Recently, husky dogs are the most popular breed of dogs. Interest in them is growing every year. What kind of dogs they are, where they came from, how and where they were bred, what attracts people so much - we will consider in our article.
Versions of the origin of the breed
The history of the origin of the Husky breed is lost in the mists of time. According to some reports, they appeared 1,500 years ago, and according to others - more than 3,000. They come from the northern regions with a harsh climate - the Far East, Siberia, Chukotka, Kamchatka. In these conditions, residents needed a strong, strong animal to transport various goods during wanderings.
In the Neolithic era, primitive hunters came to the North with their hunting dogs. In the future, dogs were crossed with wolves, as a result of which the first representatives of this breed appeared, and people began to purposefully breed them. Modern scientific research has proven a very close genetic relationship between husky and wolves.
According to one version, the name goes back to the name of the Eskimo tribe. Distorted, even rather slang, the word "eski" meant "Eskimo dog." However, another assumption about their origin seems more reliable. The breed was bred by the Chukchi - a people occupying a vast territory in the north-east of the continent of Eurasia.
For many centuries, the Chukchi lived quite closed, not subject to the influence of civilization. Unpretentious and smart sled dogs were their faithful helpers and friends - they carried luggage, hunted animals, and warmed with their warmth on cold nights. The selection was tough - the right to live and give offspring was granted only to the most powerful and intelligent individuals.
Later, when trade began to develop, European and American merchants learned about these dogs, and then gave the breed its name. From English, husky translates as hoarse.
The voice of these animals is really hoarse, they do not bark, but growl and howl - the influence of wolf genes also affects this.
History tour
The greatest popularity and recognition around the world of huskies received during the "gold rush" in Alaska. In order to get to the inaccessible northern regions, dogs were needed that were well adapted to these conditions. Of all the tested breeds, the natives of Siberia turned out to be the best. Despite the average parameters, they overcame snow drifts, withstood 50 degrees of frost, walked tirelessly, instinctively found their way through a blizzard and snowstorm, transported medicines, food, mail.
Largely thanks to this breed, Alaska was mastered, and many people were saved.
Here is one outstanding case.
In the winter of 1925, a severe diphtheria epidemic hit Alaska. In the city of Nome, the supply of medicines and vaccine vaccine was exhausted, the population was threatened with complete extinction. To save people, it was necessary to deliver medicine as soon as possible from the nearest settlement, the distance to which exceeded 1000 kilometers, which implied 9 days of travel in those days.
Several mushers with their teams took up the task, they organized the relay, rode day and night, replacing each other. As a result, after 5 days, the serum was delivered to the city. This was done by the Norwegian Seppal and his team led by the leader of Togo. The musher was unconscious, the animals erased their paws to blood. In gratitude for the feat in Central Park in New York, a monument to the Husky dog was erected.
Characteristic features of the breed
The main difference is a great resemblance to a wolf. Dogs have a strong, muscular body, strong long legs and dense thick coat. All these signs help them to tolerate winter cold well, to transport heavy sledges over long distances. If necessary, a husky can cost a little food. These animals can be small and medium sizes, the shape of the body is taut, the muzzle is slightly shortened. Growth on average reaches 60 centimeters, weight - about 30 kilograms.
According to the breed standard, dogs should have a dark back, ears and upper head. The abdomen, paws and muzzle are white, and also characteristic light spots stand out - “glasses” around the eyes. There are animals with a pure white and reddish coat, but this is a rarity, rather the exception.
The eyes have an almond-shaped, slightly slanting incision. Their color is most often blue, icy, less often - brown, yellowish. A feature is the discrepancy. Ears are triangular, set close, fully pubescent. The tail is large and fluffy like a fox, slightly bent.
Dogs of this breed are very hardy, tireless and dynamic. They need constant movement and physical activity. They love long walks, jogging and outdoor games, they feel great in cold climates. Husky is friendly, affable, loyal and not at all aggressive. Get along well with other pets. Suitable for families with children. Thanks to its special cleanliness, they can even live with allergies.
They cannot be used as guards: these dogs lack the concept of their own territory, which needs to be protected, they can easily approach a stranger.
Varieties
Currently, there are 3 main directions in the breed.
- Workers The very first breed, is the ancestor of all the others. The breed standard describes exactly the working dog. Now they are found much less often than before, and are mainly used in the tourism sector for excursions on sledges in the North. They do not shine with beauty, but they are calm, reliable, tireless.
- Racing, or sports. Bred specifically for participation in competitions, dog sled races. They are characterized by a higher speed, but less endurance over long distances. They may have hounds and greyhounds in the pedigree, a slightly different exterior. Breeders are working to improve external data.
- Exhibition, show. The name speaks for itself. These are dogs - pictures, very beautiful, without the slightest flaws. Winners of high awards in various prestigious shows. Not intended for work or sport, just good and faithful companions.
But husky still remain themselves, their character is good-natured and flexible. They are very smart and love their owners.
In addition to the division by type of activity, the breed is also divided by place of origin: there are Siberian, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Baikal, Finnish, Yakut, Alaskan, American varieties. They are not always the descendants and relatives of the husky, more often it is the result of crossing representatives of different breeds.
Where did the Siberian husky come from?
Despite the name, the breed appeared and was officially recognized in America. This event was preceded by a long history. Sled dogs from Chukotka were first brought to the United States in the first half of the 19th century. Development of the northern territories was underway, Alaska was bought from Russia. In addition to the Chukchi dogs, dogs brought in from other places were used in teams.
In the process of mating, new species spontaneously and purposefully arose. Dog breeding clubs appeared, competitive races became popular. Breeders, observing dogs, noticed the most hardy, strong, obedient and tried to maintain these qualities in the offspring.
So, gradually, over almost 100 years, a breed was formed in the modern sense. She received the recognition of the American Cynological Club in 1930, the standard was approved two years later - in 1932. Husky got into Western Europe only after the Second World War, in the 1950s.
Today’s representatives are not the direct heirs of sled dogs from Siberia, although they are similar in appearance. However, in memory of the ancestors, Chukchi dogs, it was decided to call the new species “Siberian Husky”.
Currently, the breed is widely represented in the tourism business, sports, participates in international exhibitions and shows. These dogs are usually chosen by people energetic, loving movement and extreme.
Read more about the origin of the husky breed in the next video.
