Siberian Husky

HISTORY- If it weren't for the Siberian husky the Chukchis tribe would not be around. Historians believe that all northern breeds came from an unknown ancestor of the husky. The Chukchis had to develop a dog that would take them long distances to the coast to hunt. They found that the Siberian husky was perfect for this job and they became dependent on their dogs. The husky had saved many lives on trails. The terrain of Siberia had isolated it but then a group of Russian explorers found the magnificent treasure. The dogs started crossing the Bearing Straight and into Alaska at the turn of the twentieth century.

The first dog sled race was in 1908. They went 408 miles. Husky comes from the Chukchis tribe which means "sled pulling dog". The husky loves to work all day so they are perfect for the dog sled races. The onlookers didn't like the size of the Siberian huskies but soon came to love them. The musher's admired how the huskies loved to run just for fun.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE- The husky is one of the most knows American breed dog because of its glacier blue eyes and the American races. The husky is not a big dog, they are actually relatively small.

Height, build, and tail- A Siberian husky should stand, males 21- 23 1/2", females 20- 22 1/2". Males should weigh about 45- 60 lbs and a female should weigh about 35- 50 lbs. The husky is medium in size and made for work. They are light on their feet and very graceful. The Siberian has straight elbows and legs and the hindquarters are parallel. Their tail is carried over the back when he is alert and attentive. When they are relaxed it is down, drooped. When they see someone they know, or someone new their tail wags wildly.

Feet, eyes, and head- The foot structure is a key composure for the "running on air" husky. Their feet should be ovals to be fast. They are also medium in size with thick, protective pads. There is think hair in between the pads and toes. The hair gives them traction. The huskies glacier blue eyes catch everyone's attention. Not all of the huskies are lucky enough to have these stunning blue eyes but they all have almond shaped eyes. In dog shows brown, blue, one of each, or even multi-colored eyes are accepted. The husky has an energetic and energy filled expression. When you look at them you see mischief. The face resembles a wolf. The muzzle is medium and tapered to the nose. The huskies ears are triangles with a lot of fur and are placed high on the head.

Coat and color- A huskies coat is medium thick with a double coat. The undercoat is fluffy, soft, and close to the skin. The outer coat has longer guard hairs. The second coat protects the skin from the subzero temperatures and the guard hairs protect the dog form irritants and vegetation. Their coats do not smell like dog. The husky is a very clean dog and they like to clean themselves. In dog shows all colors ranging from black to pure white is accepted. Huskies are usually in shimmering red and white, black and white, gray and white, and copper and white. Siberian huskies might also have a raccoon- like mask near its eyes. Huskies are like snowflakes, no two are the same, and all are unique.