Siberian Husky

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 dog 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.

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