and leave it.

Digging is probably one of the more common behavioral concerns with huskies. It is attributed to their past lives, in which they dug holes in the snow for places to sleep. For the most part huskies will dig when and where they please. If you provide the dog with a place that he can dig, you will cut down the dog's digging problem. (Well, you'll cut down the holes throughout your yard.)

Running away is another problem that you risk. Because the breed has a built in need to roam, the dog is prone to escape fence, leashes, and open doors. Make sure to keep the dog in a confined area. Keep gates locked close. Close doors tightly behind you. Make sure that collars cannot be slipped and leashes are held tight.

Because of a their striking looks and generally friendly disposition, Huskies are often an attractive option for those who are unfamiliar with the unique requirements of the breed. As a result, Huskies are often adopted into homes that are ill-equiped or unwilling to cope with the responsibility of such a unique and demanding breed. Huskies are attractive, athletic, and friendly. But unlike some breeds of similar size, Huskies will react to neglect and lack of exercise through destructive behavior and frequent (and often successful) attempts to escape. Huskies are not a good fit for low-energy households, or those with limited access to safe, enclosed spaces for proper exercise. Huskies are much better in all circumstances when raised by one owner and stay with that owner. Please Do your research before getting this breed