Siberian Husky: A Powerful Sled Dog
Where Did The Siberian Husky Come From?
The forerunners of the Siberian Husky arrived in Nome, Alaska, in 1909, near the end of the Nome Gold Rush. The breed was developed in the Chukchi Peninsula of Siberia by a nomadic people called Chukchi. The Chukchi bred the Husky for companionship and pulled sleds over the long distances they traveled. In Alaska, they were initially used as sled dogs and gained fame for their ability to run long distances.
The Siberian Husky became world-famous in 1925 when an outbreak of [wiki]diphtheria[/wiki] hit Nome. A vaccine for diphtheria was available then, but the supply in Nome was outdated. The town doctor had ordered new vaccines. However, the new supplies did not arrive before the port was frozen, making delivery by ship impossible. The town sent a radio telegram asking for help.
Is Siberian Husky a good family dog?
The Siberian Husky is usually good-natured with everyone and can make a great family dog. They are playful, athletic, agile, and love the great outdoors. Siberian Huskies require vigorous exercise, especially in cool weather, and should be taken running, hiking, and biking every day while on a leash.
They are independent and born to run, so regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being. With proper training and socialization from an early age, Siberian Huskies can make loyal and loving additions to families who have an active lifestyle and enjoy spending time outdoors. It is important to note that the individual personality and needs of each dog can vary, so it is recommended to research and consider the specific needs and temperament of the Siberian Husky breed before deciding if they would make a good fit for your family.
There were only a few airplanes in Alaska in 1925, and none were readily available to make the dangerous flight to Nome. So, the best option for the town was to organize a dogsled relay for a trip of 674 miles from the city of [wiki]Nenana, Alaska[/wiki]. Supplies of the diphtheria vaccine were sent to Nenana from Anchorage by railroad.
The winter of 1925 was freezing, even for Alaska. Fortunately, the Siberian Husky has a thick double coat that protects it in extremely low temperatures. A team of about 20 mushers and 150 Siberian Huskies made the 674-mile trip under extreme weather conditions in 5 and 1/2 days, most likely saving the town of Nome from a deadly pandemic.
Several mushers suffered severe injuries from the bitter cold, and many dogs died during the arduous trip. The last part of the famous [wiki]Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race[/wiki] covers the path used in the 1925 “Great Race of Mercy.”
What Siberian Huskies Look Like?
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized 35 to 60-pound spitz-type dog breed. They have a thick coat of dense undercoat and a longer outer coat of thick straight hair. Their fur is denser than most other dog breeds and protects them from the sub-zero winter temperatures of the far north.
Siberian coats come in several colors, including black, white, brown, gray, sable, and red. Most colors are combined with white. They shed twice a year and will need frequent brushing to remove the loose hair. Because they are very clean, they only need an occasional bath.
Their eye is almond-shaped. They usually have blue or brown eyes, although sometimes they have one of each color. The coloration does not affect their vision. Occasionally, their eyes will be particolored ([wiki]heterochromia[/wiki]).
The Siberian is smaller than well-known sled dogs, such as the Alaskan Malamute and Canadian Eskimo Dog.
Are Siberian Huskies Aggressive?
You will not find many other dogs breeds less aggressive than the Siberian Husky. They produced this dog to work in packs while pulling sleds and be a companion to its humans when not working. Consequently, it is very friendly to both animals and humans. It probably will not even be a good watchdog, as it doesn’t bark. It may howl once in a while, however.
Siberians rank number 45 (out of 79) in Stanley Coren’s book, “The Intelligence of Dogs,” which indicates they are average regarding how difficult they are to train. Housetraining them, however, is not so difficult. They are excellent family dogs, playful, and very good with kids and other family pets. They are friendly, tolerant of children, and have an independent side; some might say stubborn.
In the distant past, the ancestors of Siberian Huskies were allowed to roam freely during the summers in Siberia. They hunted in packs for whatever they could catch to eat. This past may be why they seem to have a passion for escaping. You will need a high fence in your backyard, as the Siberian can quickly get over a 6-foot wall. And, it would be best if you ensured they can’t tunnel under the fence because they are excellent diggers.
Are Siberian Huskies Healthy?
Because of the small gene pool, there is some concern that Siberians may be vulnerable to the [wiki]founders effect[/wiki]. For this reason, breeders should have their dogs tested before using them in a breeding program. Protective buyers should only get a dog from a reputable breeder.
Siberian Huskies have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years and should be healthy for most of their life. The Siberians in the United States have descended from dogs imported to Alaska in the 1930s by [wiki]Leonhard Seppala[/wiki]. Seppala was one of the mushers in the Nome serum “Great Race of Mercy” in 1925, and his dog [wiki]Togo (dog)[/wiki] was a great hero of that endeavor. Togo was 12 years old and lived to a relatively ripe old dog age of 16.
Are Siberian Huskies Expensive?
Siberian Husky puppies will likely cost around $1,000, give or take a few bucks. Premium puppies can go upwards of $5,000 or more. Of course, a puppy with an outstanding pedigree may cost much more.
Where Can I Buy A Siberian Husky?
The Siberian Husky is a famous dog in the United States and ranks 14 on the AKC’s most popular list. Unfortunately, some owners get more “dogs” than they bargained for, which has increased the number of Siberians abandoned or placed in shelters. The Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. is an excellent place to start looking for a Siberian Husky to buy, adopt, or find a rescue dog. Another website to consider is Adopt-a-Pet.com.
If you are an experienced dog owner and have the time to train, supervise, and play with your dog, the Siberian Husky will not disappoint you.
Conclusion
The Siberian Husky is an active, independent, and playful breed that gets along fairly well with other dogs and pets. They are outgoing toward strangers and are not known for being good guard dogs due to their friendly nature. The Siberian Husky can make a great companion for owners who enjoy outdoor and active lifestyles. However, they require regular exercise, mental stimulation, consistent training, and socialization from an early age. With the right care and attention, the Siberian Husky can make a loyal and loving addition to a family.