Husky: breed history, description with photo, breeding methods and care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Siberian Huskies are a freedom-loving breed of dogs, in whose veins a cross between the blood of wolves and northern dogs flows. The popularity of these blue-eyed dogs is constantly growing, as they are not only a human companion, but also a true friend and reliable assistant. In appearance, they are similar to a wolf, but their character is friendly and peaceful. This was achieved through a long selection selection, since the history of the origin of the husky is very mysterious and mysterious. But to understand it, it is worth studying all the stages of formation in order.

The beginning of the history of the origin of the Husky breed

In the area of about. Lake Baikal were discovered drawings on the rocks, which depict sled dogs. The estimated age of the find is 4 thousand years, but no one can say for sure that these are the descendants of the Husky. Sled dogs helped nomadic hunters survive in the harsh conditions of Eastern Siberia.

There is an opinion that the breed got its name from the Eskimos, who were abbreviated as "eski". Therefore, their dogs began to be called byHusky instinct.

In the distant times of the birth of the breed, all sled dogs with a polar color and thick hair were called huskies, without division by specific qualities. Subsequently, a certain category of dogs began to be distinguished from them, which had common characteristic features. Energetic dogs were not stronger than deer, but they were not inferior to anyone in endurance. They could trudge through the snow-covered plains for long periods, despite the blizzard and wind, heaps of ice and huge drifts. However, their needs for food and rest were minimal.

Tough selection

Scientists put forward a version that the history of the appearance of the husky breed is connected with their hereditary relationship with wolves, as indicated by their external resemblance. This is based on information that northern dogs constantly mated with wild animals. To do this, their owners specially tied the bitch during estrus to the places where the wolves hunted. As a result, the bred offspring were used for transportation in teams.

Further on, a cruel selection was carried out, as a result of which aggressive and uncontrollable dogs, in whose veins the blood of wolves prevailed, were ruthlessly eliminated from the rest. This was a necessary measure, since any ignoring of the commands by the pet could cost the life of the hunter. Dogs that did not cope with their duties were subjected to castration. As a result of such selective selection, only elite dogs could breed. This eventually made it possible to obtain the progenitors of the Husky breed.

Transport of gold miners

At the beginning of the twentieth centurythe Soviet authorities recognized the uselessness of this breed of dogs, in view of their compact size, which did not allow them to carry heavy loads in teams. The sharp reduction in the number of dogs was also associated with a ban on feeding dogs with fish, which was their main food.

It is not known how this would all have ended if the gold rush had not started in America. This was the impetus for the continuation of the history of the origin of the husky dog. Americans were able to appreciate the endurance, energy and unpretentiousness in the care of these northern dogs.

Gold diggers massively bought the best representatives of the Husky from the Chukchi and transported them across the strait to Alaska. Already in America, this breed was given the official name "Siberian Husky", confirming its true origin.

Continuation of the history of the emergence of the Husky breed

Over time, a new sport appeared in America thanks to these unusual dogs - dog sled racing. This not only continued the history of the Siberian Husky breed, but also created an unprecedented boom around these animals. After all, a lot of money was at stake, thanks to which the price of the surviving dogs rose sharply.

As a result of this, even small dogs (up to 60 cm), which were previously rejected, began to be imported to Alaska. The last team from eastern Siberia was taken out in 1930. The first official breed standard was recognized in America in 1934.

The early representatives of the husky had a more than mediocre appearance, for which they received the nickname "mice". But their endurance andenergy completely compensated for this shortcoming. In the future, the need for sled dogs grew, so the breed was constantly evolving. But still it was used purely for work.

So the history of the Husky breed continued, until the first representatives appeared with an unusual blue tint of eyes and a black "saddle" on their backs. This was the start of selection selection for the beauty of the breed and led to its stratification into three types: working, racing and show dogs.

Heroic feat

The history of the Husky breed is amazing with a variety of facts and interesting incidents. One of them should definitely be mentioned below.

Studying the history of huskies, one cannot fail to remember how, thanks to these dogs, an entire city was saved from diphtheria. These events took place in 1925, when an epidemic broke out in the city of Nome, which endangered the lives of many children. Only a special serum could save them, which had to be delivered from Anchorage. Bad weather conditions did not allow this to be done by plane. Therefore, it was decided to bring the necessary vaccine by dog sled, despite the distance of 1000 km, snow drifts and severe snowstorms. For this purpose, the best representatives of the Husky breed were selected.

Unforeseen happened on the way - the man driving the team was paralyzed as a result of severe frostbite. And then the leader of the dog pack B alto took control, who realized that the owner was not well and he needed to be delivered to the village. Thanks tostamina and vigor of dogs, the vaccine arrived in Nome on time, which saved the lives of children.

In gratitude for this deed of the husky, the image of B alto was immortalized in the form of a monument, which is installed in the Central Park of New York, and became the national property of the American people. Until now, the heroic history of the husky is studied in schools and serves as a symbol of endurance, valor, and honor.

Characteristic features of the breed

Many breeders are interested in the history of the Siberian Husky. The breed has been assigned to the FCI category 5, which includes primitive, spitz-shaped dog species. Their purpose is still unchanged - riding.

According to the generally accepted standard, huskies are characterized by a harmonious physique with well-developed muscles and strong bones. Males are larger than females. The height of an adult dog at the withers reaches 50-60 cm, and the weight is 23-28 kg. Exceeding these figures is a disqualifying fault, so these dogs are not allowed for further breeding.

The front paws of the Husky are long, even, wide-set, and the hind legs are characterized by powerful muscles from the thigh. The pads on the limbs are fully adapted to walking in the snow, tightly compressed, so they do not need to be cleaned after a walk.

Tail of medium length, strong. The breed standard does not allow the tail to be thrown over the back or twisted into a ring. It must be raised with a sickle or lowered low.

The head is of medium size, the features of the muzzle give out kinship with wolves. Ears are triangular in shapesize, deep set, rounded at the tips.

Husky's eyes are slanted, their shade can be blue or brown. Not uncommon is heterochromia, when the iris of the eyes has a different color.

Coat type and color

The guard hair of the coat is characterized by medium length and soft structure. It fits snugly to the body, so the lines of the silhouette are clearly visible.

The undercoat is dense, but may be completely absent during the shedding season.

There are about 20 different colors of this breed, while the characteristic "mask" is not a standard sign of a purebred.

The most common color of the husky is grey-white or silver-white with a cool shade of undercoat. A rarer pigment is chocolate, brown, red. The most spectacular look are gray huskies, which have the greatest resemblance to wolves.

The exception is marble, sable, piebald, black, white wool pigment. Therefore, these huskies are much more expensive.

Character

Dogs are highly intelligent and intelligent. But often this is questioned due to the difficult learning ability of the pet. But this is an erroneous opinion, since this breed does not need banal training, but the interest of the pet during the learning process.

Feeling a strong leader in the owner, they quickly master all the necessary skills and develop habits.

Despite their stubbornness and willfulness, huskies are very friendly andbenevolent. These dogs get along well with all family members, and especially love children. Husky mothers are very caring towards their offspring.

Huskeys are not suitable as a guard dog, as they not only do not show aggression to a stranger, but can also lick him as a greeting.

Training and education

It is necessary to start raising a husky from the first day this dog appears in the house. This will teach the wayward dog to elementary commands. At the age of six months, it is recommended to entrust the pet to a professional dog handler who can direct the dog's stupid energy in the right direction.

In the absence of such an opportunity, training should be carried out independently. In doing so, the following recommendations should be followed:

1. One line of education. All family members must adhere to a single line of behavior, otherwise the dog will not be able to understand why he is either praised or scolded for the same thing.
2. The use of physical punishment is unacceptable. Taking a stick and a carrot with a husky is unacceptable. When completing tasks, the dog should be encouraged with a treat, and if not, switch his attention.
3. Multiple repetition of commands. You can achieve a clear performance of the task only by repeating it several times a day. At the same time, the task of the owner is to interest the pet in fulfilling them.
4. Intensified physical activity. Judging from history, Siberian Huskies have high endurance. And in the absence of great physical exertion, their energy is destructive. Therefore, the more the dog trains, the he althier and more active it will be.

He alth

Husky are distinguished by good he alth. But there are diseases that they are most susceptible to.

Types of pathologies:

1. Hip Dysplasia. The disease negatively affects the entire musculoskeletal system of the dog, which prevents him from moving normally. To eliminate the pathology, medication and physiotherapy are prescribed.
2. Juvenile cataract. Consolidation of the pupil, which reduces visual acuity. Develops at the age of two years. Can only be removed surgically.
3. Retinal atrophy. Degenerative changes in the retina, which lead to complete blindness. Often affects both eyes at the same time.

Rules of care

According to the history of the breed, huskies are not demanding on the conditions of detention. Caring for them comes down to following the standard rules:

1. Feeding. Despite natural endurance, huskies suffer from stomach weakness, so their diet should be enriched with protein-fat foods. When choosing dry food, you should pay attention to premium products, as cheap food does not contain the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals for a dog's he alth. When feeding with natural products, the husky's diet should include beef, veal, poultry, sea fish, offal, vegetables, fruits. And also cereals are needed, which are enough to infuse in boiling water without further cooking.
2. Grooming. Hair should be brushed once a week. But during the molting period, whichoccurs twice a year, this procedure should be carried out regularly 1 time per day. Wash your pet no more than once a month.
3. Eye cleaning. This procedure is carried out as needed when dust, speck or discharge collects in the dog's eye. Rinse the eyes from the outer corner to the bridge of the nose with boiled water.
4. Brushing your teeth. The procedure should be done when plaque or tartar appears. In the first case, you can use a special brush and paste, which are sold at the pet store. In the second case, the cleaning is carried out by a veterinarian.
5. Ear care. Wash the auricles should be as dirty no more than 1 time in 2 weeks. To do this, it is recommended to moisten a cotton pad in boiled water, squeeze out excess liquid and gently wipe the ears.
6. Walks. Huskies are not designed to live in an apartment, they need a house with a garden plot where they can feel at ease. In addition, the dog should be walked twice a day, for at least 20-30 minutes. At the same time, the walk should be active with increased physical activity.

Breed virtues

Before deciding on the final choice, it is worth considering the main advantages of the husky:

1. High level of mind and intelligence.
2. Friendly to all family members and other pets.
3. Increased care for your offspring.
4. Wool does not have a characteristic dog odor.
5. Stamina and high immunity to common diseases.
6. Unpretentious care.
7. Eating little.
8. Not dominant, so they rarely come into conflict with other dogs.

Flaws

In addition to the advantages, there are certain disadvantages, due to the history of the Husky breed:

1. While walking, they prefer to pull the leash, as they are sled dogs.
2. Instead of a sonorous bark, huskies prefer to howl, which indicates their origin.
3. Stubborn and willful, making parenting difficult.
4. Not suitable as guards.
5. Need more exercise.
6. Not suitable for a kennel or small apartment.
7. Needs special training.

After studying the history of the Husky breed, one can understand that this type of dog has irrepressible energy, the ability to survive in harsh conditions and perseverance in achieving the goal. Therefore, in order to curb such a pet, you need to have enough strength and perseverance, otherwise this northern pet will set its own rules in the house.