Hardy Husky Dogs Tackle the Tough Jobs

The hardy, husky-type dogs of the Arctic are noted for their heavy fur, strong bodies, and powerful legs, enabling them to do tough jobs, like pulling loads of goods and people. The Alaskan Iditarod Race, held every March, brings mushers and their sled dogs for competition, running from Anchorage to Nome, a distance of more than 1,100 miles (about 1,800 km). The average time to complete the race is 10 to 14 days; however, musher John Baker set a record in 2011 of 8 days, 19 hours, 46 minutes, and 39 seconds. Most of the canines used are husky dogs, which can be from different breeds.

Primarily, husky dogs are one of three breeds:

Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is the largest and oldest of the sled dog breeds. Not necessarily developed to race, this breed was created instead to carry large loads over great distances. Standing 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm) at the shoulder and weighing 75 to 90 pounds (34 to 41 kg), the Malamute is known for its strength as well as its endurance.

A dog of great intelligence and athleticism, the Malamute is very trainable, although it can be strong-willed. It is also prone to digging. Daily exercise is needed, and competition events for this breed are worthwhile; they include weight-pulling, backpacking, swimming, and of course sledding. The Malamute is also noted for its affectionate, loyal nature and makes a great family pet.

It’s thick, coarse coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing. Coat color ranges from light gray to black or sable to red. Face markings include a cap on the head and a mask on the face. This dog also sports a plumed tail that arches over its back. Large, snowshoe-like feet help it combat cold and snow. Eyes are brown – blue eyes are a defect according to the AKC standard.

The breed was named for the native Innuit tribe of Alaska known as the Mahlemuts. The dogs were used for heavy freighting in the Arctic.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935, the Alaskan Malamute is part of the Working Group category.

Siberian Husky
A cousin to the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky was bred specifically as a sled dog. Many believe it originated off the eastern Siberian peninsula. This breed was used in 1908 during the All-Alaskan Sweepstakes, a sled dog race of more than 400-mile (644 km). The breed is noted for bringing much-needed medicine to the people in Nome, Alaska during a diphtheria epidemic; this expedition is commemorated as the Iditarod Race today. Admiral Byrd also used Huskies during his Antarctic expeditions during the early to mid 1900s, and the dogs also served in World War II as the American Army’s search and rescue unit.

Siberians have a thicker coat than most other dog breeds, with a very soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. Coat color ranges from pure white to pure black, but Siberians can also have various markings, particularly on the head. They possess a furry, fox-like tail that curves slightly over the dog’s back. The coat requires regular brushing.

Siberians can have two eye colors: one blue eye and one brown eye (bi-eyed), or even have eyes that are half-blue and half-brown (parti-eyed).

Known for its endurance and aptitude for working, the Siberian is considered graceful and light on its feet. Even though this dog is quite friendly and gentle with people, even strangers, it possesses predatory instincts and, therefore, a husky should be supervised around small animals both at and away from home. It also requires daily exercise.

Siberians were recognized by the AKC in 1930 and are part of the Working Group. Smaller than the Alaskan Malamute, this breed generally stands 20 to 23.5 inches (51 to 60 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs 35 to 60 pounds (16 to 27 kg).

Samoyed
The dog that smiles – that’s the Samoyed, known for its black lips that curl slightly at the mouth corners. It’s also known for the pure white, or nearly white, coat color.

Another Siberian breed, this dog was developed by the Samoyede people where it was used for herding reindeer, hunting, hauling, and guarding. Explorer Robert Scott brought the breed to England in the late 1800s. Today’s Samoyeds participate in agility, herding, weight pulling, packing and sledding.

The Samoyed likes to work, and therefore, needs to be exercised regularly and participating in competition events is encouraged. Samoyeds are energetic and may chase things and bark a lot, so having a regular job or activity is best for this breed.

The Samoyed, called the “Sammy”, sports a heavy, weather-resistant coat and therefore, hot, temperate climates are not good for this breed. The coat tends to mat easily and needs to be brushed regularly.

Samoyeds are intelligent, gentle and loyal; they love to be with their people! Their heritage included sleeping in tents with their owners. They are considered easy-going and playful and don’t make very good guard dogs.

The AKC recognized this breed in 1906; it is a member of the Working Group.

The dog’s gait and expression are characteristic of the breed. The Samoyed moves quickly, like a trot, and its sparkling eyes and alert face endear it to people.

The smaller of the husky dogs, the Samoyed stands only 19 to 23 inches (48 to 60 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs 35 to 65 pounds (16 to 30 kg).

American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, which looks like a smaller version of the Samoyed, is really not an Arctic sledding, Eskimo, or husky dog; instead, it is descended from the German Spitz. However, because of the anti-German sentiment during World War II, the breed’s name was changed to American Eskimo, but it is considered a Nordic breed.

Husky dogs are working dogs with an ethic and the energy to pull carts and sleds, to participate in agility trials, and to go on packing excursions. These outgoing dogs need lots of activity, and they do best in cooler climates due to their double-coats. They are loyal, affectionate dogs that make excellent family pets, and their beauty, intelligence and endurance are known favorably around the world.