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Husky Dogs in Argentina.

Siberian Husky Alaskan Husky

SIBERIAN HUSKYS

The breed of Siberian Husky Dogs originated in Siberia where the climate is very severe. The Chukchi (native people) used these dogs as sled dogs because they could cover great distances. Notwithstanding their medium size, they demonstrated endurance and strength.

General Appearance
As with any other dog developed in cold, harsh climates, Siberian Huskies have a typical appearance. They are double-coated with their outer coat being very harsh and thick hair. It is much longer than the hair that is closer to the body. This downy coat is very soft and holds in the body's warmth whereas the outer coat protects from the cold and wind and does not let the water penetrate to the skin. As the coat of Siberian Husky dogs is double layered, it is able to withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees to -76 degrees F (-50 degrees to -60 degrees C). The hair between the toes on the feet of the dog is for gripping on ice.

Siberian Huskies are about 21-23 inches at the withers. The bitches are naturally smaller than the males: they are 20-22 inches at the withers. Dogs weigh about 45-60 pounds with the bitches weighing 35-50 pounds. Siberian Husky Dogs are proportionally built and that is why their weight must be in proportion to their size.

History
Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs. They are rather quick and strong, yet their movements are graceful and free.

The dog is native to Siberia and it was brought to Alaska in 1909. For centuries Siberian Husky Dogs were used to pull the natives' sleds. The dog's ancestors were developed by the Chukchi, a tribe of native people that inhabit the eastern Siberian Arctic. Years ago when the Chukchi had to move away from the northern parts of Siberia to the Arctic Coast in search of better places to live, they took these strong, durable animals with them as the Siberian Husky dog was very hardy and not afraid of severe climate. These tough, resilient dogs had an impressive sense of direction and were able to find their way back to the village no matter the weather. A huge benefit was that these dogs could work in a team, which was also important for pulling cargo. (The original dogs were the basis from which the Alaskan Husky Dog was bred).

Nowadays a well-bred Husky maintains the personality, the stamina, and the courage of his ancestors, but he is more of a playmate than a guardian and is not a watchdog. Siberian Husky Dogs are good pets and are still used as sled dogs.

Information and picture courtesy of the Siberian Husky Dog Breeders Associations.

ALASKAN HUSKYS

Alaskan Husky Dogs are aptly named due to their origin in Alaska and for dog sled racing. The Alaskan Husky is not really considered a breed of dog anywhere in the world. It is more of a type of dog. The Alaskan Husky breed is very young and because of the different lines of blood it possesses, it is difficult to characterize the dog into a standard breed. Many dog sled racers consider the Alaskan Husky as a hybrid dog.

Some may call it a Siberian Husky with part Setter, wolf, Sight Hound or any other breed of dog that may give it speed and endurance for racing. There are many different mixes of dogs that make up the Alaskan Husky family. There is the Mackenzie River Husky, Huslia Husky, the Aurora Husky, Indian Village Dogs and so on. With so many different types of these sled dogs, they all have the common fact that they were originated in Alaska.

General Description
The Alaskan Husky Dog has a deep slim chest, long legs and can be one color or multicolor. They are mainly black, gray and white but can also be red or brown. All Alaskan Huskies have heavy undercoats to deal with the low temperatures of their environments. The Alaskan Husky is extremely athletic and has very large thigh muscles. They often have a curved sled dog tail and can have blue or brown eyes, or sometimes one of each, like some Siberian Huskies. Usually the ears stand straight up but in a few cases they lay flat. This breed is popular in sled dog racing since it is faster, stronger and has more endurance than the Siberian Husky Dog.

Temperament
Unlike some of the Alaskan Huskies' cousins such as the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, it tends to be more reserved and calm as a pet. To most, this can be interpreted as being shy. An Alaskan Husky is very friendly to people it knows and is very curious toward people it does not know. The fact that the Alaskan Huskies are usually positive to all strangers makes them one of the worst watchdogs. Alaskan Husky Dogs rarely bark either, they usually howl.

Information and picture courtesy of the Alaskan Husky Dog Breeder Information Centre.

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