Siberian Huskies have long been working partners with man, but only recently (early 1900's) recognized as a pure breed with the AKC & CKC. This amazingly powerful little animal was bred to live and work with the Chukchi peoples of northern Siberia, and these dogs were revered for their hard working ethic, ability to travel & work for long distances on moderate amounts of food. Their existence, and that of the Chukchi peoples were intertwined - one could not survive without the other.

At the turn of the 20th century the gold rush was still in full swing and dog races were a common source of mid winter relief & gambling. In 1908 a Russian fur trader named Goosack appeared with his team of 'mystery dogs', to enter the famous All Alaska Sweepstakes race. They did not win that particular race, but given their performance, under extreme conditions, they did finish respectably well. A young Scotsman named Fox Maule Ramsey was so impressed with their strength, speed and stamina that he acquired some of the better specimens and entered them the following year in the 1910 Sweepstakes, and driven by Johnny Johnson, these dogs & their progeny went on to win many races.

The Siberian gained popular notice in the 1925 Nome Diphtheria relay from Nenana to Nome. This now famous run of mercy to deliver much needed serum to Nome by relays of dog teams was accomplished by nineteen drivers and scores of dogs. The most famous of these was the renowned Leonhard Seppala. The statue of "Balto", commemorates this amazing journey & stands in Central Park in New York.

Siberian owners worldwide have come to love the breed for its very endearing traits - the hard working ethic, the apparent enjoyment the breed takes in making people laugh, and it's very independent nature. These same strengths have been known to drive many an exhibitor crazy as their well trained dog suddenly forgets how to behave in an obedience or show ring or decides that today is just not a good day to race. The breeds' inherent stubbornness also makes it a very difficult breed to handle.

They are not a breed for everyone, but in the right home they can be the best of companions. They love children, love to play and love to hang out on the couch as much as you do...

Sibes also come in many colors from all white to all black, red, cinnamon, silver, grey, agouti, and some have spots - they are called piebalds. Some have blue eyes, some brown, some amber, or bi-eyed - one of each color, or parti-eyes - where part of one eye is brown and part is blue. They shed out twice a year, but with proper grooming the mess can be kept to a minimum. Over the years many people have started out in racing Siberians, and many have gone to the easier to train hound crosses so prevalent in today's racing circles. A few individuals in that group admit that it is not because the Siberian is too hard to train - but almost too intelligent. Most people do not have the patience required to out think the Siberian. They learn very quickly how close they have to cut a corner when racing, and how closely they have to cut it to lose you off the back of the sled! They are also very single track in their thinking - bred to run, it becomes their entire focus when in harness. This is not a breed for the faint of heart.

This stubborn trait, coupled with their rambunctious leanings as youngsters tends to see an alarming number of Siberian running loose, wild or in shelters, looking for new homes. They are often man-handled by owners who have no idea that their behavior is normal for a Siberian, and that this fun loving breed will not come when called. This is a high energy breed, that, if left locked inside all day will find a way to amuse themselves and do not understand that chewing a wall or the furniture is not funny. If not well socialized and trained as puppies, they become very obnoxious as 'teenagers' and quickly find themselves in need of new homes or harshly treated and abused.

As such, there are a number of individuals who have come together to try to help those unfortunate dogs who do require homes. We are always looking for foster homes or permanent placements for some of these unfortunate dogs. For more information on how you can help contact us at Nakitsilik. For those of you who find yourself with an obnoxious Sibe, call us & we will be glad to assist you in changing the behaviors of your dog.

!!!!!RESCUE ALERT!!!!!

The following dog(s) are in URGENT need of a new home:

http://www.bcsiberianhuskyclub.com/

Trying to save those who can not speak for themselves.
One day and one dog at a time!

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