“If you’re lucky enough to know a good one, they never really leave. They stay with you as long as you live.” - Leonhard Seppala
The History Of Huskies
The Siberian Husky's history began with Chukchi tribes in Northern Siberia, who bred sled dogs over centuries. These dogs, valued for sledding and companionship, evolved into the Huskies we know. Chukchi revered them as sled pullers and family members, sharing living spaces. A Russian trader, William Goosak, brought his team of Siberian Huskies to Alaska. When Alaskan natives first set eyes on the much smaller sled dogs, they were overlooked and laughed at. However, the Siberian Husky team quickly proved their worth and nearly won their first race on American soil. Shortly after that, the breed began to rise in popularity among sledding competitors. Now, huskies are a common family pet due to their goofy personalities and strong will. In 2023, huskies were ranked the 21st most popular dog breed.
Characterisitcs of the Breed
Siberian Huskies are a medium to large sized working breed, typically weighing between 35 to 60 lbs. They stand at a height of 21-25 inches at the shoulders. These dogs are easily identifiable by their thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and unique markings. Huskies exhibit a wide range of colors, spanning from solid white to black and various shades and patterns in between. It's important to note that the breed does not naturally come in merle or brindle variations but can express unique patterns such as saddleback and piebald.
Personality and Demeanor
Siberian Huskies are recognized as high-energy working dogs, requiring regular mental and physical stimulation to curb unwanted behaviors. Their friendly and inquisitive demeanor makes them well-suited for households with other dogs and children of various ages. Yet, their innate prey drive demands careful supervision around small animals. Huskies display remarkable intelligence, quick to pick up new commands, although their independent streak can lead to a lack of desire to follow those commands unless there is a reward waiting for them. These quirky canines are celebrated worldwide for their vocalizations and almost human-like communication abilities.