Appearance

The Siberian Husky is an arctic, medium-sized, dense-coat, working-dog breed. They belong to the Spitz genetic family of dogs. They have striking blue or brown eyes, or one eye of each color known as heterochromia, which is very unusual for dogs but common for this breed. They are recognizable by their thickly furred double-coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. Their muzzle is medium in length. They have usually have black colored nose, but some have “pink streaks” know as snow rose. Their tail is covered in thick fur and is usually fox-brushed shaped. Their coat comes in many colors, including various shades of gray and silver, sand, red, and black-and-white.

History

As the name would suggest, Siberian Huskies are native to Siberia, where they have been trained for hundreds of years by the Chukchi people to pull sleds. The Chukchi are semi-nomadic people, and the Siberian Husky’s ability to pull sleds with light loads for long distances made it a useful companion. Recent DNA analysis has shown the Siberian Husky to be one of the oldest breeds of dog. According to a recent DNA study, Siberian Husky is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They are the descendants of the original “sled dogs.” As the name suggest, they are native to Siberia. The Chukchi people of northeastern Asia used them as an endurance sled dog. They were brought to Alaska in 1909 where the local Eskimos where their survival is dependent on them. The term “husky” is a corruption of the nickname “Esky” once applied to the Eskimos and subsequently to their sled dogs. The popularity of the Siberian Husky during the 1925 serum run to Nome, where 20 mushers and 150 sled dogs, led by Balto, delivered antitoxins 674 miles across the US territory of Alaska in five and half days. This heroic journey saved the small city of Nome and its surrounding communities from an epidemic. A statue of Balto is now a popular tourist attraction in New York City’s Central Park.