What Is The Alaskan Husky?

The athletes of the Alaskan race know as the “Last Great Race On Earth” are the sled dogs. While most of these dogs are referred to as Alaskan Huskies, this term is somewhat confusing. Just what is an Alaskan Husky? I think it is safe to say there is no one description of these dogs. They originated in Alaska during the time when sled dogs were still the main way of getting from village to village. Often the dogs were referred to as village huskies. The dogs had stamina and strength allowing them to be the power to haul people and products through the snowy Alaskan terrain.

The Alaskan Husky became important to the development of the area during the 1980’s when the Alaskan gold rush was in full swing. The dogs were necessary to supply the gold camps. Naturally the speed and strength of these dogs did not go unnoticed and soon sled dog races became a popular pastime. With the popularity of these races dog breeders began to look for ways to get stronger and faster dogs. By the time 1908 rolled around The Nome Kennel Club was holding a race known as the All-Alaska Sweepstakes. The winner of the 400 mile race had some very nice prizes for that period.

In 1925 an outbreak of diptheria in Nome was taking many lives and there was no anti-toxin available any close than Anchorage. Sled dogs were the only means of getting the serum to Nome in time. A relay of dog teams was organized in what has become known as The Great Serum Run. Later in 1964, Dorothy Page had the idea of a race commemorating the Serum Run. She presented the idea of the race to Joe Redington Sr. who has become known as the father of the Iditarod to many. By 1973 the trail was opened all the way from Anchorage to Nome and the Iditarod as we know it today became an annual event.

Many people ask if it isn’t cruel to the dogs to make them pull a sled on this long trail of around 1200 miles. The Alaskan husky according to winner of 4 Iditarods, Doug Swingley, is a “continuous experiment in breeding and nothing more than a successful mixed breed mutt.” These dogs must possess a good thick coat to protect them from the Artic weather, durable feet, a physiology adapted to high calorie intakes of food, a willingness to travel and pull, and the ability to comfortably change gaits. This all sounds like it would make for a large dog. Here is the surprise. The average Alaskan husky stands 20-24 inches tall and weighs from 45-65 pounds. They are much smaller in stature than German Shepherds or Labradors, yet they possess the strength not found in purebred dogs such as Malamutes and Siberians. They are dogs that require an amazing amount of outdoor exercise and usually are not good house pets. They get along with other dogs but not many other animals.

Wrapping it all up, the Alaskan Husky if a dog unlike any other who lives to run and pull.

Which dog will win the Golden Harness Award this year for leading its team into Nome first?