THE SIBERIAN HUSKY

By Terri Estes

The history of the Siberian husky can be traced back to the nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia. They were originally bred for endurance and to withstand harsh climates. This made them excellent sled dogs. In the early 1900s, huskies were brought over to Alaska for sled-dog racing. There, the breed quickly became very popular because they were strong, fast and could travel long distances in extreme weather. They soon became an important way to transport goods and people through the frozen Alaskan countryside.

One of the most distinguishing features about the Siberian husky is their beautiful, thick double coat. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and is well adapted to cold weather with the undercoat acting as a warm blanket and the top coat acting as a rain coat, repelling snow and water. This is perfect for the snow loving husky, but, as you can imagine, it can prove challenging in hotter weather.

Another amazing thing about the husky is their eyes. They can have blue eyes or brown eyes, or one of each! This is a fascinating trait known as heterochromia, which is described as a color differentiation between the irises. The color of their eyes doesn’t affect their eyesight, but it really does make them stand out.

Siberian huskies are bundles of energy and are always on the move. They make great family members for active households that enjoy outdoor activities such as hikes and runs. Regular exercise is necessary for this breed to maintain their physical fitness and mental stimulation. They love to run and explore; it’s in their blood. They also love to escape and can scale fences, dig holes and open gates. Huskies are notorious escape artists and have been known to break out of the most secure yards, leaving their owners scratching their heads in wonder.

Huskies are not great watch dogs. Despite their size and strength, they are typically friendly and welcoming to everyone. They also generally get along well with other dogs. That being said, if a husky feels a threat towards themselves or their family, they can become protective.

The Siberian husky is a wonderful breed of dog. They have a rich history in our country and are adaptable to home life or sled life. They have a huge love for being outdoors (like I do) and are always up for an adventure. If owning a husky is in your future, I highly suggest microchipping and using an apple tag.