What are Alaskan Huskies?
Alaskan Huskies are a distinct breed from the native Alaskan villages. They share a common origin with other northern dogs including the coastal Inuit dogs (some known as Malamutes), the Canadian Eskimo dogs of the northern eastern region of Canada, the Mackenzie River Huskies, the Inuit dogs of Nunavut, as well as the Chukchi dogs of the Siberian peninsula. Each village had its own strain of "husky"--dogs who were used for hunting, trapping, and hauling loads. In addition to helping with subsistence work, the huskies were also used for racing.
Over time certain villages became reknowned for their husky bloodlines and even today, the "village dogs" from Huslia, a small community near the Yukon, are sought for breeding stock. These native dogs were the foundation of many distance racing kennels when the Iditarod race was established in the 1970s. While today's sprint racers have experimented with 'outside' breeds, notably pointer-crosses, the distance racing dogs have stayed true to their northern roots. The 'outside' dogs known as Eurohounds did not have the thick coats and tough feet to adapt to the rigors of multi-day races on the Alaskan trails.
The Alaskan Husky lines we breed from retain the characteristics of the ancestral northern breeds. While the Alaskan Husky is not an AKC breed, the Alaskan Huskies from established kennels reflect generations of selective breeding for performance and endurance. Alaskan breeders know their pedigrees and typically breed only their best lead dogs. Temperament and intelligence are proven and not left to chance.
Please keep in mind that the Alaskan Husky is best suited for active families and athletic individuals who enjoy outdoor activites like running, mountain biking or cross-country skiing. These are smart dogs, quick to learn--selectively bred to take commands from mushers. But like all dogs, they need to be socialized and should receive basic obedience training. To learn more about the history of this breed, click on these links: