Siberian Husky

Siberian or Arctic Huskies were used for centuries to pull sleds by the Chukchi and possibly the Koryak and Kamchadal peoples of Siberia. Genetically close to the wolf, they seldom bark but howl as a pack. Fur traders first brought them to Alaska in 1909, and continued for the next two decades until the Soviet Union closed the border in 1930. Siberian Huskies were used for draught work, but also excelled in racing, being smaller and lighter than other dogs then in general use. The breed’s hour of glory came in 1925, when it helped carry diphtheria serum across Alaska in record time in the “Great Race of Mercy”, saving the city of Nome from an epidemic. Ideally suited to long-distance endurance work, they are still used for sledding, as well as in the newer sports of skijoring and ski-pulka, in which they pull a skier wearing a special harness. Bred as pack animals, they need lavish amounts of company and activity, and make fine, gentle companions.