The Siberian Husky Dog
The Siberian Husky dog originates from the north-east of Asia where is was used by the Chukchi nomads. It was first used as a sled
dog and as a reindeer herding dog, as the Chukchi lived off of the reindeer herds of the area. It is slightly smaller than most
dogs sled dogs.
The Siberian Husky dog made its debut in North America during the time of the Alaskan gold rush. Although it was mainly a
working dog, its real fame came from dog races. During the gold rush era, the most well known race was the All-Alaska
sweepstakes race. It was a 408 mile race between Nome and Candle. In 1910, one owner entered three teams of Huskies in the race and took
first, second, and forth place. Thus began the Husky's popularity in North America.
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Another milestone in the Siberian Husky's popularity occurred in 1925. Diphtheria broke out in the town of Nome.
Diphtheria had been known to destroy entire towns and concern was quite high until it was discovered that
the Alaska Railroad Hospital in Anchorage had 300,000 units of the life saving serum, enough to stem the epidemic.
The serum as transported 220 miles by train from Anchorage to Nenana Alaska, and then by a relay of about 150 dog teams
covering the 674 miles between Nenana and Nome. The ice and snow covered trail was completed in five and a half days.
The life-saving serum was delivered and within a week the worst of the diphtheria epidemic was over. Today the deed is
remembered by a statue in Central Park, New York, of Balto, a black Husky who was the lead dog on the final stretch into
Nome. A plaque accompanies the statue. It is inscribed with:
"Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed anti toxin 600 miles over treacherous waters, through arctic blizzards,
from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925 - Endurance, Fidelity, Intelligence".
Another of statue of Balto exists in downtown Anchorage.
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The Siberian Husky dog was recognized by the AKC in 1930. During WW II it was used by the U.S. army for search and rescue.
Today it is very popular in North America, ranking in the AKC's top 20.
The breed can have brown, hazel, or blue eyes. Both eyes may not be the same shade or even the same color for that matter.
It may challenge authority and must be taught obedience in a consistent, firm, and fair manner. A properly trained Siberian
Husky dog makes a delightful companion and family dog.
The Siberian Husky Dog at a glance:
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| Origin |
North-east Asia - Antiquity |
| Original Use |
sled pulling, herding |
| Use Today |
sled racing, companion |
| Temperament |
The Siberian Husky dog is a fun loving, loyal, and clever dog. It is can be independent and stubborn if not properly trained. A trained Husky makes a gentle, pleasant, and playful companion. |
| Acceptance of: |
Other Dogs - Average |
| Other Pets - Average |
| Strangers - Above average |
| Children - Good
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| Watchdog Ability |
Average |
| Guard dog Ability |
The Siberian Husky dog does not make a good guard dog since it tends to be quite friendly to strangers. |
| Ease of Training |
Below average, it requires early, consistent, loving, and fair training. Treating it in a harsh or cruel manner will have negative results. |
| Living Conditions |
It is content to live outdoors in most cool or cold climates. It does not tolerate a lot of heat. Because of its strong social needs, it requires either human or canine companionship. It does not do well living outside by itself with no interaction. |
| Exercise |
The Siberian Husky dog, descendent from working dogs, needs daily work or exercise to keep it from getting bored. It can become destructive if it does not receive enough exercise. |
| Coat |
It has a dense double coat of medium length. Tail is heavy with hair. |
| Grooming |
It requires regular grooming, especially during times of shedding. |
| Colors |
The Siberian Husky dog can range in color from black to pure white, with the most common coloring being a combination of black and white. |
| Height and Weight |
Weight range is 35 to 60 pounds (16 to 27.2 kg) while the height range is 20 to 23.5 inches (50.8 to 60.2 cm). Variations may occur in individual animals. |
| Life Expectancy |
11 to 13 years. |
| Group |
The AKC places the Siberian Husky dog in the Working group. |
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