siberian husky
The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family.
It is recognizable by its thickly-furred double coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears and distinctive markings.
An active, energetic and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic and were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia, it was imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and spread from there into the United States and Canada, initially as a sled dog. It rapidly acquired the status of a family pet and a show-dog.
History
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" is a corruption of the derogative term "Eskie" which was also shared by the Inuit tribes discovered by Europeans who made early expeditions into their lands.
By standard, Huskies are not burly, thick, fat, or overweight. 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. Seppala owned a kennel in Nenana before moving to New England.
Arthur Walden, owner of Chinook Kennels of Wonalancet, New Hampshire, was by far the most prominent breeder of Siberian Huskies.
The foundation of his kennel stock came directly from Alaska, and Seppala's kennel.
Only beginning to come to prominence, in 1933 Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd brought with him around 50 Siberian Huskies, many of which were assembled and trained at Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire, during an expedition in which Byrd hoped to journey around the 16,000-mile coast of Antarctica. Called Operation Highjump, this historic trek proved the worth of the Siberian Husky due to its compact size and greater speeds.
Siberian Huskies also served in the United States Army's Arctic Search and Rescue Unit of the Air Transport Command during World War II.
Appearance
Siberian Huskies share many outward similarities with the Alaskan Malamute as well as many other Spitz breeds such as the Samoyed, which has a comparable history to the Huskies.
Siberians have a thicker coat than most other breeds of dog.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip.
The most common colors are black and white,copper-red and white, grey and white, reddish-brown and white, and pure white, though many individuals have blondish, or piebald spotting. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety.
They tend to have a wolf-like appearance.
Eyes
The eyes of a Siberian Husky are bright blue, amber or brown.
In some individual dogs, one eye may be brown and the other blue (complete heterochromia), or one or both eyes may be "parti-colored," that is, half brown and half blue (partial heterochromia).
All of these eye color combinations are considered to be acceptable by the American Kennel Club, which also states that the eyes are "an almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely." Blue eyes are more light sensitive than any other color.
Coat
The Siberian Husky's coat is thicker than most breeds of dogs, comprising two layers: a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat of short, straight guard hairs.
It protects the dogs effectively against harsh Arctic winters, but the coat also reflects heat in the summer.
It is able to withstand temperatures as low as −58 °F to −76 °F (−50 °C to −60 °C). The absence of the undercoat is often present during shedding.
Their thick coats require weekly grooming Long guard hair is not desirable and is considered a fault.
Nose
In some instances, Siberian Huskies can exhibit what is called "snow nose" or "winter nose". This condition is called hypopigmentation in animals.
Show-quality dogs are preferred to have neither pointed or square noses in shape.
The nose is black in gray, tan and black dogs, liver in copper-colored dogs, and may be flesh-colored in white dogs. "Snow nose" is acceptable in the show ring.
Size
• Male
o Height: 21 to 23.5 inches (53 to 60 cm) at the withers.
o Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg)
• Female
o Height: 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm) at the withers.
o Weight: 35 to 50 pounds (16 to 23 kg)
Temperament
The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing.
He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs.
Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog.
His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker.
Health
Huskies are relatively free of breed-specific problems, apart from hip dysplasia and occasional eye problems (such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (eyes) primarily in male dogs, corneal dystrophy, crystalline corneal opacities and ectopy (displacement) of the urethra).Also, they sometimes have zinc responsive dermatitis (a skin condition which improves by giving a zinc supplements).
Breeders can get hip screenings from the OFA and eye screenings yearly from a canine opthamologist (AVCO) and register the exam through CERF and SHOR)... I can provide more information if you'd like.
They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised.
Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard.
Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates.
One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.
Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, including a daily walk or jog, but should not be excessively exercised in warm weather.
They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are likely to dig their way out and go off hunting.
Live to About 12-15 years.
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