All about: The white Siberian Husky

The white Siberian Husky is an ancient breed of dog originating in Siberia and exported to America. It was used by gold miners and became a popular sledge dog. Later on, it became a popular racing dog and it was used by the U.S. military. However, it has also become a show dog and a much desired family pet.

Origins

The Chuckchi folk White Siberian Huskies originated among the Chuckchi people of north east Asia. DNA analysis reveals that they are an ancient breed of dog. The Chuckchi, who are culturally and ethnically close to the Inuit (Eskimo) used them to drag loads across snow. America This breed entered America in 1908 during the Nome gold rush (1899-1909) when gold was found on the remote Seward Peninsula. The miners used them as sled dogs. The importer was Leonhard Seppala who was prospecting for gold there. Seppala realised that these husky dogs had potential and began to import them. After the gold rush, he moved to New England and began to develop the breed, along with his partner Elizabeth Ricker. Popularity Miners realised that the breed was faster than the Samoyed and Alaskan Malamute, which is much stronger. In 1925, the Siberian Husky achieved fame with the serum run, a fast race to deliver anti-diphtheria serum to a remote community, when its speed at pulling sledge was a matter of life and death. Seppala made it popuar during this period, exhibiting it across the Northeastern United States. In 1930, the Russian government banned the export of the dogs, but by then, the breed was established. In 1930, it was recognised by the kennel club of America, to be followed by Canada in 1939.

Later successes

Already a popular pet, they have been considered as a favoured working dog. Admiral Peary took them on his attempt to reach the North Pole in the 1930s, and he was followed by Admiral Byrd, who took a team of white Siberian Huskies on Operation Highjump, a sixteen-thousand mile overland expedition to circle the coast of Antarctica, where the breed proved to be very successful. The United States Army Arctic Search and Rescue Unit used them in World War II to seek downed aircrews. Many of these dogs were trained at Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire. In recent years, they have been popular sports dogs. The sports are dog trekking, and skijoring, when up to three dogs pull a sled. They are used in dog racing. Some outdoor enthusiasts use them to journey into the Canadian and Alaskan wildernesses. They are still popular as a show breed. There is also a husky club that is involved with showing breeds.