by Jennifer Gray

Created on: April 08, 2009

In the great tradition of working dogs, there is one that's existence made it exceptionally special. The Siberian Husky was the breed of dog, that on February 2, 1925, was responsible for the method of transportation of a precious serum that cured many during a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska. The trek, dubbed the "great serum run", was led by Gunnar Kasson. His team of sled dogs was led by Balto, a Siberian Husky. Kasson had used Balto in the past and during some of his past journeys, Balto

had saved Kasson's life and did so during the "great serum run". Balto was known as Alaska's best lead dog and in honour of the heroic dog, and all others like him, there was a bronze statue erected in Central Park in New York City. The inscription on the statue reads:

"Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed anti-toxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of a stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance-fidelity-intelligence."

The husky had proved again that they were excellent sled dogs during an expedition in 1933 with Navy Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, and 4000 others, called "Operation Highjump". Byrd decided to take with him 50 or so of the smaller huskies rather then the larger breeds used for sled pulling at the time. At the end of the expedition, the explorers agreed that the huskies smaller size gave it quicker speed.

Developed by the Chukchi, a nomad Inuit people from eastern Siberia, the husky was used for pulling sleds, herding reindeer and as a watchdog. It is also theorized that the husky was crossbreed with a wolf. Dr. Edward Moffat Weyer, a known author himself, was quoted in a book, "Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia", as saying, "It seems altogether likely that the dogs of the Eskimos have crossed to some extent with wolves. The skeletal similarity points to a relationship... I have never heard of an authentic case of dogs and wolves interbreeding under natural conditions, but it seems quite likely."

These high energy dogs require daily, extensive exercise. This breed is used for pulling and racing, it's in their blood. They have an odor-free coat that needs no trimming, aside from around the feet, and it required regular grooming during molting season, especially around and on the tail. The husky can reach between 20-24 inched in height and 35-60lbs. They seldom bark, as a general rule, but prefer howling and yipping. Huskies are also known as great jumpers and diggers. They will probably get out of any fenced in area. For the most part, they are docile dogs but remain alert. They are dignified, gentle and a pleasant companion. The most distinctive characteristic is their eyes. They can be brown, blue or any combination.

They are a wonderful companion dog for the person that can keep up to their enormous stamina and their mischievous personality.

Sources:
"The Encyclopedia of the Dog" Bruce
Fogle D.V.M. 1995
"The Ultimate Dog Book" David Taylor 1990
"Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" D. Caroline Coile Ph.D. 2005
"Siberian Huskies" Beverly Pisano
1979

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