Northern dogs: breed overview and content recommendations

The most important characteristics of northern dogs are such qualities as physical strength and power, endurance and stability, as well as the ability to adapt and fully function even in the most adverse environmental conditions.

Northern dog breeds are those animals that have been bred through the efforts of the northern peoples. By their physiological characteristics, such dogs are strong and hardy, they do not need careful care and can tolerate adverse environmental influences.

In general, all dogs living in the North are divided into 3 large categories:

• riding;
• hunting;
• watchdogs.

Consider the most popular categories and specific breeds of northern dogs.

Such dog breeds are used as draft force. Drivers assist in transporting both goods and people. For these purposes, special teams are often used. If we talk about the time of occurrence of such animals, it should be noted that historical sources accurately report that sled dogs existed on our planet 7,000 years ago. To date, this breed includes several breeds of animals.

According to research data, Alaskan Malamute - This is one of the oldest varieties of northern dogs. The breed arose thanks to the breeding work of scientists. The progenitor of a dog is the polar wolf. The name of the breed itself has a rather interesting history of its origin.So, the variety got its name in honor of the Eskimo tribe, which was engaged in breeding.

The original name of this tribe – Malamute. The main purpose of animals is the transportation of passengers and goods. However, in addition to this, some representatives of the breed were used as guards, watchmen and defenders.

A unique feature of Alaskan Malamutes is inability to bark. The appearance of the animal is aesthetically attractive. Dogs have a dense coat with a dense undercoat. Most often, the color of the hairline of the animal resembles a wolf. The dog is quite massive in size. For example, the weight of an adult can vary between 32-37 kilograms.

For short, this breed of northern tetrapods is also called Samoyeds. In appearance, this breed of animal attracts many. The dog has a long and thick coat, and the most common color is white. In this way, Samoyed dog resembles a furry northern bear. But despite such a pretty appearance, animals have outstanding physical abilities, they are strong and hardy. As for the dog’s dimensions, the weight can vary between 15-32 kilograms, and growth is traditionally in the range from 47 to 62 centimeters (it should be noted that males are much larger than females).

The nature of the animal is distinguished by good nature, vitality, and even a certain enthusiasm. Dogs exhibit developed mental abilities, but are considered rather stubborn and independent animals. In the process of care, special attention should be paid to the hairline of the dog, which needs regular combing. Dogs get along well in a wide variety of conditions.

The Siberian species of husky in its appearance resembles Alaskan malamute, however, this species of animal is inferior to malamute in terms of size. Initially, it was assumed that the main task of animals that belong to this breed is the transportation of goods of small weight, but over fairly considerable distances. The thing is that Husky dogs are dogs that, from a physiological point of view, differ from their counterparts in their ability to constantly move.

The nature of the animals is quite friendly. In ancient times, the Eskimos used them to heat young children in particularly severe frosts. In the process of care and maintenance of such an animal it is important to give him a sufficient amount of attention, since the dog does not tolerate loneliness. Often there are representatives with blue eyes.

In addition to mounts, the category of northern dogs includes dogs that were used to hunt large and small game.

The use of the animal for hunting is primarily due to its physiological characteristics. So, scientists and veterinarians report that Russian-European husky is a breed of dog that is different developed vision, hearing and instinct. The animal is a born hunter, it participates in such activities with interest and excitement. The mass of an adult can reach 25 kilograms, and the growth of the animal varies from 50 to 60 centimeters.

Russian-European huskies are dogs that are in good health, they rarely get sick. Representatives of this breed need constant physical activity, like long and active walks. The animal quickly and easily makes contact with both people and other animals.

These animals grow up to 63 cm, and their weight can reach 24 kilograms. The breed is considered the largest hunting husky in the eastern part of Siberia. The animal has a unique ability to easily navigate the terrain and can adapt to the most adverse climatic conditions. It is worth considering that representatives of this breed will not be able to exist with other animals in the same territory - they will perceive their neighbors as prey.

East Siberian husky easily and quickly makes contact with a person, representatives of the breed interact well even with young children. Due to the fact that the animal is quite picky, it can be kept both in the apartment and in the house. In both cases, physical activity is mandatory.

The people of this breed are often called Swedish huskies. Among hunting northern dogs they are considered the strongest. Emthunds are practically not common outside of Sweden, but in their homeland they are very popular and are rather highly valued. These animals are distinguished by a strong immune system, so they practically do not get sick.

Another large category of northern dogs are animals intended for protection.

This breed of northern animals is one of the kindest and most loyal to the owner and family in which they live. However, despite such a positive attitude towards acquaintances, good-natured bukhunds turn into aggressive and furious defenders if they feel the approach of a threat or danger.

Buhunds are animals of rather large sizes, because in weight they can reach 27 kilograms, and their growth indicators vary in the range from 44 to 48 centimeters.

This variety is one of the oldest northern breeds. Suomenlapinkoyra or Finnish Lapphund is different active temperament, prefers to spend a lot of time outdoors, in the fresh air.

The animal is capable of performing several work functions. So, despite the fact that its original purpose was protection, representatives of the breed are also used as shepherds and rescuers.

In another way, this breed is called Swedish Walhund. Even in adulthood, representatives of this breed retain puppy enthusiasm and a cheerful character. Thanks to this, fame was attached to Spitz peculiar comedians. Sweden is considered to be the original homeland of this breed, but today the variety has spread far beyond the borders of one country.

The dog needs constant attention of the owner, and in his absence begins to demand care, spoiling furniture, household utensils and other household items. therefore Before starting such an animal, it is worth evaluating its ability to spend a large amount of time with it. In terms of dimensions, the Visigothic Spitz is quite miniature. Its weight does not exceed 15 kilograms, and height - 41 centimeters.

In the process of choosing a northern dog, it is important to pay attention to 3 main factors:

• the appointment (as we found out, there are sledding, hunting and guard dogs) - depending on the category to which the animal belongs, it will possess certain behavioral characteristics and characteristic temperament;
• appearance - the pet should attract and delight you with its appearance, it is also important to pay attention to the dimensions and dimensions, evaluate the size of your living space and whether this or that dog will fit on them;
• care rules - some animals require specific care measures, while others are completely unpretentious in this regard.

Watch the sled dogs story in the next video.