Born To Be Wild

Graceful, athletic and filled with energy, the Siberian Husky is an arctic canine eager to work. This friendly breed is mischievous and lively — making it a great dog suitable for anything from sledding to therapy.

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The Siberian Husky’s origins begins in Northeast Asia where the people of Chukchi, a Siberian nomad tribe, developed the breed specifically for sledding for fast transportation of goods.One of the oldest dog breeds, the Husky also developed into a family dog, sleeping with children to provide extra warmth during harsh winters.

In 1908, the Alaskans showed interest in the breed and brought it back to the United States during the gold rush. Over time, Huskies proved to be excellent sled dogs; especially during the diphtheria epidemic in Alaska where this breed was in charge of transporting antitoxins to locals.

Based on official records, it was indicated that the last Siberian Husky to be exported from Siberia was in 1930 before the Soviet government closed off their borders. Yet, the closing of the borders did not mean the end of this breed, as it continued to thrive in North America thanks to earlier generations’ import of them into the country. Although the modern day Husky is slightly different from the original Chukchi Sled Dog, the breed still maintains many of the same qualities of its predecessors.

The popularity for this breed slowly grew over time, and in 1930 it was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club, eventually leading to the establishment of the Siberian Club of America. Since then, Huskies have continued to work as sled dogs although more are becoming companion dogs rather than working ones.