siberian husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog often used as a sled dog by mushers. In the language of the Chukchi (or Chuckies) Husky means "hoarse" relating to the very particular barking of this dog. Two plurals are accepted for this word: “huskys” (French plural) or “huskies” (original English plural). Close breeds The husky has cousins ​​that look like it: the malamute, the samoyed, the greenlander... They come from Alaska and Siberia. The malamute is relatively similar to the husky but it is more powerful. Health The Siberian Husky is a remarkably healthy dog. He may be prone to bowel weakness and indigestion. If cared for properly, it requires relatively little care, apart from periodic examinations and vaccinations. Huskies are dogs that can become paralyzed very quickly, from the age of 7 if they are not taken care of enough, so they have to be run every day to keep their health remarkable. Hip dysplasia The incidence of hip dysplasia is relatively low. However, dogs intended for breeding should, among other things, be certified by the "Animal Orthopedic Foundation" before mating. This certification cannot be obtained before the age of two. The sustained efforts of farmers have kept the incidence of this problem at a low level. Hip dysplasia can be dangerous and kill the dog. Eye Problems According to the CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation), the incidence of cataracts in pets checked by the ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist) is around 15-18%. The true incidence is probably higher, since many experienced breeders may discover the abnormality early and do not certify the puppies. Typically, these cataracts have little effect on the dog's vision, which can still lead a happy and normal life after sterilization. However, there is a more aggressive form of cataracts that progresses rapidly and can lead to total blindness around two or three years of age. Chocolate and white female with amber eyes There is also a problem of corneal dystrophy within the breed. This disease causes diffuse and progressive loss of vision from middle age. It is often undetectable before the age of 4 to 6 years, when the dog has already been able to reproduce and perpetuate the problem. The husky can also be prone to glaucoma, especially some lines developed for racing. Glaucoma usually causes significant pain and vision loss before the problem is detected by the owner. In several breeds, including the husky, the onset of a problem with progressive retinal atrophy and progressive central retinal atrophy has been noted. These are conditions of genetic origin and screening of potential couples has made it possible to significantly reduce the incidence within the breed. Currently, the incidence of central retinal atrophy is relatively low

The direct lineage of the Siberian Husky dates back over 2000 years. He was the dog of the Chukchis, a people close to the Inuit and living around the basin of the Kolyma River in northern Siberia. The isolation of the tribe and an intelligent system of breeding produced a continual improvement of the breed (they systematically eliminated aggressive dogs). In general the tribes do not take care of their dogs outside of work, the Chukchis on the contrary sought to produce a good draft dog for their sleds but also a guard for their goods and a companion for the children. The dogs were part of the family and often shared the house. In 1909, nine dogs were brought to Alaska by a Russian fur trader to compete in the legendary 400-mile All Alaska Sweepstakes race. This first hitch, despite the smaller size of the dogs, placed third that year. The Scottish Fox Maule Ramsay, who was impressed by the extraordinary resistance of these dogs, imported 61 others to build three teams that won the first three places in the 1910 All Alaska Sweepstakes. in the winter of 1925, when an epidemic of diphtheria struck the isolated village of Nome, Alaska, a relay of 20 mushers and more than 100 huskies managed to deliver an essential serum from the remote town of Nenana 1085 miles away km, in just 127 and a half hours. This heroic feat earned these dogs and their masters national notoriety. One of these drivers, Leonhard Seppala, undertook a national tour across the United States with his team of huskies, descendants of the first comers from Siberia. In New England, he took part in numerous competitions which once again proved the superiority of the Siberian Husky over local dogs. New England handlers and early breeders acquired packs, gaining AKC recognition for racing in 1930, and founded the Siberian Husky Club of America in 1938.

The Siberian husky has a very pleasant temperament, affectionate without being obsequious. This pleasant and friendly character is likely an ancestral heritage, since chukchies held their dogs in high esteem. They lodged them with the family and encouraged the children to play with them. It is an alert dog, which seeks to please and which adapts easily. Huskies are extremely intelligent and independent dogs. They can be very stubborn, given their original function, and they get bored easily. This independent and stubborn character can sometimes test your imagination. Its versatility makes it a pleasant companion for people of all ages and all walks of life. However, it is generally not recommended as a first dog, as with such a remarkably intelligent and manipulative animal, mistakes are easily made and sometimes difficult to correct. Although he is very affectionate towards his foster family, the husky is not usually a one-man dog. He is not afraid of strangers or suspicious and he can be as welcoming to a would-be thief as he is to a family member. He is not a guard dog, although because of his personality and appearance he can be a deterrent to those unfamiliar with his basically hospitable nature.