Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a dog of the northern Spitz type. It was originally developed in northern Siberia region to pull sleds over the icy terrain. It is a compact, muscular, powerful dog, not as stocky as many other northern breeds. Its movement is graceful, its bearing noble. The Siberian Husky stands about 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. It possesses an unusually thick, luxurious double coat. The outer layer is of medium length and made up of coarse guard hairs which deflect snow, dirt and other harsh elements of a rugged northern environment. The undercoat is dense and woolly, and made to insulate the dog from sub-freezing temperatures. The color pattern of the coat gives the Siberian Husky a wolf-like appearance; it appears in a wide range of color combinations, from black and white, to sable and fawn, to gray and white, to red and white. There is often a pronounced dark mask over the eyes and white markings on face, underbelly, legs, paws and tail. The Siberian Husky has high-set, triangular prick ears. Its tail is bushy and carried high over the back and curled. Feet are strong, heavily padded and fur-insulated. The eyes of the Siberian Husky are often quite striking. They may be amber, blue, or brown. In some individuals the eyes are of different colors (heterochromia). There is frequently a black line of fur around the eyes which gives a sort of eyeliner effect, contrasting with and emphasizing their color. The expression is alert, intelligent and friendly. The Siberian Husky was first developed as a working companion to the Chukchi people of north-eastern Siberia. The Chukchi were a semi-nomadic tribe which used their powerful sled dogs to help transport supplies over long distances in demanding weather. Their dogs displayed super-canine powers of endurance, extraordinary physical hardiness, and intelligence and a spirit of enthusiasm. Stories of their dogs became legendary amongst those who witnessed them. Historians believe that these dogs evolved along pure bloodlines well into the 19th century, confined to life with the Chukchi. These dogs are the foundation of husky-type modern breeds including the Siberian. According to historians, the value of the sled dog in the successful survival of the Chukchi cannot be over-estimated. It allowed them to travel distances quickly, to find food sources and to transport food and supplies to their villages. At one point the Cossacks invaded Chukchi territory, chasing them north into the frozen tundra. With their swift sled dogs, the Chukchi were able to travel always a step ahead of the Cossacks, until the invaders were surrounded and stopped. When Admiral Robert Peary made his famous expedition to find the North Pole, the huskies who manned his sleds were invaluable. Stories of the dogs who flew tirelessly over vast icy wastelands became legendary as far away as America. Finally, around 1908 the Siberian Husky found its way to Alaska with the Gold Rush, when merchants brought the dogs to the area to transport goods and supplies. The Huskies soon replaced the heavier, slower freighting dogs of the time. In 1925 a diphtheria epidemic raged in Nome. Gunnar Kaasen and his sled dogs made the first of several 600-mile runs through severe weather to get antitoxin to the sick in Nome. The courageous sled dogs are commemorated yearly when the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race competition is run. In 1930 the Soviet Union closed the borders of Siberia and no more sled dogs were exported; but the world had already by then adopted the sled dog into its canine family, and the Siberian Husky was well-established as a valuable friend and worker to those who survived in the most difficult climates. The American Kennel Club recognized the Siberian Husky in 1930. In 1933 Admiral Richard E. Byrd took fifty Siberian Huskies with him when he made his famous trek around the South Pole. During the Second World War the breed was used for search and rescue on snowy terrain. The Siberian Husky is an affectionate, friendly delightful companion and can be a fine family pet with the right care. This includes awareness that this breed is unusually active, even amongst the more active of breeds. It was bred to run for miles and miles, and that is what it wants to do. Daily vigorous exercise is absolutely essential with the Siberian Husky. This might include jogging with the owner or beside a bicycle or behind a slow-moving vehicle. Without this physical outlet, the Siberian Husky can become hugely destructive and engage in behaviors such as digging holes, chewing up house siding and furniture, and continuous howling. This breed is extremely vocal, and "sings"� at least as often as it barks, from a very young age. It is not suitable for apartment living. The coat of the Husky is not difficult to care for. A good weekly brushing will keep the moderate yearlong shedding to a minimum, and greatly diminish seasonal heavier shedding. Baths are recommended as necessary. This dog does well in cold weather. A good secure fence is necessary: Huskies rank at the top of doggie diggers, and can quickly tunnel under the fence. This is a breed that runs if not confined or leashed for miles and miles. It must be leashed at all times when not confined. Few health issues plague the Siberian Husky. Most common are eye disorders, and in sledding dogs, disorders of the digestive system and respiratory ailments. The Husky is a breed that bonds closely with its owners and with its pack whether human or canine. It fits in well with a multi-dog household. It enjoys an active, busy family that will include the dog in the activity. Siberian Huskies are generally fine with small animals and cats, and also do well with children, with whom they are very protective and patient. Keepers of the Siberian Husky enjoy sledding competitions, or in milder climates, competitions involving pulling a track-bound sled through the forest.

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