Some Breed History and Characteristics

Siberian Huskies originated in Northeast Asia where they are bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sled-pulling, and companionship. Among the Chukchi, Siberian’s were raised in the dwelling by the women, the breedings controlled by the chief. The dogs were also used to look after the children, tied to one they kept them out of seal holes and safe. 
Hence their love of children and why they are so good as service dogs and what 
we have found tuned in especially to autistic children today. 

They were also used to help heat the Chukchi dwelling as part of the family and hence the saying “three dog night”, taking 3 dogs to heat the place up!

A characteristic prized in the breed by the the Chukchi was the love of their family, team or pack personality, no matter who or what was part of their pack. For this reason, they can be at home with all kinds of animals, birds etc as part of their pack within the modern home. However, outside, any strange small animal like rabbits or squirrels are prey for them. Historically they would kill small animals as food for the family and not eat it themselves. 

The Siberian ear can be rotated all around to hear the musher behind him when in harness, forward to catch any noise in front and closed off completely to keep blowing snow from entering. 

The Siberian’s feet are webbed to act like snowshoes and stay on top of deep snow. 

The tail is big and fluffy, placed over the face and nose when curled up to sleep will also warm the air, important in a bad snow storm or freezing temperatures.
The double coat helps protect the dog in all temperatures. The inner coat is as thick as required by the temperatures, protecting the skin to keep the dog warm warm with soft down. The outer coat has an oil to help protect the inner coat from penetration by the snow and dampness. It is longer is several areas to provide a cape like coverage over the shoulders and hips.

These are some of the great reasons that Siberians are great at what they do! 

William Goosak, a Russian fur trader, introduced Siberians to Nome, Alaska, during the Nome Gold Rush, initially as sled dogs.

Dogs from the Anadyr River and surrounding regions of Eastern Siberia were carefully selected and imported into Alaska from 1908 onward for use as sled dogs, especially in the "All-Alaska Sweepstakes.  Smaller, faster and more enduring than the 100- to 120-pound (45- to 54-kg) freighting dogs then in general use, they immediately dominated the Sweepstakes race. Chukchi dogs continued to be imported into Alaska until 1929.

Leonhard Seppala, the foremost breeder of Siberian sled dogs of the time, participated in competitions from 1909 to the mid-1920s with many championships to his name.

Balto

On February 3, 1925, Gunnar Kaasen was the final musher in the 1925 serum run to Nome to deliver diphtheria serum from Nenana, over 600 miles to Nome with his lead dog Balto. This was a group effort by several sled-dog teams and mushers, with the longest and most dangerous segment of the run covered by Leonhard Seppala and his sled team lead dog Togo.

Pedigree

"Togo" - 1913

Breeder: Leonard Seppala.

Pedigree

Foundation dog of the breed as well as champion racing lead dog for the Wheeler team. First Siberian to be registered with the CKC (1939). Owned originally by Elizabeth Ricker then by Robert Wheeler. 

Wheeler Team of Grey Rocks Québec, led by Bonzo

Breeder: Leonard Seppala.

The Siberian Husky was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1939.

Pedigree

Sepalla Kennels of Harry Roberts Wheeler located at Gray Rocks Inn, St. Jovite Station, Quebec, Canada, was crucial to the development of the Siberian sled dog as well as to that of the Siberian Husky. It operated from 1930 to 1950. His dogs were obtained mainly from Leonard Seppella.

Sapsuk of Sepalla was Wheeler's famous lead dog who had raced the 1934 and 1935 seasons on the Alec Belford team and was the son of Tserko the Siberia import.

The eventual sale of dogs from the Wheeler kennel to New England buyers around 1950 was critical to development of the Siberian Husky breed in the USA. Sapsuk and others were sold to Marie Turner of Cold River Kennels.

Other Wheeler dogs were sold to Don McFaul of Maniwaki, Québec who carried on the Seppala Kennels name and tradition until the 1960's.

Pedigree

"Ch. Wonalancet's Baldy Of Allyeska" - 1940

With his brother Disco was the first Siberians to win a Best in Brace in Group and Show.
Winners Dog at 2nd Nat'l Specialty-1941. He was the first Siberian to win a Working Group. He was also Sire of the famous "Izok Of Gap Mountain".

Pedigree

William Belletete worked with sled dogs during WW II and was an avid racing enthusiast. His most significant dog was Duchess of Cold River, bred by Marie Frothingham. When bred to the Seelys' Ch Wonalancet's Baldy of Alyeska the result was Izok Of Gap Mountain. 

Bred by William Belletete

Izok in turn was the Sire of the famous Mulpus Brook's The Roadmaster...

Pedigree

Although he was a striking dog and a prolific stud for many years, The Roadmaster (named after the latest Buick) entered the ring only once in Manchester NH where he contracted distemper and was left blind in one eye.

Bred by Lorna Demidoff

Pedigree

Am Ch BISS--1957, 1958, 1959, 1960. He won 5 consecutive BOB at Westminster Kennel Club. BIS Brace with his son Ch Monadnock's King. Won 1st Veteran Dog Class when it was offered at the National in 1962. Was #1 Siberian in US in 1961 & 1962.

Bred by Lorna Demidoff.