The History of Husky Puppies

Siberian huskies are aptly named: their ancestors, the Chukchi sled dog, originated in Siberia. Huskies have gentle dispositions and are extremely hardworking. They are recognized for their speed and beauty, and are used in sled racing.

  1. Identification

    • Huskies are distinguished by their upright ears and masked faces that encompass blue and brown eyes. They weigh from 35 to 60 pounds and reach heights of 19 to 23 inches at the shoulders.

    Features

    • Huskies love to work and do not require much food. In Siberia, the Chukchis pulled sleds and herded reindeer. They are adapted to live in harsh environments and have a double-layered coat. They are good with children and other pets, and are not prone to barking.

    Significance

    • Chukchi women used selective breeding to reproduce the fastest dogs. Olaf Swenson, a fur trader from Seattle, engaged in commerce with the Chukchi people and traded goods for dogs, which he introduced to the United States.

    Fun Fact

    • Leonard Seppala is famous for using a team of Huskies to pull sleds of diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska in 1925; the outbreak was avoided.

    Misconceptions

    • Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes are distinct species; malamutes are bred to wor,k and huskies are bred for speed.