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SIBERIAN HUSKY

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COUNTRY: USA
WEIGHT: 45-60 pounds
HEIGHT: 2l~23l/2 inches
COAT: Thick, peltlike, stand-off; dense
undercoat
COLOR: Any color acceptable, grays, blacks, reds, and even pied are common, usually with light shading around the head and underside
OTHER NAMES: Arctic Husky
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC, UKC
GROUP: Northern
SIBERIAN HUSKY


A variety of primitive paleo-Asiatic tribes have been present in Siberia for half-a-million years, during the time when the vast North was a warmer and more hospitable hunting ground. These tribes continued to live much as they had during the Stone Age. Each group relied on dogs as helpers, and each developed a specific type, based upon such factors as hunting requirements and snow cover, terrain and temperature.


The Chukchi tribe, often referred to as the "Dog Breeding" Chukchi, was based along the coasts of the Arctic and Pacific Oceans on the peninsula that reaches out from Siberia toward Alaska. When a harsh cold settled into the area about 3,000 years ago, the Chukchi people adapted by creating a culture based on the longdistance sled dog. The tribe lived in permanent inland settlements and had to go long distances to hunt the sea mammals which fed both people and dogs. A small sledding dog was ideal, one that could exist on very little food. Neither sprinters nor freighters, these dogs were endurance animals and could pull light loads of killed game at moderate speeds over incredible distances. When a Chukchi needed to haul something heavier, he merely borrowed extra dogs from friends and harnessed up 16 or 18 instead of the usual six-to-eight hitch.

All males except the finest lead dogs were castrated after a year in harness, not only to control the breeding urges but to help maintain fat on their bodies. By keeping all but the unneutered lead dogs tied during the winter when the bitches came in heat, a workable system of line-breeding was established. Because the Chukchi women did most of the dog care and selection, these dogs were used to children and were accustomed to being a part of the family.

Siberian Chukchis were brought into Alaska in the early 1900s, and quickly gained a reputation for sledding. The Chukchi dog in pure form, or crossed with other native sledding breeds, became universal, especially in chores where speed with endurance was of utmost importance, such as mail delivery and long-distance sled dog racing. He was, at that time, still called Chukchi or "husky," a generic term for a sled-pulling dog.

As the breed gained a foothold with American dog fanciers, the name Chukchi was replaced by the more general term Siberian Husky, and that became his official name. Thanks to the Chukchi selection for good temperament, he is people-oriented and a popular companion dog— thus not a very good guard dog. Nevertheless, he is a working dog and, if not given adequate attention, exercise, training and discipline, can be stubborn and easily bored.

The Siberian Husky is still the most popular breed for modern "mushers" or owners who want to try him with a sled, since the breed happily ignores frigid temperatures and deep snows. He has tiny, high-set erect ears and a plush coat. Because of their long association with people, they still maintain the fastidious cleanliness which was always demanded of them. The United Kennel Club recognizes the breed as the Arctic Husky.