Siberian Husky

Dogs are bred for lots of things. Hunting, retrieving, guarding and even being companion dogs. But what is the Siberian Husky bred to do? The Siberian Husky was bred to be a sledding dog. In fact, they are perfectly designed for it. The Siberian Husky's coat is double-layered; the top coat being medium length with the fur, and the inner coat being soft and dense. It also had paws that are well designed for rough terrain.

The breed originated in Siberia, hence the name, and bred by the Chuckchi Tribe. The Chuckchi tribe needed a sledding dog with high stamina. Whatever they did to develop the Siberian Husky, the effort paid off, and the Siberian Husky was born. Its double-layered coat helped it to keep warm in the sheer cold. This dog also has high endurance, just what the Chuckchi Tribe needed. The Siberian Husky can travel very long distances without using lots of energy. This is yet another great feature the Husky has, making it a superior sledding dog. In 1909, the first team of Huskies showed up at the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race, and in 1910, the breed won a grueling 400 mile race. Since then, Huskies have started to win more sledding competitions. In 1930, the AKC recognized the Siberian Husky as an official breed.

Though this breed generally is healthy, it is prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems. In the grooming department, this breed's thick coat needs weekly brushing, and during shedding season, you may want to brush the Husky twice a week. If you're looking for a good apartment dog, keep looking, because this breed needs daily exercise in a large, fenced- in yard. Make sure that you have a tall fence, and in hot climates, limit your Husky's exercise as it may feel too hot with that double-layered coat. So it's best to keep this breed in cold climates. As for families, it's best to have this dog with older children. And you may want to keep this dog with no cats or other small animals in the house.

But in a nutshell, if you're looking for a great sledding dog and a great companion, the Siberian Husky this right breed for you!