Fun Facts About Huskies

Siberian Huskies, or huskies for short, are lovely companion dogs because of their amenable personalities. Though they were only 24th in popularity on the American Kennel Club's annual list, they can also be a good pet.

Their beauty and personality are only two things most people know. So, here are some fun facts about Siberian Husky:

Built as Sled Dogs

The Chukchi people, an indigenous tribe living in the heart of the Siberian Peninsula, bred Siberian Huskies as working dogs thousands of years ago. They were cultivated from different breeds that withstand cold weather, pull sleds with heavy loads, and have desirable temperaments.

While there are controversies regarding the lineage, DNA testing shows they are related to the Chukotka sled dogs of Siberia. 

The Siberian Husky was officially recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

They are not Wolves

One big myth about huskies is that they are wolves—thanks to movies and television shows! 

This is partly true because all dogs were domesticated from wolves, and their appearance says so. However, huskies are not wild animals and are bred to be human companions, meaning they are not aggressive and can read human body language.

They are Friendly but Talkative

Despite their fierce appearance, huskies are typically friendly and will always crave the company of humans. They are even-tempered, loyal, and good with children.

Because they are athletic dogs, they might become destructive when not mentally and physically stimulated. They are also expressive and used to create funny noises.

12 to 15 Years of Love

Huskies are medium-sized dogs that reach their first heat cycle at six to ten months. They reach senior status at eight and can live from 12 to 15 years. 

In 2022, couple David and Amy Belasco from Ridgecrest, California, applied for a Guinness World Record for the oldest Siberian Husky. Documents showed that “Tori” was 19 during the application. However, no official page on the Guinness website can confirm the record.

They are Masters of Insulation

Huskies have double coats that keep them warm and dry. The undercoat is short and warm, while the overcoat is long and water-resistant. Though they don't require trimming, brushing prevents tangle and matting. They shed at least once a year.

Their eyes are almond-shaped, allowing them to eliminate snow quickly. They wrap their faces with their tail to keep them warm and protected from snow while sleeping.

Metabolic Switch

On sedentary days, huskies have metabolic patterns similar to those of humans. However, when they engage in physical activities like running or pulling sleds, they quickly enter "beast mode." Remarkably, by regulating their metabolism, they can run long distances with minimal food.

Read: Winter Wonderland: Dogs That Love The Snow

A Variety of Colours

Siberian Huskies have a variety of colours and markings. Here are some:

• Black and white
• Grey and White
• Copper or Red
• Agouti
• Red and White
• Sable
• Pure White

Huskies Saved Children in 1925

In 1925, a group of Siberian Huskies were celebrated as heroes for transporting a serum to combat a diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. Musher Leonard Sepphala, senior husky Togo, and 20 more pups traveled east to meet a team carrying the medicine.

Then, they traveled back to meet the other teams and continued bringing medicine to the children of Nome.

The five-day journey, covering around 600 miles, was made with the help of 100 Siberian Huskies. The historical event was popularly known as the “Serum Run.” 

In 2019, Disney released the film “Togo,” which depicts the heart-warming story.

“Serum Run” is Commemorated Annually

Since 1973, the Serum Run has been celebrated annually through the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race competition, usually held in early March. Mushers and their team of 12 to 16 Huskies cover 1,500 miles from Anchorage to Nome for eight to fifteen days.

Other Fun Facts

• According to the Chukchi belief, two Siberian Huskies guard the gates of heaven, turning away people who were cruel to dogs during their lifetime.
• During World War II, the U.S. Army hired Siberian Huskies to help search and rescue downed pilots and cargo.
• Genetic mutations cause blue eyes among huskies.
• Huskies are featured in movies like Balto (1996), Eight Below (2006), and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001).
• Avril Lavigne, Kim Kardashian, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jennifer Lawrence own huskies.