Siberian Huskies are one of the oldest breeds, originating with
the Chukchi people in northeast Siberia. This dog was developed
to fulfill the needs of the Chukchi people, including herding
reindeer, pulling sleds and keeping children warm on nights that
reached some of the coldest temperatures in the world. The Siberian
was bred as a working dog that was strong for its size and able
to perform heavy workloads in extreme conditions. It was also
raised as a good-natured and friendly breed, since the Chukchi
people took good care of their dogs, and encouraged them to interact
with the children.
Coming To America
In 1909, Siberian Huskies were brought to Alaska by a fur trader
named William Goosak. He entered his dogs in the All Alaska Sweepstakes
Race, where the dogs took third place and caught the attention
of many. In the winter of 1925, a diphtheria epidemic came to
Nome, Alaska. Siberian dog teams ran life saving medication to
the sick in Nome from distant Alaska cities. This brought the
breed national recognition and increased popularity. By 1930,
Siberian Huskies had earned recognition from the American Kennel
Club, and in 1938 the Siberian Husky Club of America was founded.
During World War II, the Siberian Huskies were primarily used
for search and rescue efforts. Once the war came to an end, interest
was renewed in this breed for sled racing. As Siberian Husky kennels
began cropping up, breeding became more focused on a dual purpose
for the dogs. Eva Seeley and Lorna Demidoff had two of the better
known kennels in New England, and successfully demonstrated that
Siberian Huskies could win dog shows as well as races on the trails.
In 1955, a Siberian named Bonzo became the first of his breed
to win Best in Show at an AKC show for all breeds.
Siberian Huskies Today
The Siberian Huskies of today are mainly a product of the Siberians
that became popular in this country in the early 1900’s. True
to their breeding, most Siberians are still fast, energetic dogs
that enjoy people and are good with children. If you are considering
a Siberian Husky as an addition to your family, knowing the history
of the breed will help you to understand the needs of your individual
dog. Siberians need plenty of space to run, but the space should
be confined by a tall fence for the safety of your pet. Since
they are also social animals, accustomed to being a part of a
pack as well as a member of the family, these dogs do particularly
well with other dogs in the house and a family that has plenty
of time to spend with it.
Since they were originally bred in extremely cold, harsh climates,
Siberian Huskies do very well in areas with colder temperatures.
If you live in a warmer climate, the dogs are very adaptable and
can do well in warmer weather if proper care of them is taken.
Understanding the history of the Siberian Husky will help you
make the proper decision as to whether this is the right kind
of dog for you. Another factor to consider when deciding to bring
a Siberian into your home is the Siberian
Husky temperament. How will this dog handle children and other
pets? Will it make a good watch dog? These are questions to ask
and answer before making a final decision on bringing a Siberian
into your family.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Siberian Husky,
get a copy of this Siberian Husky Guide
NOW!
