Husky - Dog Info

General Description About Husky Dogs
The word Husky originated from the word referring to Arctic people in general, Eskimos, "...known as Huskies, a contraction of Huskimos, the pronunciation given to the word Eskimos by the English sailors of trading vessels." Use of Husky is recorded from 1852 for dogs kept by Eskimo people.

Husky is a general name for a type of dog used to pull sleds in northern regions, differentiated from other sled dog types by their fast pulling style. Husky type dogs were originally used to pull sleds, hunt large game, and guard villages in northern regions. DNA analysis has found that Huskies are one of the oldest types of dogs. They are "an ever-changing cross-breed of the fastest dogs". Alaskan Malamute, by contrast, is "the largest and most powerful" sled dog and was used for heavier loads. Huskies are used in sled dog racing. In recent years companies have been marketing tourist treks with dog sleds for adventure travelers in snow regions as well. Huskies are also today kept as pets, and groups work to find new pet homes for retired racing and adventure trekking dogs.


Husky Characteristics
Husky type dogs are energetic and athletic. They usually have a thick double coat. Huskies are known for pale blue eyes, although they may also have brown eyes. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they will only obey a command if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. If the handler does not display leadership, they will not see the point in obeying. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character.

They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Since the Husky Puppies are quite popular these days, an owner should mind that they are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and/or air conditioning.

Alternate Activities with Husky
Since many owners now have Husky dogs as pets in settings that are not ideal for sledding, other activities have been found which are good for the dog and fun for the owner.

• Skijoring is an alternative to sled pulling, but mainly used in somewhat the same environment as sledding with the exception that the owner (cross-country skier) does not need a full pack in order to participate.
• Dog Hiking is an alternative for owners who live closer to woodland trails. 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.
• Carting, also known as Dryland Mushing or Sulky Driving, is an urban alternative to Dog Sledding. Here, the dog can pull a cart which contains either supplies or an individual. These carts can be bought or hand-made by the individual.
• 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.
• Dog Scootering is a mushing activity which relates to bikejoring and carting, where the owner rides a scooter that is pulled by the dog.