Siberian Husky: 5 facts about this breed (12 photos)

These handsome men with blue eyes are representatives of one of the most ancient dog breeds on the planet. They have a whole range of incredible qualities, including amazing frost resistance and endurance.





1. An ancient sled dog of the indigenous peoples of the North

Husky is the common name for several sled dog breeds. who lived in the Arctic region. The Siberian Husky is a breed which was brought out by the Chukchi in the north-east of Siberia - in Chukotka and the shores Sea of Okhotsk. (These "seaside" Chukchi were even called dog breeders in a counterbalance to the Chukchi reindeer herders who lived a little deeper on the mainland.)

The Siberian Husky is believed to be one of the oldest breeds. dogs, scientists believe that she lived in the 1st millennium BC.



For centuries, huskies have been the main means of transportation for indigenous peoples. peoples of Chukotka, who were engaged in fishing and hunting. Not only Chukchi, but also Yukagirs, Kereks and Eskimos, for example. It is believed that huskies - distorted "eski", that is, Eskimos.





People who mastered Chukotka and the Far East in XVII-XVIII centuries, appreciated the possibilities of these Siberian dogs. They used huskies as their main transport (horses to such cold conditions were not adapted), and also hired local mushers - experienced dog sled drivers.

2. Overcome long distances and do not freeze



Thick coat, compact build, strong and robust back, excellent health. These dogs have everything to live in harsh climatic conditions of the Far North. They not only successfully survive, but they have unique physical abilities - they can tirelessly overcome great distances and, having only a little rest, again get on the road.

They do not freeze and can sleep in the snow, besides they very little food is required. Chukchi fed huskies frozen or dried fish.



Those who start such a breed for life at home, in closed indoors, should be aware of this feature of the dog. She is genetically She is used to running, so you need to walk with her for a long time. Besides, modern breeders warn: huskies are prone to escapes, they love it so much freedom. However, they are obedient and easy to train.

Since these dogs have always been close to people, almost members families, they love to socialize and are considered to have a cheerful disposition.



Siberian Huskies almost never bark, but they can howl. especially when they are sad. Breeders even advise not to keep dogs for alone. Together they will be much more fun (and they are less probabilities will smash the apartment and gnaw on the sofa).

3. Were singled out as a breed by the Americans



During the American "gold rush" dogs from Siberia began to be imported to Alaska (the local population was related to the indigenous peoples of the Far East). Later, dogs began to be actively used for racing. It is believed that the modern factory breed of Siberian Husky was bred at the beginning of the 20th century, and from sled dogs they retrained into racing, without losing their ancient qualities, but having learned to develop great speed.

In 1930, the Siberian Husky breed was registered in United States by the American Kennel Club, and in 1960 at number 270 The Siberian Husky also appeared in the classification of the International Cynological federation (and the country of origin is indicated as the United States).



By the way, the color of a husky can be almost any, but the most common - black and white and gray and white dogs. Girls weigh up to 23 kg, and boys - up to 28 kg. Huskies live 12-15 years.

4. Saved thousands of people



Musher Leonard Seppala with dogs (dog Togo on the left)

There is a unique episode in the history of the Siberian Husky breed, when the physical data of dogs helped save many people from an epidemic diphtheria. In the winter of 1925, the remote city of Nome in Alaska, isolated from toouter world, transmitted a report of an outbreak of diphtheria among the Indian children.

The city needed a serum for the disease, but the strongest frosts and a snowstorm cut off the path of the railroad and other transport. Then the Norwegian musher Leonard Seppala organized a whole relay-race expedition to the city. Through a terrible blizzard and frost it was necessary travel 1,085 km as quickly as possible to deliver a life-saving serum.



Musher Gunnar Kaasen and dog Balto

Seppal's team ran day and night, once even found herself on a broken ice floe. Without a break, she walked 418 km, after which the dogs literally fell down without strength. Total in the relay, included in history as "the great race of mercy", 20 drivers took part and 150 dogs. The leaders of Togo and Balto became especially famous after this race. IN As a result, the vaccine was delivered in just five days and the epidemic was successfully stopped.

5. The most athletic dogs



Winter husky sleigh rides are now popular attraction in Russia. Some feel sorry for the dogs who are forced to pull the team for a long time. However, the huskies themselves from this don't feel unhappy at all. This is their purpose and way of life. since ancient times. A team of nine or more Huskies pulled sleds with owners and cargo, including the catch.

By the way, it was on the husky that the Norwegian traveler and discoverer Roald Amundsen reached the magnetic north pole and conquered the so-called Northwest Passage. For 30 days on dogs he overcame more than 1300 km (on a record day - 65 km in 10 hours).

In addition to fun dog sledding, there are dog sled racing, known since the 19th century. Also athletes participate in multi-day dog races.



In recent years, sports such as like skijoring (when several dogs pull a skier), karting (when dogs pull a kart cart), bike joring (racing cyclists with a dog), as well as canicross (when the dog is on a lace pulls the runner).