Breed Information

History
The Siberian Husky was developed by the Chukchi people of the Arctic coastal region of northern Siberia. The Chukchi hunters needed a dog that could withstand extended exposure to low temperatures and could pull light-to-moderate loads quickly over long distances. These dogs were so valued by the Chukchi that they were often taken into their homes as guardians of their possessions and companions for their children.

Huskies gained world-wide recognition in January 1925. An epidemic of diphtheria broke out in Nome and local doctors didn't have enough supplies of diphtheria serum to cope with the situation. With the nearest railway station more than 650 miles south near Anchorage, Loenhard Seppala and his dog team were asked to collect the serum in a race against time. Seppala and his team of 20 huskies covered the final and most treacherous part of the relay, amassing nearly 350 miles, often in blizzard conditions. The other 15 relay teams from the south ran approximately 50 miles each and contributed greatly to the success of the mission.

Temperature
All of the Arctic breeds were able to survive in the Arctic not only because they could tolerate cold but because they could tolerate extremely wide swings of temperature in relation to their body temperature. Therefore, they are also better adapted for severely high temperatures. The animal that was selected by living in a temperate climate, one in which the temperature stayed very close to the animal's body temperature throughout the year, is not only going to be very susceptible to cold weather, but also is going to be more susceptible to severely hot weather which is well over the dog's body temperature.

Excerpt from "Temperature Adaptation in Northern Dogs" by Ted Greenlee

Grooming
The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is, by nature, fastidiously clean and is typically free from body odour and parasites. Siberians clean themselves like cats, if they become soiled with mud they will clean themselves up. Therefore, bathing requirements are minimal and twice a year in spring and autumn is usually sufficient.

The Siberian Husky is a double-coated breed. Shedding will occur once a year in males and twice a year in females and they shedding can be quite substantial. Some owners that live in very warm climates, ones that lack clearly defined seasonal changes, report some shedding year round in the breed.

It is worth noting that the Siberian Husky, like all Arctic breeds, will leave hair everywhere in small amounts all year around — it is not unlike living with large cats. If you have an aversion to having dog hair all over the furniture, in the carpet, on your clothes and in your food, you should probably start looking for another breed of dog.

Other than during shedding, the Siberian Husky needs very little grooming. No trimming or shaving of hair is required or recommended. Just occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh and shiny. Like all dogs, their nails should be checked and clipped periodically, and their feet should be checked regularly to ensure good health, particularly in actively working dogs.

Mythology
The Chukchi believed that their dogs guarded the gates of heaven, and that the way you treated a dog in this life determined your place in heaven. If this is so then surely when time comes for us to pass we will be assured of a place of great honour.

There is also a mushers' legend that says your dogs wait for you, asleep until you come across, then they pull your sled through and into heaven.

Reality
Now that you've read all of these warm, fuzzy notes on the magnificence of the Siberian Husky, take a journey into the mind of a husky and see if you can cope with how it will change its owner once it enters your life.