The History of Siberian Huskies

The Siberian husky is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with a long and rich history as a transportation animal, pulling sleds through the cold and snowy environment of Russia's Siberia, the land for which they are named. They were raised by the Chukchi people, a nomadic Russian tribe, and became beloved companions as well as service dogs.

  1. Alaskan Introduction

    • For centuries, Siberian huskies lived in relative isolation and obscurity, happy with their lives in Siberia and virtually unknown to the rest of the world. They were first brought to the then-U.S. territory of Alaska in 1909 by Russia's William Goosak, a fur trader who raced them in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes race. Their 40 or 50 pounds were considered small compared to their Alaskan competitors, and they were first referred to as "Siberian Rats."

    Growing Popularity

    • Despite their inauspicious racing introduction, Siberian huskies were winners in the same race the following year. Over the next decade they went on to win a host of Alaskan races and became known for their speed and endurance along the rough Alaskan terrain, which was similar to that of their native Siberia.

    Hero Dogs

    • In 1925 Nome, Alaska, was hit by a diphtheria outbreak. The serum containing a cure was located more than 600 miles away in Anchorage, and the best bet on getting the medication to Nome on time was to use sled dogs. A team of 20 Siberian huskies was assembled and ran through a blizzard to get the serum back to Nome and save the lives of countless people.

    Known Outside Alaska

    • The 1925 rescue brought national attention to this breed of dog. Leonard Seppala, who bred the dogs and helped lead them during the diphtheria rescue, soon took them across the continental U.S. to tour New England. In 1930 they were recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, and over the course of the 20th century they evolved into hiking dogs and beloved domesticated companions.