History of the Siberian husky

The roots of the Siberian husky go behind centuries to Russia, arctic Siberia. These good-natured, working dogs with many qualities were very important to chukchis living in hard circumstances. They used dogs for moving from place to another, hunting and transporting.

It is no accident how these dogs developed in the hard circumstances of Siberia. Circumstances formed these dogsī structure, behaviour and abilities to survive. For example a thick coat was vital to the dogs in -30 - 40 degrees, as well as right structure (sufficient mass compared to surface) which meant less thermal loss. Today old line breeders are trying to remain these same arctic qualities.

On 1909 a man called Ramsay bought 70 siberian huskies from Markovo market and brought them from Russia to Alaska. The team participated succesfully to the famous All Alaska Sweepstakes competition. In appearance the dogs departed from the local long-limbed and floppy-eared dogs being smaller and having tight structure with rectangular measures. They were also gentle and good-natured. These dogs came immediately popular. American Kennel Club approved officially the breed in 1930 and first breed standard was released in 1932.

Leonhard Seppala was a famous dog driver who raced but also used these dogs to transport goods in Alaska. His famous serum drive made the Siberian husky breed known world wide. On this hard trip these lovely, primitive dogs showed their strength and good qualities. And prize of that drive wasn't money but saving lives.