Siberian Huskies
This breed has its origins in the Chukchi breed line of the Siberian Arctic of some 3000 years ago. Siberians are well known as a working dogs, pulling sleds great distances and herding reindeer. They can weigh up to 60 pounds. Their strong, rigid bodies are covered by a thick, medium coat that comes in a variety of colors.The Siberian Husky is actually one of the oldest dogs in history, developed about a half million years ago by the Siberian people, the Chukchi. Although the Chukchi lived inland, they had to travel to the sea to hunt, and needed strong dogs that could pull sleds full of meat back home once the hunt was over. They are descended from the original "sled dog" breeds, as are the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed. The word "Husky" comes from the nickname "Esky," a derivation of the word "Eskimo." The Siberian Husky has developed a very strong bond with children over the generations, and thus today remains a wonderful pet for families with children. These dogs are patient and loving, and extremely playful. Taken care of by Chukchi women, the dogs were always around children and became very close and protective of them as a result.
Beginning in 1908, dogs of this type were imported into Alaska over the next two decades to serve as sled dogs during the gold rush there. They also became famous for endurance distance dogsled races, especially the Nome Sweepstakes. Competitions were held from 1909 to the mid-1920s, and the Siberian Husky usually dominated.
In addition to their athleticism as historically portrayed by these competitions and their general use as sled dogs, Siberian Huskies were upheld as heroes, most especially once they became famous for saving an entire town. In 1925, Nome, Alaska was hit with an outbreak of diphtheria in the midst of winter when travel was otherwise impossible, and the only way to get life-saving antitoxin to the townspeople was by sled dog. Twenty mushers worked in relay to bring the medicine from Anchorage to Nome in a 700-mile trek over six days' time, in frigid temperatures that remained at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit below zero. Feat accomplished, the dogs themselves became heroes – and the Siberian Husky was cemented in people's minds as a breed that was relentless and selfless.
In 1930, Siberian Husky exports were stopped as the Soviet government closed Siberian borders to outside trade. Also in 1930, the American Kennel Club recognized the Siberian Husky, and the breed was registered in Canada nine years later. Most Siberian Huskies in North America today are descendants of Leonhard Seppala's dogs, the same dogs that covered much of the run to Nome, Alaska with the diphtheria antitoxin in 1925.
Appearance
The Siberian Husky is often mistakenly thought to be related to the wolf because of its wolf-like appearance. Majestic, powerful, yet medium-sized, these relatively small dogs weigh between 35 and 60 pounds in adulthood and stand 22 to 23 and a half inches at the shoulder.
The Siberian Husky has an exceedingly thick coat to withstand subzero temperatures – but this coat also similarly protects Huskies who are raised in hot environments. The coat is comprised of a thick undercoat and then a soft outer coat that can be a variety of colors. What is often a white face mask with pure white or pure black coat, with or without markings, coat colors on the back can include red and white; black and white; sable and white; gray; silver; gray and white; red orange with black tips; piebald; and dark gray and white. Eyes can be blue, brown, amber, or hazel, and many dogs have eyes that are half blue and half brown, or will have one blue and one brown eye. Ears are erect and triangular, and the tail curves over the back.The feet resemble large "snow shoes" with hair between the toes to keep them warm and help with traction on ice.Occasionally, the usually medium-length double coat is long instead, which is called a "woolly coat." This is from a recessive gene and is not part of the written standard.