Editing Siberian Husky

{{Short description|Dog breed}}
{{about|the dog breed|other uses|Husky (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{Infobox dog breed
| altname = Chukcha<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.britannica.com/animal/Siberian-husky|title=Siberian husky|access-date=2019-02-28}}</ref>
| origin = [[Siberia]]<ref name=":0"/>
| fcistd = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/270g05-en.pdf
| image = Husky_L.jpg
| image_caption = Black and white Siberian Husky
| name = Siberian Husky
| nickname = Husky<br />Sibe
| maleweight = {{convert|45|-|60|lb|kg}}
| femaleweight = {{convert|35|-|50|lb|kg}}
| maleheight = {{convert|21|-|23.5|in|cm}}
| femaleheight = {{convert |20|-|22|in|cm}} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf|title=American Kennel Club : Official Standard of the Siberian Husky|website=Images.akc.org|access-date=2022-02-27}}</ref>
| coat = Thick double coat
| color = All colors from black to pure white, and including many differing colors and markings
| litter_size = 4–8 puppies
}}

The '''Siberian Husky''' is a [[dog breed|breed]] of medium-sized [[Working dog|working]] [[sled dog]]. The breed belongs to the [[Spitz]] genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly furred [[Coat (dog)|double coat]], erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings, and is smaller than the similar-looking [[Alaskan Malamute]].

Siberian Huskies originated in [[Northeast Asia]] where they are bred by the [[Chukchi people]] as well as the [[Koryaks|Koryak]], [[Yukaghir people|Yukaghir]] and [[Kamchadals|Kamchadal]] people of [[Siberia]] for sled pulling and companionship.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/Siberian-husky|title=Siberian husky {{!}} breed of dog|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2019-02-28}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Smith |first1=Tracy |last2=Srikanth |first2=Krishnamoorthy |last3=Huson |first3=Heather |date=2024-08-21 |title=Comparative Population Genomics of Arctic Sled Dogs Reveals a Deep and Complex History |journal=Genome Biology and Evolution |volume=16 |issue=9 |pages=2–5 |doi=10.1093/gbe/evae190 |pmid=39193769 |pmc=11403282 }}</ref> It is an active, energetic, resilient breed, whose ancestors lived in the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. William Goosak, a Russian fur trader, introduced them to [[Nome, Alaska]], during the [[Nome Gold Rush]], initially as [[sled dogs]] to work the mining fields and for expeditions through otherwise impassable terrain.<ref name=":0" /> Today, the Siberian Husky is typically kept as a house pet, though they are still frequently used as sled dogs by [[Sled dog racing|competitive]] and recreational mushers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Do many Siberian Huskies run the Iditarod? If not, why? – Iditarod|url=https://iditarod.com/do-many-siberian-huskies-run-the-iditarod-if-not-why/|access-date=2021-02-23|website=iditarod.com|date=12 October 2020 }}</ref>

==Lineage==
{{Further|Origin of the domestic dog}}

In 2015, a [[DNA]] study indicated that the Siberian Husky, the [[Alaskan Malamute]] and the [[Alaskan husky]] share a close genetic relationship between each other and were related to [[Chukchi Peninsula|Chukotka]] sled dogs from Siberia. They were separate to the two [[Canadian Eskimo Dog|Inuit dogs]], the [[Canadian Eskimo Dog]] and the [[Greenland Dog]]. In [[North America]], the Siberian Husky and the Malamute both had maintained their Siberian lineage and had contributed significantly to the Alaskan husky, which was developed through crossing with [[Europe]]an breeds.<ref name=brown2015/> Siberian Huskies show a genetic affinity with historical East Siberian dogs and ancient [[Lake Baikal]] dogs, and can be traced to a lineage which is over 9,500 years old.<ref name=Feuerborn2021>{{cite journal|doi=10.1073/pnas.2100338118|title=Modern Siberian dog ancestry was shaped by several thousand years of Eurasian-wide trade and human dispersal|year=2021|last1=Feuerborn|first1=Tatiana R.|last2=Carmagnini|first2=Alberto|last3=Losey|first3=Robert J.|last4=Nomokonova|first4=Tatiana|last5=Askeyev|first5=Arthur|last6=Askeyev|first6=Igor|last7=Askeyev|first7=Oleg|last8=Antipina|first8=Ekaterina E.|last9=Appelt|first9=Martin|last10=Bachura|first10=Olga P.|last11=Beglane|first11=Fiona|last12=Bradley|first12=Daniel G.|last13=Daly|first13=Kevin G.|last14=Gopalakrishnan|first14=Shyam|last15=Murphy Gregersen|first15=Kristian|last16=Guo|first16=Chunxue|last17=Gusev|first17=Andrei V.|last18=Jones|first18=Carleton|last19=Kosintsev|first19=Pavel A.|last20=Kuzmin|first20=Yaroslav V.|last21=Mattiangeli|first21=Valeria|last22=Perri|first22=Angela R.|last23=Plekhanov|first23=Andrei V.|last24=Ramos-Madrigal|first24=Jazmín|last25=Schmidt|first25=Anne Lisbeth|last26=Shaymuratova|first26=Dilyara|last27=Smith|first27=Oliver|last28=Yavorskaya|first28=Lilia V.|last29=Zhang|first29=Guojie|last30=Willerslev|first30=Eske|last31=Meldgaard|first31=Morten|last32=Gilbert|first32=M. Thomas P.|last33=Larson|first33=Greger|last34=Dalén|first34=Love|last35=Hansen|first35=Anders J.|last36=Sinding|first36=Mikkel-Holger S.|last37=Frantz|first37=Laurent|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|volume=118|issue=39|pages=e2100338118|pmid=34544854|pmc=8488619|bibcode=2021PNAS..11800338F |s2cid=237584023 |doi-access=free }}</ref> A genomic sample of today's Siberian Husky has emerged into four genetically distinct populations: show dogs, pet dogs, racing sled dogs and Seppala Siberian Huskies.<ref name=":3" />

Several [[Arctic]] dog breeds, including the Siberian, show a significant genetic closeness with the now-extinct [[Origin of the domestic dog#Late Pleistocene wolf admixture|Taimyr]] wolf of [[North Asia]] due to [[Genetic admixture|admixture]]. These breeds are associated with high latitudes – the Siberian Husky and Greenland Dog, also associated with arctic human populations and to a lesser extent, the [[Shar-Pei]] and [[Finnish Spitz]]. There is data to indicate admixture of between 1 and 3% between the Taymyr wolf population and the ancestral dog population of these four high-latitude breeds. This introgression could have provided early dogs living in high latitudes with [[phenotypic variation]] beneficial for adaption to a new and challenging environment. It also indicates the ancestry of present-day dog breeds descends from more than one region.<ref>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1016/j.cub.2015.04.019| title = Ancient Wolf Genome Reveals an Early Divergence of Domestic Dog Ancestors and Admixture into High-Latitude Breeds| journal = Current Biology| year = 2015| last1 = Skoglund | first1 = P. | last2 = Ersmark | first2 = E. | last3 = Palkopoulou | first3 = E.| last4 = Dalén | first4 = L. | pmid=26004765 | volume=25 | issue = 11| pages=1515–9| doi-access = free | bibcode = 2015CBio...25.1515S}}</ref>

The Siberian Husky was originally developed by the Chukchi people of the [[Chukchi Peninsula]] in eastern [[Siberia]].<ref>Fiszdon K, Czarkowska K. (2008). Social behaviours in Siberian huskies. Annals of Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW. Anim Sci 45: 19–28.</ref> They were brought to Nome, Alaska in 1908 to serve as working sled dogs, and were eventually developed and used for [[sled dog racing]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite book|last=Thomas|first=Bob|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/931927411|title=Leonhard Seppala : the Siberian dog and the golden age of sleddog racing 1908–1941|date=2015|publisher=Pictorial Histories Publishing Company|others=Pat Thomas|isbn=978-1-57510-170-5|location=Missoula, Montana|oclc=931927411}}</ref><ref name=brown2015>{{cite journal|doi=10.1038/hdy.2015.49|pmid=26103948|title=Using multiple markers to elucidate the ancient, historical and modern relationships among North American Arctic dog breeds|journal=Heredity|volume=115|issue=6|pages=488–495|year=2015|last1=Brown|first1=S K|last2=Darwent|first2=C M|last3=Wictum|first3=E J|last4=Sacks|first4=B N|pmc=4806895|bibcode=2015Hered.115..488B }}</ref>

==Description==
===Coat===
[[File:Siberian Husky sable.jpg|thumb|Sable female Siberian Husky]]
A Siberian Husky has a double coat that is thicker than that of most other dog breeds.<ref name="meet">{{Cite web |url=http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/#standard |title=AKC Meet The Breeds: Siberian Husky |publisher=[[American Kennel Club|AKC.org]] |access-date=2011-08-21}}</ref> It has two layers: a dense, finely wavy [[Fur#Down hair|undercoat]] and a longer topcoat of thicker, straight [[Fur#guard hair|guard hair]]s.<ref name="Get to Know the Siberian Husky">[http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/#standard "Get to Know the Siberian Husky"], 'The American Kennel Club', Retrieved 29 May 2014</ref> It protects the dogs effectively against harsh Arctic winters, and also reflects heat in the summer. It is able to withstand temperatures as low as {{convert|-50|to|-60|C|F}}. The undercoat is often absent during [[Moult|shedding]]. Their thick coats require weekly grooming.<ref name="meet"/> An excessively long coat, sometimes referred to as a "wooly" or "woolie" coat, is considered a [[Fault (breeding)|fault]] by the breed's standard as it lacks the thicker protection of the standard coat's guard hairs, obscures the dog's clear-cut outline, causes quicker overheating during serious harness work, and becomes easily matted and encrusted with snow and ice.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Siberian Husky Dog Breed Information|url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref>

Siberian Huskies come in a variety of colors and [[patterns]], often with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. Example coat colors are black and white, copper-red and white, grey and white, pure white, and the rare "[[Agouti (coloration)|agouti]]" coat, though many individuals have blondish or [[piebald]] spotting. Some other individuals also have the "saddle back" pattern, in which black-tipped guard hairs are restricted to the saddle area while the head, haunches and shoulders are either light red or white. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. All coat colors from black to pure white are allowed.<ref name="Get to Know the Siberian Husky"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/270g05-en.pdf|title=FCI-Standard N° 270 – Siberian Husky|date=January 2000|website=Federation Cynologique Internationale (AISBL)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ckc.ca/CanadianKennelClub/media/Breed-Standards/Group%203/Siberian-Husky.pdf|title=Siberian Husky Breed Standard|date=January 2016|website=Canadian Kennel Club}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukcdogs.com/siberian-husky|title=Siberian Husky Breed Standard|website=United Kennel Club}}</ref> [[Merle (dog coat)|Merle]] coat patterns are not permitted by the [[American Kennel Club]] (AKC) and [[The Kennel Club]] (KC).<ref name="Get to Know the Siberian Husky" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=5141|title=Siberian Husky Breed Standard|date=February 2017|website=The Kennel Club|access-date=2020-04-25|archive-date=2020-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808011652/https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=5141|url-status=dead}}</ref> This pattern is often associated with health issues and impure breeding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shca.org/shcahp5a.htm|title=Coat Color Identification Guidelines & Statement on "Merle" Patterning in Siberians|date=September 2018|website=Siberian Husky Club of America Inc.|access-date=2020-04-25|archive-date=2020-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023917/https://www.shca.org/shcahp5a.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Eyes===
[[File:Siberian Husky copper bi-eye.jpg|thumb|Red and white Siberian Husky with [[Heterochromia iridum|heterochromia]]]]
The American Kennel Club describes the Siberian Husky's eyes as "an almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely". The AKC breed standard is that eyes may be brown, blue or black; one of each or particoloured are acceptable (complete is [[Heterochromia iridum|heterochromia]]). These eye-color combinations are considered acceptable by the American Kennel Club. The parti-color does not affect the vision of the dog.<ref name=akc>{{cite web|title=American Kennel Club:Official Standard of the Siberian Husky|url=http://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/americankennelclub/SiberianHusky.pdf|website=American Kennel Club|access-date=24 May 2015}}</ref>

===Nose===
Show-quality dogs are preferred to have neither pointed nor square noses. The nose is black in gray dogs, tan in black dogs, liver in copper-colored dogs, and may be light tan in white dogs. In some instances, Siberian Huskies can exhibit what is called "snow nose" or "winter nose". This condition is called [[hypopigmentation]] in animals. "Snow nose" is acceptable in the show ring.<ref name="meet"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/faq/viewsection?sectionID=1&sectionName=Health#12 |title=Common Husky Questions – Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain – Huskies UK |publisher=Siberianhuskyclub.com |access-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404205533/http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/faq/viewsection?sectionID=1&sectionName=Health#12 |archive-date=April 4, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Tail===
Siberian Husky tails are heavily furred; these dogs will often curl up with their tails over their faces and noses in order to provide additional warmth. When curled up to sleep the Siberian Husky will cover its nose for warmth, often referred to as the "Siberian Swirl". The AKC recommends the tail should be expressive, held low when the dog is relaxed, and curved upward in a "sickle" shape when excited or interested in something.<ref name="meet"/>

===Size===
The breed standard indicates that the males of the breed are ideally between {{convert|20|and|24|in|cm}} tall at the [[Withers#Dogs|withers]] and weighing between {{convert|45|and|60|lb|kg|abbr=}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Siberian husky |url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/Siberian-husky |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. |access-date=11 June 2019}}</ref> Females are smaller, growing to between {{convert|19|and|23|in|cm}} tall at the [[withers]] and weighing between {{convert|35|and|50|lb|kg|abbr=}}.<ref name="meet"/> The people of Nome referred to Siberian Huskies as "Siberian Rats" due to their size of {{cvt|40|-|50|lb}}, versus the Alaskan Malamute's size of {{cvt|75|-|85|lb}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shca.org/shcahp2d.htm|title=The Siberian Husky: A Brief History of the Breed in America|website=Shca.org|access-date=2016-03-16|archive-date=2020-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222856/http://www.shca.org/shcahp2d.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Behavior===
The Husky usually [[Dog communication#Auditory|howls]] instead of barking.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/Siberian-husky |title=Siberian husky (breed of dog) – Britannica Online Encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Britannica.com |access-date=February 2, 2009}}</ref> They have been described as [[escape artist]]s, which can include digging under, chewing through, or even jumping over fences.<ref name=Gerst>{{cite book|author=Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld|title=ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5TlAlzxgvcC&pg=PA190|date=1 September 1999|publisher=Chronicle Books|isbn=978-0-8118-1904-6|page=190}}</ref><ref name="Duffy-Korpics2009">{{cite book|author=Lisa Duffy-Korpics|title=Tales from a Dog Catcher|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=swfE8bzaexIC&pg=PA214|year=2009|publisher=[[Globe Pequot]]|isbn=978-0-7627-5770-1|page=214}}</ref><ref name="Morgan2011">{{cite book|author=Diane Morgan|title=Siberian Huskies For Dummies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s8mXIn1hXzgC&pg=PT203|date=16 March 2011|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-1-118-05366-9|pages=202–203}}</ref>

The [[ASPCA]] classifies the breed as good with children. It also states they exhibit high energy indoors, have special exercise needs, and may be destructive "without proper care".<ref name=Gerst />

A {{convert|6|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} fence is recommended for this breed as a pet, although some have been known to overcome fences as high as {{convert|8|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Morgan2011" /> Electric [[pet fence|pet fencing]] may not be effective.<ref name="Morgan2011" /> They need the frequent companionship of people and other dogs, and their need to feel as part of a [[pack (canine)|pack]] is very strong.<ref name="Publishing2013" />

The character of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Official Valid Standard Siberian Husky|url=http://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/SIBERIAN-HUSKY-270.html|access-date=24 January 2021|website=Federation Cynologique Internationale}}</ref> A study found an association with a gene in the breed and impulsivity, inattention, and high activity.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=DRD4 and TH gene polymorphisms are associated with activity, impulsivity and inattention in Siberian Husky dogs|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236955715|access-date=24 January 2021|website=ResearchGate}}</ref>

Siberian Huskies were ranked 77th out of 138 compared breeds for their intelligence by canine psychologist [[Stanley Coren]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Coren|first=Stanley|title=The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives or Our Canine Companions|date=2006|publisher=Free Press|isbn=978-0-7432-8087-7|edition=1st |location=New York|oclc=61461866}}</ref> However, the rankings in Coren's published work utilized only one of three defined forms of [[dog intelligence]], "Working and Obedience Intelligence", which focused on trainability—a dog's ability to follow direction and commands in a direct context, specifically by trial judges in a controlled course setting.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canine Intelligence—Breed Does Matter {{!}} Psychology Today|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/200907/canine-intelligence-breed-does-matter|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Psychologytoday.com|language=en}}</ref>

==Health==
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 11.9 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 | bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}</ref> Health issues in the breed are mainly genetic, such as seizures and defects of the eye ([[cataract|juvenile cataract]]s, [[Corneal dystrophies in dogs|corneal dystrophy]], [[canine glaucoma]] and [[progressive retinal atrophy]]) and congenital laryngeal paralysis.<ref>{{cite conference |url=http://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/images/AAHAnet/phoenix2009proceedings/pdfs/01_scientific/097_LARYNGEAL%20PARALYSIS%20SUR.pdf |title=Larageal paralysis |author=Monnet, Eric |year=2009 |publisher=American Animal Hospital Association |conference=AAHA/OVMA Toronto 2011. March 24–27, 2011. Toronto, Canada |book-title=AAHA/OVMA Toronto 2011 Proceedings |pages=443–445 |access-date=October 15, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025708/http://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/images/AAHAnet/phoenix2009proceedings/pdfs/01_scientific/097_LARYNGEAL%20PARALYSIS%20SUR.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|Hip dysplasia]] is not often found in this breed; however, as with many medium or larger-sized canines, it can occur.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shca.org/shcahp4d.htm|title=Your Siberian Husky: Its Hips and Its Eyes|publisher=Siberian Husky Club of America|access-date=September 15, 2009|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218070124/http://www.shca.org/shcahp4d.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Orthopedic Foundation for Animals]] currently has the Siberian Husky ranked 155th out of a possible 160 breeds at risk for hip dysplasia, with only two percent of tested Siberian Huskies showing dysplasia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://offa.org/hipstatbreed.html |title=OFA: Hip Dysplasia Statistics |publisher=Offa.org |access-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822014409/http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = August 22, 2008}}</ref>

Siberian Huskies used for sled racing may also be prone to other ailments, such as [[List of dog diseases#Gastrointestinal diseases|gastric disease]],<ref>{{cite journal|title=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Journal Information |journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine |year=2003 |volume=17 |issue=3 |pages=311–314 |publisher=Jvetintmed.org |doi=10.1892/0891-6640(2003)017<0311:POGLIR>2.3.CO;2 |last1=Davis |first1=M. S. |last2=Willard |first2=M. D. |last3=Nelson |first3=S. L. |last4=Mandsager |first4=R. E. |last5=McKiernan |first5=B. S. |last6=Mansell |first6=J. K. |last7=Lehenbauer |first7=T. W. |doi-access= }}</ref> [[bronchitis]] or bronchopulmonary ailments ("ski asthma"),<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/166/6/878?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=iditarod&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT |title=Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs as a Model of "Ski Asthma" – Davis et al. 166 (6): 878 – American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine |year=2002 |doi=10.1164/rccm.200112-142BC |publisher=Ajrccm.atsjournals.org |pmid=12231501 |access-date=February 2, 2009 |last1=Davis |first1=M. S. |last2=McKiernan |first2=B. |last3=McCullough |first3=S. |last4=Nelson Jr |first4=S. |last5=Mandsager |first5=R. E. |last6=Willard |first6=M. |last7=Dorsey |first7=K. |journal=American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine |volume=166 |issue=6 |pages=878–882 |s2cid=34948487 |archive-date=September 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929095314/http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/166/6/878?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=iditarod&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[gastric erosion]]s or [[Peptic ulcer|ulcerations]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Journal Information |journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine |year=2005 |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages=34–39 |publisher=Jvetintmed.org |doi=10.1892/0891-6640(2005)19<34:SSEIIP>2.0.CO;2 |issn=0891-6640 |last1=Davis |first1=Michael S. |last2=Willard |first2=Michael D. |last3=Williamson |first3=Katherine K. |last4=Steiner |first4=Jörg M. |last5=Williams |first5=David A. |pmid=15715045 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

The Siberian Husky is one of the more commonly affected breeds for [[Progressive retinal atrophy|X-linked progressive retinal atrophy]]. The condition is caused by a mutation in the [[RPGR]] gene in the breed.<ref>{{cite book |author1-first=James A.C. |author1-last=Oliver |author2-first=Cathryn S. |author2-last=Mellersh | editor1-first=Barbara | editor1-last=Cooper | editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-last=Mullineaux |editor3-first=Lynn | editor3-last=Turner |title=BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing |date=2020 |publisher=British Small Animal Veterinary Association |isbn=978-1-910-44339-2 |edition=Sixth|chapter=Genetics| page=131}}</ref>

Modern Siberian Huskies registered in the US are almost entirely the descendants of the 1930 Siberia imports and of [[Leonhard Seppala]]'s dogs, particularly [[Togo (dog)|Togo]].<ref name="SalisburySalisbury2005">{{cite book|author1=Gay Salisbury|author2=Laney Salisbury|title=The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JsOWKVnhSiAC&pg=PA252|date=17 February 2005|publisher=W. W. Norton|isbn=978-0-393-07621-9|page=252}}</ref> The limited number of registered foundational dogs has led to some discussion about their vulnerability to the [[founder effect]].<ref name="GoodmanHeath2003">{{cite book|author1=Alan H. Goodman|author2=Deborah Heath|author3=M. Susan Lindee|title=Genetic Nature/culture: Anthropology and Science Beyond the Two-culture Divide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pQ1HZpXrqSMC&pg=PA128|year=2003|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-23793-3|page=128}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:AN1128493.jpg|thumb|Chuchki man feeding Chukotka sled dogs, 1901]]

=== Prehistoric (prior to 1890s) ===
The [[Chukotka sled dog|Chukotka Sled Dog]] is considered the progenitor to the Siberian Husky. Developed by the [[Chukchi people]] of Russia, Chukotka sled dog teams have been used since prehistoric times to pulls sleds in harsh conditions, such as hunting sea mammals on oceanic [[Drift ice|pack ice]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web|date=December 2006|title=An iceman's best friend|url=http://www.geographical.co.uk/magazine/an_icemans_best_friend_-_dec_06.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028163832/http://www.geographical.co.uk/magazine/an_icemans_best_friend_-_dec_06.html|archive-date=2014-10-28|access-date=2013-11-19|publisher=[[Geographical (magazine)|Geographical]]}}</ref>

=== Origination of Name and Split from Chukotka Sled Dogs (1890s–1930s) ===
From the 1890s to the 1930s, sled dogs from northeast Siberia and especially Chukotka sled dogs were actively imported in vast numbers to [[Alaska]], to transport gold miners to the Yukon, first as part of the [[Klondike Gold Rush]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Bogoslavskaya|first=Lyudmila|date=2010-03-01|title=The Fan Hitch: Journal of the Inuit Sled Dog International|url=https://thefanhitch.org/V12N2/V12,N2Russia.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=thefanhitch.org}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> then later the "[[All Alaska Sweepstakes|All-Alaska Sweepstakes]]",<ref name="Get to Know the Siberian Husky" /> a 408-mile (657-km) distance dog sled race from [[Nome, Alaska|Nome]], to [[Candle, Alaska|Candle]], and back. At this time, "Esquimaux" or "Eskimo" was a common pejorative term for native Arctic inhabitants with many dialectal permutations including Uskee, Uskimay and Huskemaw. Thus dogs used by Arctic people were the dogs of the Huskies, the Huskie's dogs, and eventually simply the husky dogs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harper|first=Kenn|date=2007-09-28|title=The Evolution of a Word Husky|url=https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/The_Evolution_of_a_Word_Husky/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Nunatsiaq News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Dalziel|first=Hugh|url=http://archive.org/details/britishdogstheir00dalzrich|title=British dogs; their varieties, history, characteristics, breeding, management and exhibition..|publisher=London, The bazaar office|others=University of California Libraries|year=1879|pages=205–213}}</ref> Canadian and American settlers, not well versed on Russian geography, would distinguish the Chukotka imports by referring to them as Siberian huskies as Chukotka is part of Siberia.<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Leonhard Seppala and his winning dogsled team during 9th All-Alaska Sweepstakes dogsled race, Ruby, Alaska, 1916 (AL+CA 6486).jpg|left|thumb|252x252px|Leonhard Seppala's winning Siberian team for the 1916 All-Alaska Sweepstakes race.]]
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. [[Leonhard Seppala]], the foremost breeder of Siberian sled dogs of the time, participated in competitions from 1909 to the mid-1920s with a number of championships to his name.<ref name="Beverly Pisano">{{cite book|last=Pisano|first=Beverly|url=https://archive.org/details/siberianhuskies0000pisa|title=Siberian Huskies|publisher=TFH Publication|year=1995|isbn=0-7938-1052-3|page=8|url-access=registration}}</ref>

[[File:Gunnar Kaasen with Balto.jpg|thumb|[[Gunnar Kaasen]] and [[Balto]]|204x204px]]

On February 3, 1925, [[Gunnar Kaasen]] was the final musher in the [[1925 serum run to Nome]] to deliver [[diphtheria]] serum from [[Nenana, Alaska|Nenana]], over 600 miles to Nome. This was a group effort by several sled dog teams and mushers, with the longest (264 miles or 422&nbsp;km) and most dangerous segment of the run covered by [[Leonhard Seppala]] and his sled team lead dog [[Togo (dog)|Togo]]. The event is depicted in the 2019 film ''[[Togo (film)|Togo]]''. A measure of this is also depicted in the 1995 animated film ''[[Balto (film)|Balto]]''; the name of Gunnar Kaasen's lead dog in his sled team was [[Balto]], although unlike the real dog, [[Balto (character)|Balto the character]] was portrayed as a [[wolf-dog hybrid|wolf-dog]] in the film. In honor of this lead dog, [[Statue of Balto|a bronze statue]] was erected at [[Central Park]] in New York City. The plaque upon it is inscribed, <blockquote>Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance · Fidelity · Intelligence<ref name="Beverly Pisano" /></blockquote>
Siberian huskies gained mass popularity with the story of the "Great Race of Mercy", the 1925 serum run to Nome, featuring Balto and Togo. Although Balto is considered the more famous, being the dog that delivered the serum to Nome after running the final 53-mile leg, it was Togo who made the longest run of the relay, guiding his musher Leonhard Seppala on a 261-mile journey that included crossing the deadly [[Norton Sound]] to Golovin,<ref>{{Citation |last=Gay |first=Salisbury |title=The cruelest miles : the heroic story of dogs and men in a race against an epidemic |date=2003 |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/671699744 |publisher=Random House Audio |isbn=0-553-52763-0 |oclc=671699744 |access-date=2021-10-02}}</ref> and who ultimately became a foundation dog for the Siberian Husky breed, through his progeny Toto, Molinka, Kingeak, Ammoro, Sepp III, and Togo II.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=Bob |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/931927411 |title=Leonhard Seppala: the Siberian dog and the golden age of sleddog racing 1908–1941 |date=2015 |publisher=Pictorial Histories Publishing Company |isbn=978-1-57510-170-5 |oclc=931927411}}</ref>

In 1930, exportation of the dogs from Siberia was halted.<ref name="Publishing2013">{{cite book|author=DK Publishing|title=The Dog Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWLyAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA101|date=1 October 2013|publisher=DK Publishing|isbn=978-1-4654-2116-6|page=101}}</ref> The same year saw recognition of the Siberian Husky by the American Kennel Club.<ref name="Get to Know the Siberian Husky" /> Nine years later, the breed was first registered in Canada. The [[United Kennel Club]] recognized the breed in 1938 as the "Arctic Husky", changing the name to Siberian Husky in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/NorthernBreed/SiberianHusky07012009|publisher=[[United Kennel Club]]|title=Siberian Husky – Official Breed Standard|access-date=2013-10-22|archive-date=2015-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226132302/http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/Breeds/NorthernBreed/SiberianHusky07012009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Seppala owned a kennel in Alaska before moving to New England, where he became partners with Elizabeth Ricker. The two co-owned the Poland Springs kennel and began to race and exhibit their dogs all over the Northeast. The kennel was sold to Canadian Harry Wheeler in 1931, following Seppala's return to Alaska<ref name="auto" />

The breed's foundation stock per records and studbooks consists of:<blockquote>Kree Vanka (Male, 1930 Siberia Import)

Tserko (Male, 1930 Siberia Import),

Tosca (Female, Harry x Kolyma)

Duke (Male, also known as Chapman's Duke, reportedly Ici x Wanda)

Tanta of Alyeska (Female, Tuck x Toto)

Sigrid III of Foxstand (Female, Chenuk x Molinka)

Smokey of Seppala (Male, Kingeak x Pearl)

Sepp III (Male, Togo x Dolly)

Smoky (Male, unknown parentage)

Dushka (Female, Bonzo x Nanuk)

Kabloona (Female, Ivan x Duchess)

Rollinsford Nina of Marilyn (Female, Kotlik x Nera of Marilyn)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breeding Seppalas (5) |url=https://www.seppalakennels.com/articles/seppala-breeding-5.htm |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=www.seppalakennels.com}}</ref><ref name="auto" /></blockquote>As the breed was beginning to come to prominence, in 1933 Navy Rear Admiral [[Richard E. Byrd]] brought about 50 Siberian Huskies with him on an expedition in which he hoped to journey around the 16,000-mile coast of [[Antarctica]]. Many of the dogs were bred and trained at Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire, owned by Eva Seeley. Called [[Operation Highjump]], the historic trek proved the worth of the Siberian Husky due to its compact size and great speed.<ref name="Beverly Pisano" /> Siberian Huskies also served in the [[United States Army]]'s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit of the [[Air Transport Command (United States Air Force)|Air Transport Command]] during [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/detail/#history |title=American Kennel Club – Siberian Husky History |publisher=Akc.org |access-date=February 2, 2009}}</ref> Their popularity was sustained into the 21st century. They were ranked 16th among American Kennel Club registrants in 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/news/the-most-popular-dog-breeds-in-america/|publisher=[[American Kennel Club]]|title=AKC Dog Registration Statistics|access-date=2013-10-23}}</ref> rising to 14th place in 2013.<ref>[http://www.akc.org/news/the-most-popular-dog-breeds-in-america/ American Kennel Club 2013 Dog Registration Statistics Historical Comparisons & Notable Trends], ''The American Kennel Club'', Retrieved 30 April 2014</ref>

=== 1940s–present ===
Huskies were extensively used as sled dogs by the [[British Antarctic Survey]] in Antarctica between 1945 and 1994.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Walton |first1=Kevin |last2=Atkinson |first2=Rick |title=Of Dogs and Men: Fifty Years in the Antarctic : the Illustrated Story of the Dogs of the British Antarctic Survey 1944 - 1994 |date=1996 |publisher=Images |isbn=189781755X}}</ref> A bronze monument to all of BAS's dog teams is outside its Cambridge headquarters, with a plaque listing all the dogs' names.<ref>{{cite web |title=The British Antarctic Survey Husky Sledge Dog Monument unveiled |url=https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/the-british-antarctic-survey-husky-sledge-dog-monument-unveiled |publisher=British Antarctic Survey |access-date=11 July 2023 |date=7 July 2009}}</ref>

In 1960, the [[US Army]] undertook a project to construct an under the ice facility for defense and space research, Camp Century, part of [[Project Iceworm]] involved a 150+ crew who also brought with them an unofficial mascot, a Siberian Husky named Mukluk.<ref>{{cite web|title=Proceedings – Did You Know – Camp Century|url=http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/149372/58|access-date=2014-04-02|publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|archive-date=2014-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407062417/http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/149372/58|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Due to their high popularity combining with their high physical and mental needs, Siberians are abandoned or surrendered to shelters at high rates by new owners who do not research them fully and find themselves unable to care for them. Many decide on the breed for their looks and mythos in pop culture, and purchase pups from backyard breeders or puppy mills who do not have breeder-return contracts that responsible breeders will, designed to keep the breed out of shelters.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Mary Robins|title=How Game of Thrones has Impacted — And Hurt — Siberian Huskies|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/how-game-of-thrones-has-impacted-and-hurt-siberian-huskies/|access-date=2020-11-26|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref>

Sled dogs that were [[Chukotka sled dog|bred and kept by the Chukchi]] tribes of Siberia were thought to have gone extinct, but [[Benedict Allen]], writing for ''[[Geographical (magazine)|Geographical]]'' magazine in 2006 after visiting the region, reported their survival. His description of the breeding practiced by the Chukchi mentions selection for obedience, endurance, amiable disposition, and sizing that enabled families to support them without undue difficulty.<ref name=":2" />

== Traditional use and other activities ==
{{Excessive examples|section|date=January 2022}}
Originally, huskies were used as [[sled dog]]s in the polar regions. One can differentiate huskies from other [[dog type]]s by their fast pulling-style. Modern racing huskies (also known as Alaskan huskies) represent an ever-changing [[Dog crossbreed|crossbreed]] of the fastest dogs. Humans use huskies in [[sled-dog racing]]. Various companies have marketed tourist treks with dog sledges for adventure travelers in snow regions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-01-14|title=How Sled Dogs Work|url=https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/sled-dog.htm|access-date=2021-12-24|website=HowStuffWorks|language=en}}</ref> Huskies are also kept as pets, and groups work to find new pet homes for retired racing and adventure-trekking dogs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Keith|first=Christie|date=2011-02-18|title=Lessons from a sled dog massacre|url=https://www.sfgate.com/pets/yourwholepet/article/Lessons-from-a-sled-dog-massacre-2380720.php|access-date=2021-12-24|website=SFGATE|language=en-US}}</ref>

Many huskies, especially Siberian Huskies, are considered [[working dogs]] and are often high-energy. Exercise is extremely important for the physical and mental health of these kinds of dogs and it can also prompt a strong bond between the owner and dog.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Siberian Husky Dog Breed Information|url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/|access-date=2021-12-24|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref> Since many owners now have huskies as pets in settings that are not ideal for sledding, other activities have been found that are good for the dog and fun for the owner.

* [[Rally obedience|Rally Obedience:]] Owners guide their dogs through a course of difficult exercises side by side. There are typically 10 to 20 signs per course and involve different commands or tricks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Getting Started in Rally|url=https://www.akc.org/sports/rally/get-started/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Dog agility|Agility]] Training: A fast-paced obstacle course that deals with speed and concentration. Dogs race the clock to complete the course correctly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Agility|url=https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Skijoring]] is an alternative to sled pulling. The owner would be on skis while the dog would pull via a rope connected between the two.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-01-12|title=Skijoring Is Winter's Wildest Sport. Here's How to Do It|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-12/guide-to-skijoring-with-dogs-and-horses-winter-s-wildest-sport|access-date=2021-04-10}}</ref>
*[[Dog hiking]] is an alternative for owners who live near or are able to travel to a trail.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Gibeault|first1=Stephanie|date=September 29, 2019|title=Hiking With Your Dog: Tips For Hitting The Trail In A Safe And Fun Way|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/tips-for-hiking-with-your-dog/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref> The owner travels with their dogs along trails in the wilderness. This activity allows the owner and dog to gain exercise without using the huskies' strong sense of pulling. Some companies make hiking equipment especially for dogs in which they may carry their own gear, including water, food, and bowls for each.
*[[Drafting (dog)|Carting]], also known as dryland mushing or sulky driving, is an urban alternative to dog sledding. Here, the dog can pull a cart that contains either supplies or an individual. This is also an acceptable way to use a dog's natural inclination to pull in an effective way.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Penny Leigh|title=More Sports for All Dogs: Drafting & Carting|url=https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/more-sports-for-all-dogs-drafting-carting-2/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref> These carts can be bought or handmade by the individual.
*[[Mushing#Bikejoring|Bikejoring]] is an activity where the owner bikes along with their dog while they are attached to their bike through a harness which keeps both the dog and owner safe. The dog or team of dogs can be attached to a towline to also pull the biker.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Gemma Johnstone|title=Bikejoring: Is This Adrenaline Inducing Sport Right For You and Your Dog?|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/bikejoring-is-this-adrenaline-inducing-sport-right-for-you-and-your-dog/|access-date=2021-04-10|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Huskysafarialappin.jpg|thumb|Husky sled ride in [[Rovaniemi]], [[Finland]]]]

==In culture==
[[File:Balto.jpg|thumb|''[[Statue of Balto|Balto]]'' in New York City's [[Central Park]] (by [[Frederick Roth]])]]
*A bronze [[statue of Balto]] that has been displayed in [[New York City]]'s [[Central Park]] since 1925 is one of the park's enduringly popular features.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/monuments/75|publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation|title=Central Park – Balto|access-date=2014-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/attractions/balto/|title = Balto|website=Centralpark.com|date = 7 August 2017}}</ref>
*''[[The Twilight Saga (film series)|The Twilight Saga]]'', which features [[Werewolf|werewolves]] and the television series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' spurred a huge uptick in demand for Siberian Huskies as pets, followed by a steep increase of their numbers at public shelters. Even though the animal actors were ''not'' Siberian Huskies, people were acquiring Siberian Huskies because they looked similar to the fictional direwolf characters depicted in the show.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/game-of-thrones-dire-wolf-fans-buying-huskies |title=In Game of Thrones fans' pursuit of real-life dire wolves, huskies may pay the price |date=May 6, 2019 |website=National Geographic}}</ref> Two of the show's stars pleaded with the public to stop acquiring the dogs without first researching the breed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.peta.org/features/video-jerome-flynn-game-of-thrones-dont-buy-huskies/ |title='Game of Thrones' Star Jerome Flynn Speaks Up for Huskies |website=PETA|date=11 April 2019 }}</ref>
*The phrase ''three dog night'', meaning it is so cold you would need three dogs in bed with you to keep warm, originated with the [[Chukchi people]] of [[Siberia]], who kept the Siberian husky landrace dog that became the modern purebred breed called the Siberian Husky.<ref>{{Cite book|first=William James |last=Burroughs|title=Climate Change in Prehistory: The End of the Reign of Chaos.|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2005|isbn=0-521-82409-5|location=New York|pages=129}}</ref>
*The [[World War II]] Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943 was called "[[Operation Husky]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Operation husky: Sicily – 9/10 July 1943|url=http://www.combinedops.com/husky.htm|access-date=29 July 2014|website=Combined Operations Command}}</ref>
*Several purebred Siberian Huskies portrayed [[Due South#Diefenbaker|Diefenbaker]], the "half-wolf" companion to RCMP Constable [[Benton Fraser]], in the CBS/Alliance Atlantis TV series ''[[Due South]]''.<ref name="Beck2002">{{cite book|author=Ken Beck|title=The Encyclopedia of TV Pets: A Complete History of Television's Greatest Animal Stars|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VKS1-aBvXawC&pg=PT44|date=1 April 2002|publisher=Thomas Nelson Inc|isbn=978-1-4185-5737-9|pages=44–46}}</ref>
*Siberian Huskies are the mascots of the athletic teams of several schools and colleges, including [[St. Cloud State University]] ([[St. Cloud State Huskies]], Blizzard), [[Northern Illinois University]] ([[Northern Illinois Huskies]], Victor),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://myniu.com/blog/mission-list/about-mission/|title=About Mission|publisher=Northern Illinois University Alumni Association|access-date=2014-05-01}}</ref> the [[University of Connecticut]] ([[Connecticut Huskies]], [[Jonathan the Husky|Jonathan]]), [[Northeastern University]] ([[Northeastern Huskies]], [[Paws (Northeastern)|Paws]]), the [[Michigan Technological University]] ([[Michigan Tech Huskies]], [[Blizzard T. Husky|Blizzard]]), [[University of Washington]] ([[Washington Huskies]], [[Harry the Husky|Harry]]), [[Houston Baptist University]] ([[Houston Baptist Huskies]], Kiza the Husky), and [[Saint Mary's University (Halifax)|Saint Mary's University]] ([[Saint Mary's Huskies]]) and [[George Brown College]] (Toronto, Ontario).

== See also ==
{{Portal|Siberia|Dogs}}
* [[List of dog breeds]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Siberian Husky}}
<!-- DO NOT ADD PRIVATE BREEDERS OR ADVERTISING; IT WILL BE REMOVED -->
<!--Editors: breed registry, club, rescue, and kennel information links are placed on DMOZ, not here-->

{{Russian dogs}}
{{Spitz}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dog breeds domesticated by Indigenous peoples]]
[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Sled dogs]]
[[Category:Spitz breeds]]