Huskies became or were trained into becoming sled dogs by Chukchi people. The tribe lives in the Siberian peninsula of northeast Asia.
Team of maximum 20 huskies would pull sleds and then they would all go on search for food. Chukchis were dependent on dogs for survival.
Listed below are 7 fun facts about huskies you had no clue about.
1. How they became sled dogs
2. The guards of the gates of heaven
As per the Chukchi people’s belief, Huskies are guards that counter cruel people who are unfair to dogs from the door of heaven.
3. Their role in Arctic search, rescue missions during World War
Huskies, as per K-9 History, helped in rescuing the crews that worked on downed planes, locating the wrecks amid World War II.
4. Their rise to fame
Huskies became famous in 1925 after they famously brought a lifesaving serum to fight diphtheria epidemic in Alaska. It was 600 miles away and the weather conditions were not at all favourable. A dog team with 100 dogs and 20 sled drivers ran the relay to get the serum in time.
5. The challenge to make them our pets
6. They are clean folks
Huskies are generally very clean. Their coat is dense and they thrive in cold weather. They need no trimming if they are in the habitat where they actually belong. They shed once a year but if you brush them regularly, the shedding can be controlled.
7. The sled dog degree program
Not many are aware of this. In the Siberian Husky Club of America, the national club for Siberian huskies, there is a proper program where the pups have to go through three levels of degrees- Basic, Excellent and Outstanding. They are required to compete in teams where there are sprint and distance races.
