Siberian Husky: Characteristics, Character and History
Do you know huskies? Huskies are intelligent, courageous, resilient, intuitive, and friendly dogs. These cheerful animals were one of the first dog breeds domesticated by humans. The ancestors of the Siberian huskies were domesticated by the Chukchi (pronounced “chakchi”) tribe, who lived on the shores of the Arctic Ocean in Siberia, some three thousand years ago. The climate in northern Siberia is very harsh.
The Chukchi often had to travel far from their villages to hunt. On these journeys, their closest companions were the huskies. The journeys were made on sleds pulled by the huskies. One of the most important characteristics of huskies is their exceptional sense of direction and ability to make quick decisions. During the long, cold winter nights, huskies sleep under the same roof with their family members, keeping them warm. Dogs native to northern latitudes, such as huskies, share some common characteristics. These dogs have a double coat. The undercoat has soft, short hair, topped by a layer of thick, long hair. This undercoat helps maintain the dog’s body temperature, while the upper coat protects the dog’s skin from getting wet. Huskies have thick, abundant fur, and usually curled tails. When sleeping, they curl their tails over their noses. In fact, most dogs native to northern latitudes have somewhat similar appearances: erect ears, thick fur, and a facial expression that evokes friendship! This is also the case with Akitas, Samoyeds, and Alaskan huskies, a crossbreed.
One of the most interesting characteristics of Siberian huskies is their eye color. Huskies can be brown, light blue, or a combination of both. Huskies with one brown eye and one blue eye are also common. Their faces are generally white. Siberian huskies’ fur can range in color from white to black. However, many have a mix of black and red, with white markings or shades of gray. For centuries, people have selected dogs with characteristics best suited to their lifestyles and needs and bred their offspring. This is how the Husky breed came into being. Huskys love running and pulling sleds. Therefore, they require ample exercise. Today, Huskys still carry the strength, courage, and positive qualities of their ancestors. Siberian Huskys are very affectionate toward almost everyone, especially children.
They can show the affection that dogs of other breeds show only to members of their families. They acquired these traits due to the habits and living conditions of their ancestors. Among the Chukchi, Huskys were considered part of the family, and every family owned numerous Huskys. Another characteristic of Siberian huskies is their fondness for the company of other dogs. They adapt easily to new environments. As you know, in the past, huskies were the most reliable companions of Chukchi hunters on long journeys. However, today, this characteristic can hinder their adaptation to urban life.
Siberian huskies rarely bark. However, this doesn’t mean they’re silent. When the mood is right, they raise their heads high and begin producing one of the most beautiful sounds in nature: the howl of the Siberian husky! However, while these sounds may sound like music to a husky lover, neighbors may have a completely different feeling about them! Here’s another reason why huskies aren’t particularly suited to apartment living! The huskies’ global fame and breeding in places outside of Siberia began with their introduction to Alaska at the beginning of the 20th century. The huskies’ arrival in Alaska coincided with the arrival of gold prospectors in the region. At the time, dog-drawn sleds were the safest means of transportation in the region. Some gold prospectors brought a small number of Siberian huskies from Siberia to Alaska. The most famous of these is Leonhard Seppala, whose name has become almost legendary today. Seppala, born in Norway, immigrated to Alaska in the early 1900s. In 1925, a diphtheria epidemic broke out in Nome (pronounced “Nom”), Alaska.
Weather conditions were so bad that only sledders dared to transport serum from Anchorage (pronounced “Ankoric”) to Nome. Seppala and his team of approximately 40 dogs managed to complete their journey despite wind chills reaching -40 degrees Celsius, wind speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, and all sorts of difficulties. By delivering the serum to the farthest point in a short time, they saved the lives of countless people. Seppala and his sled dog leader, a Siberian husky named Togo, were hailed as heroes. From this date onwards, together They participated in numerous sled races and achieved various successes. The Siberian huskies’ fame spread. However, shortly thereafter, Siberian huskies were banned from leaving the country. Even today, the majority of Siberian huskies, especially in the United States, are descended from Seppala’s dogs.
Today, especially in the United States and certain parts of Europe, dog-drawn sled races are among the most important winter events. Today, dog breeds other than Siberian huskies are more commonly used in these races. One of the most famous sled races is the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, held in honor of Leonhard Seppala since 1973 and following the route used by sledders who delivered serum from Anchorage to Nome in 1925. Every year, at certain times, sledders from more than a dozen countries, from Japan to Germany, come to Alaska with their dogs for this race.
