First and foremost Siberian Huskies are dogs! They are not half wolf, or hybrid crossbred wild creatures with unpredictable natures or a tenacity for ferociousness. Although resembling the lithe and powerful anatomy of the wolf, huskies are domesticated. They are tame, people-oriented, and know how to live in a home environment.
Huskies also maintain a strong link with their origins. They were originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia, or Siberia (thus the namesake), to be endurance sled dogs. It was in 1909 that huskies were first brought over to Alaska to participate in sled dog races, and their superior performance and ability to withstand harsh environments quickly won over the sledding world. It wasn’t until the winter of 1925, however, that Siberian Huskies gained world-wide recognition after a relay of sled teams transported lifesaving serum from Nenana to Nome, a 674 mile trek in five and a half days, to save an isolated community from a Diphtheria epidemic.
Twenty mushers and roughly 150 dogs shared this journey. Conditions were brutal with strong winds and temperatures dipping down to -72 °F. Several mushers suffered severe frostbite and some dogs perished on the journey, but as a whole Siberians emerged as heroes, doing what no other animal could do in so short a time. Other animals may travel over longer distances or at faster speeds, but no animal travels as fast and as far through such rugged conditions as a sled dog. Although the tradition of dog sledding out of necessity was put to an end with the emergence of airplanes and snow mobiles, the sport lives on and today many races are held in honor of these athletes.
The most famous race is the Iditarod and is based off of the 1925 serum run to Nome. You won’t see many Siberians racing anymore though as racers favor the sleeker, faster-running ‘houndsky’ mutts that are affectionately referred to as Alaskan Huskies. Regardless, the introduction is made and the regal Siberian Husky is here to stay.
Today these incredible dogs are a popular breed who are still revered for their strong working ability, free spirit, and consistent drive. Huskies have an enthusiastic temperament; they are affectionate without being fawning, and they are adaptable to almost any living environment provided they get regular opportunities to exercise and indulge in their Husky ways.