Northern dogs: breed review and content guidelines

The most important characteristics of northern dogs are such qualities as physical strength and power, endurance and stability, as well as the ability to adapt and fully function even in the most adverse environmental conditions.

Northern breeds of dogs are those animals that were bred by the efforts of northern peoples. According to their physiological characteristics, such dogs are strong and resilient, they do not need careful care and can tolerate the adverse effects of the environment.

In general, all dogs living in the North are divided into 3 large categories:

• riders;
• hunting;
• watchdog.

Consider the most popular categories and specific breeds of northern dogs.

These breeds of dogs are used as a force for priests. Driving assist in the transportation of both goods and people. For these purposes, special teams are often used. If we talk about the time of occurrence of such animals, it should be noted that historical sources accurately report that sled dogs existed on our planet 7,000 years ago. Today in this category of animals includes several breeds.

According to research data the Alaskan Malamute - This is one of the oldest varieties of northern dogs. Breed arose through the breeding work of scientists. The ancestor of the dog is considered a polar wolf. The name of the breed itself has a rather interesting history of its origin. Thus, the variety got its name in honor of the Eskimo tribe, which was engaged in breeding the breed.

The original name of this tribe – malemut. The main purpose of animals is the transportation of passengers and cargo. However, in addition, certain members of the breed were used as guards, watchmen and protectors.

A unique feature of Alaskan Malamutes - inability to bark. The appearance of the animal is aesthetically appealing. Dogs have a thick coat with a dense undercoat. Most often, the color of the animal's hair resembles a wolf. The dog is quite massive in size. For example, the weight of an adult individual may vary between 32-37 kilograms.

In short, this breed of northern four-legged animals is also called Samoyeds. In appearance, this breed of animals attracts many. The dog has a long and thick coat, and the most common color is white. In this way, Samoyed dog resembles a fluffy northern bear. But despite such a pretty appearance, animals have outstanding physical abilities, they are strong and hardy. As for the size of the dog, the weight can vary between 15-32 kilograms, and the height is traditionally in the range from 47 to 62 centimeters (it is worth considering that males are much larger than females).

The nature of the animal is distinguished by good nature, vigor and even a kind of enthusiasm.Dogs show developed mental abilities, but are considered rather stubborn and independent animals. In the process of care, special attention should be paid to the dog's hair, which needs to be combed regularly. Dogs get along well in a wide variety of conditions.

The Siberian Husky variety resembles an Alaskan Malamute in appearance, but this species of animal is inferior to the Malamute in terms of size. Initially it was assumed that the main task of animals that belong to this breed is the transportation of small cargoes, but for quite considerable distances. The thing is that Huskies are dogs that, from a physiological point of view, differ from their fellows in their ability to constantly move.

By their nature, animals are quite friendly. In ancient times, the Eskimos used them to heat young children in particularly severe frosts. In the process of care and maintenance of such an animal It is important to give him enough attention, as the dog does not tolerate loneliness. Often there are representatives with blue eyes.

In addition to riding animals, the category of northern dogs includes dogs that were used for hunting large and small game.

The use of an animal for hunting is primarily due to its physiological characteristics. So, scientists and veterinarians report that the Russian-European laika is a breed of dog that is different developed vision, hearing and intuition. The animal is a born hunter, it participates in such activities with interest and excitement. The mass of an adult individual can reach 25 kilograms, and the height of the animal varies from 50 to 60 centimeters.

Russian-European huskies are dogs that have good health, they rarely get sick. Representatives of this breed need constant physical activity, they like long and active walks. The animal quickly and easily comes in contact with both people and other animals.

These animals grow to 63 cm, and their weight can reach 24 kilograms. The breed is considered the largest hunting husky in eastern Siberia. The animal has a unique ability to easily navigate the terrain and can adapt to the most adverse climatic conditions. It is worth considering that representatives of this breed will not be able to exist with other animals in the same territory - they will perceive their neighbors as prey.

The East Siberian husky easily and quickly comes in contact with a person, representatives of the breed interact well even with young children. Due to the fact that the animal is quite picky, it can be kept both in the apartment and in the house. Both in that and in other case physical exercises are obligatory.

People of this breed are often called Swedish huskies. Among the northern hunting dogs, they are considered the strongest. Emthunds are practically not common outside Sweden, but they are very popular and highly valued in their homeland. These animals have a strong immune system, so they practically do not get sick.

Another major category of northern dogs are animals intended for protection.

This breed of northern animals is one of the kindest and loyal to the host and the family in which they live.However, despite this positive attitude towards familiar people, good-natured Buchunds turn into aggressive and fierce advocates if they feel the approach of threat or danger.

Buchunds are quite large animals, because in weight they can reach 27 kilograms, and their growth rates range from 44 to 48 centimeters.

This species is one of the most ancient northern breeds. Suomenlapinkure or Finnish Lapphund is different active temperament, prefers to spend a lot of time outdoors, in the fresh air.

The animal is able to perform several working functions. So, despite the fact that its original purpose was protection, representatives of the breed are also used as shepherds and rescuers.

In another way, this breed is called the Swedish Walhund. Even in adulthood, the representatives of this breed retain puppy enthusiasm and cheerful character. Thanks to this, the fame was fixed to the spitz peculiar comedians. The original birthplace of this breed is Sweden, but today the variety has spread far beyond the borders of one country.

The dog needs the constant attention of the owner, and in his absence begins to demand care, spoiling the furniture, household utensils and other household items. therefore Before you start a similar animal, you should evaluate your ability to spend a large amount of time with him. In terms of its size, the Westgoth spitz is quite miniature. Its weight does not exceed 15 kilograms, and height - 41 centimeters.

In the process of choosing a northern dog, it is important to pay attention to 3 main factors:

• purpose (as we found out, there are riding, hunting and guard dogs) - depending on the category to which the animal belongs, it will have certain behavioral features and characteristics of temperament;
• appearance - the pet should attract and delight you with its appearance; it is also important to pay attention to the dimensions and dimensions, assess the size of your living space and whether this or that dog fits on them;
• care rules - Some animals require specific care measures, while others are completely unpretentious in this regard.

See the following video about the sled dogs.