Recently, huskies are the most popular breed of dogs. Interest in them is increasing every year. What are they - these interesting dogs, where they came from, how and where they were bred, what attract people so much - let's consider in our article.
Versions of breed origin
The origin of the Husky breed is lost in the depths of the centuries. According to one data, they appeared 1,500 years ago, and according to others, more than 3,000. They hail from the northern regions with a harsh climate — the Far East, Siberia, Chukotka, Kamchatka. In these conditions, residents needed a strong, strong animal for the transportation of various goods during the migrations.
In the Neolithic era, primitive hunters came to the North with their hunting dogs. Later, there was a crossing of dogs with wolves, as a result of which the first representatives of this breed appeared, and people began to breed them purposefully. Modern scientific studies have proved a very close genetic relationship between husky and wolves.
According to one of the versions, the name goes back to the name of the Eskimo tribe. Distorted, even more slang, the word "Eski" meant "Eskimo dog." However, another assumption about their origin seems to be more reliable. The breed was bred by the Chukchi - a people occupying a vast territory in the north-east of the mainland of Eurasia.
For many centuries, the Chukchi lived quite closed, without being influenced by civilization. Unpretentious and clever sled dogs were their loyal assistants and friends — they transported luggage, hunted animals, and warmed them in cold nights with their warmth. The selection was tough - the right to live and produce offspring was granted only to the strongest and intelligent individuals.
Later, when trade began to develop, European and American merchants learned about these dogs, and then gave the breed its name. From English "husky" translates as "hoarse."
The voice of these animals is really hoarse, they do not bark, but growl and howl - the influence of wolf genes also affects here.
History tour
Huskies have received the greatest popularity and recognition throughout the world during the “gold rush” in Alaska. In order to reach the remote northern areas, we needed dogs that were well adapted to these conditions. Of all the tested rocks, the natives of Siberia turned out to be the best. Despite the average parameters they overcame snow drifts, withstood a 50-degree frost, walked tirelessly, with a sense they found their way through a blizzard and snowstorm, transported medicines, food, mail.
Largely due to this breed, Alaska was mastered, and many people were saved.
Here is one outstanding case.
In the winter of 1925, the strongest epidemics of diphtheria fell on Alaska. In the city of Nom, stocks of medicines and vaccine vaccines were exhausted, the population was threatened with extinction. In order to save people, it was necessary to deliver medicines as soon as possible from the nearest settlement, the distance to which exceeded 1000 kilometers, which meant 9 days of travel in those times.
Several men took the task with their sleds, they organized the baton, drove day and night, replacing each other. As a result, after 5 days, the serum was delivered to the city. This was done by the Norwegian Seppala and his team, led by the leader of Togo. The musher was unconscious, the animals erased their paws to blood.In gratitude for the accomplishment in Central Park, New York, a monument to a husky dog was erected.
Characteristics of the breed
The main difference is the great similarity with the wolf. Dogs have a strong, muscular body, strong long paws and dense thick hair. All these signs help them to endure the winter cold, to carry heavy sleds over long distances. If necessary, huskies can do a small amount of food. These animals can be small and medium in size, the shape of the body is taut, the muzzle is slightly shortened. An average height of 60 centimeters, weight - about 30 kilograms.
According to the breed standard, dogs should have dark backs, ears and the upper part of the head. The abdomen, paws and muzzle are white, and the characteristic bright spots, the “glasses” around the eyes, are also highlighted. There are animals with pure white and reddish coat color, but this is a rarity, rather the exception.
The eyes have an almond-shaped, slightly slanting incision. Their color is most often blue, icy, less often - brown, yellowish. The peculiarity is the controversy. Ears are triangular, close set, fully pubescent. The tail is big and fluffy like a fox, it is slightly bent.
Dogs of this breed are very hardy, tireless and dynamic. They need constant movement and exercise. They love long walks, running and playing in the fresh air, they feel great in a cold climate. Huskies are friendly, friendly, loyal and not at all aggressive. Excellent live with other pets. Suitable for families with children. Due to the special cleanliness can live even with allergies.
They cannot be used as guards: these dogs lack the concept of their own territory, which must be protected, they can easily approach a stranger.
Varieties
Currently, there are 3 main directions in the breed.
- Workers. The very first breed is the ancestor of all others. The breed standard describes exactly the working dog. Now they are much less common than before, and are mainly used in tourism, for excursions on sledges in the North. They do not shine with beauty, but they are calm, reliable, tireless.
- Racing, or sports. Bred specifically to participate in competitions, dog sledding races. They have a higher speed, but less endurance at long distances. They may have impurities in the pedigree of hounds and greyhounds, a slightly different exterior. Breeders are working to improve the external data.
- Exhibition, show. The name speaks for itself. These dogs are pictures, very beautiful, without any flaws. Winners of high awards in various prestigious shows. Not intended for work or sports, just good and faithful companions.
But the huskies still remain themselves, their character is good-natured and docile. They are very smart and love their owners.
In addition to the division by activity, the breed is also divided by place of origin: there are Siberian, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Baikal, Finnish, Yakut, Alaskan, American varieties. They are not always descendants and relatives of the Huskies, more often it is the result of crossing representatives of different breeds.
Where are the Siberian huskies from?
Despite the name, the breed appeared and was officially recognized in America. This event was preceded by a long history. For the first time sled dogs from Chukotka were brought to the United States in the first half of the XIX century. There was a development of the northern territories, Alaska was bought from Russia. In addition to the Chukchi dogs used in sleds imported from other places.
In the process of mating, new varieties spawn spontaneously and purposefully. Dog breeding clubs appeared, competitive races became popular.Breeders, watching the dogs, noticed the most hardy, strong, obedient and tried to preserve these qualities in the offspring.
So, gradually, for almost 100 years, the breed was formed in the modern sense. Recognition of the American Dog Club she received in 1930, the standard was approved two years later - in 1932. Huskies got to Western Europe only after World War II, in the 1950s.
Today's representatives are not the direct heirs of sled dogs from Siberia, although they are similar to them externally. However, in memory of the ancestors, the Chukchi dogs, it was decided to call the new species “Siberian Huskies”.
Currently, the breed is widely represented in the tourism business, sports, participates in international exhibitions and shows. These dogs are usually chosen by people who are energetic, loving movement and extreme.
See the next video for more information on the origin of the Husky breed.
