Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium sized, strong, graceful, and tenacious sled dog. It is a handsome dog, energetic and dignified. While they are a medium sized dog, they are extremely strong, able to pull light loads at moderate speeds for long distances.

Originally used by the Chukchi people of Siberia, the Siberian Husky was not only used to pull sleds but they were also used to herd reindeer, guard the camps, and hunt. The tribes were nomadic, travelling all along the Arctic Circle.

In one of the harshest climates in the world, with temperatures plummeting in winter, the Chukchi relied on their dogs for survival as they were a remarkable tool of ingenuity. The Chukchi economy and religious life was centered around the Huskies. The best dogs were owned by the richest members of the community, and this is precisely why they were richest members of the community.

Many religious ceremonies were dedicated around the huskies. According to Chukchi belief, two huskies guard the gates of heaven turning away anybody that has shown cruelty to a dog in their life time. A Chukchi legend tells of a time of famine when both human and dog populations were decimated, the last two remaining pups were nursed at a woman's breast to ensure the survival of the breed.

Tribe life revolved around the dogs. The women of the tribe reared the pups and chose what pups to keep, discarding all but the most promising bitches and neutering all but the most promising males. The men's responsibility was sled training, Huskies also would act as companions for the children and families' dogs slept inside. The legendary sweetness of temperament was no accident. 100 miles out on the ice, a single man with twenty dogs, if there's a dog fight, he simply does not get home.

When winter came, all dogs were tied up when not working, but the elite entire dogs were allowed to roam and breed at will; this ensured that only the very best would breed. In summer, all dogs were released and allowed to hunt in packs, they would only return to the villages when the snow returned and food grew scarce. The primitive hunting instincts can still be found in the breed today.

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