by Court Moss

Created on: August 14, 2008   Last Updated: December 30, 2009

The Siberian Husky

General History of the Breed

The word "husky" derives from Inuit tribes called "huskies", which were named by early Caucasians travelers that came to their land. And breeds that descend from Eskimo dogs were found throughout Siberia to Canada, to Greenland, Alaska, Labrador, and Baffin Island.

The Siberian Husky is a working dog that originated in eastern Siberia. This resilient breed is commonly associated with harsh and cold environments, but is often seen in all types of areas.

They were once bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia before it was imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush. Eventually the breed crossed over into Canada and the rest of the United States and was used as a sled dog.

In the fall of 1908, the Siberian Husky arrived quietly in North America. They were not an established breed when they crossed over. Probably because it secretly made its way through the back door of America.

A Russian fur trader named William Goosak was the first to import the Husky and entered in the 1909 All Alaska Sweepstakes race. It was then when no one appeared to be impressed by his medium sized dogs. The Husky's were referred to as "Siberian Rats".

Since that race, Siberian Huskies began to top all of the other breeds that were used in the event. Even today they remain head strong during competitions when running is involved. In winter of 1925, a diphtheria epidemic spread throughout Nome. And the closest life saving serum was over 600 miles away. This had to involve a team of sled dogs to make the arrival of the medicine move faster.

There was a team led by Gunnar Kaasen and dog Balto, who is known worldwide as the half-wolf half-husky dog that led the team back home safely. A statue of Balto's generous and life changing bravery still stands in New York's Central Park, honoring all of the sled dogs that were part of the retrieving the serum.

There was no one actually breeding pure Huskies in Alaska at that time. It was only until when Natalie Jubin arrived with two AKC registered Siberians in 1946 in New Hampshire.

In 1930 the last Siberians were exported as the Soviet government closed the borders of Siberia to external trade. And that same year the Siberian Husky was entered in the American Kennel Club. Nine years after that it was recognized and registered in Canada.

Huskies are still very much part of the sledding scene. However, they have been replaced by the more popular Alaskan Malamute and a type of Hound crossbreed. They

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