The Siberian Husky originated in Northern Siberia, which is now part of Russia. They are a working-class breed that is one of the descendants of the original sled dog. They were recognized as part of the Working Group by the American Kennel Club in 1930. Siberian Huskies, also affectionately referred to as Sibes, are known for being one of the most versatile and athletic working breeds. Here are a few more facts about Siberian Huskies:

1. They Can Be Escape Artists

Siberian Huskies have an urge to wander and a desire to run. They were originally bred to pull sleds full of supplies over long distances and have maintained that high energy and urge to roam. With plenty of exercise, the urge to wander tends to be curbed. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog.

However, this dog breed can be a professional escape artist, especially when they are fully grown and even more so if they are bored and haven’t gotten enough exercise. A tall fence they can’t jump over, climb, or dig under can help keep your dog from escaping the yard and is a necessity for any bored Husky pup.

Their desire to run won’t go away though, so it’s important that they are leashed, harnessed, or in a fenced-in area at all times. This can help prevent your dog from getting lost. It’s also a good idea to make sure your Husky is microchipped.

Microchipping your dog can help bring them home quickly in case they ever do go on an adventure without you. If you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area, on outdoor adventures together, or your Husky is just prone to escaping, a GPS tracker is another good idea.

2. Balto is the Most Famous Siberian Husky

The Disney movie Balto was based on a true story. In the movie, Balto was a wolfdog, a mix between a Siberian Husky and a wolf. The real-life Balto was a 3-year-old Siberian Husky who led the final team on what would become known as the “Great Race of Mercy”.

In 1925, the town of Nome, Alaska was hit with a diphtheria epidemic. The closest supply of the lifesaving antidote was more than 500 miles away in Anchorage. Because of the freezing weather, planes couldn’t get off the ground and the only choice was to employ teams of sled dogs.

A 650-mile freight route called the Iditarod Trail was the only connection Nome had to the railroad station in Nenana. It normally took about a month for a dog sled to complete the trip, but that would be too long for the people of Nome.

The only way for Nome to get the serum in time would be to set up a relay of dog sled teams. Around 20 mushers volunteered their combined 150 sled dogs and were led by legendary musher Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo.

Once the serum was retrieved from the railroad station in Nenana, it was passed off to a new team every 24 to 52 miles. The last team was Guuner Kaasen’s with Balto as the lead dog. The trip was completed in five and a half days.

Although Togo led the team that traveled the farthest and was integral in getting the medicine to Kassen’s team in time to get back to Nome, Balto became a symbol for the whole effort and remains one of the most honored hero dogs and famous dogs. Every March, mushers compete with their sled dogs in the Iditarod Race, which follows this famous route, to honor the original journey.

3. They Are Great Search & Rescue Dogs

As a highly intelligent dog breed and a working dog, the Siberian Husky is easily bored, but having a job to do tends to keep them entertained. Their sharp nose, sturdy structure, endurance, and thick fur make them a good fit for search & rescue work in cold climates and contribute to them being one of the best dog breeds for outdoor adventures.

One of the classic snow dog breeds, Huskies have worked on many Arctic and Antarctic missions. During WWII, they served in the Army’s Arctic Search & Rescue Unit of the Air Transport Command. They also served in the famous Byrd Antarctic expeditions.

4. They Make Great Family Dogs

Sibes are pack dogs, which means they love being part of a family. They get along well with other dogs and do well with children due to a strong maternal instinct. Early socialization will help your Siberian Husky fit right into the pack seamlessly. However, they have a very high prey drive, so they may not be able to resist chasing down other small animals.

Because they are one of the most active dog breeds and as a working breed, Siberian Huskies are happiest when they are active with their families and have a job to do. They are a great fit for families that live an active lifestyle where they can be included. They are even one of the dog breeds that make good running partners, particularly in colder weather when they can run for even longer without overheating.

5. Siberian Huskies Are True Snow Dogs

As an arctic breed descended from the original sled dogs, it’s no surprise that Siberian Huskies are one of the dog breeds that love winter. As many Husky owners can attest to, you might not be able to get them to come back inside when there is snow on the ground.

Like Alaskan Malamutes, Huskies are notorious for digging into the snow and lying down in it for hours on end. You may notice that your Husky develops selective hearing while in the snow and suddenly cannot hear you calling them. If it means more time out in their favorite weather, your Husky might just decide to ignore you.

6. They Are Dogs of Legends

The Chukchi people living in the Siberian peninsula of Northeast Asia are credited with developing the Siberian Husky into a working sled dog over thousands of years. This tribe relied on Huskies for survival.

The dogs were so central to Chukchi culture and life that they appear in the tribe’s beliefs and legends. They believed that the dogs were the living spirits of the dead and that two Siberian Huskies acted as guardians to the gates of heaven. These holy guardians were believed to turn away any souls of people who were cruel to dogs while living on earth.

7. Siberian Huskies Are Vocal Dogs

Although Siberian Huskies are not prone to barking a lot unless they are poorly socialized, stressed, or have been trained into it, they are very vocal dogs and are known to be quite chatty. They have a series of vocalizations, grumbles, whines, and howls they will use to tell you exactly how they feel.

They can also get loud when they want to. A true Husky howl can be heard from miles away, so keep that in mind if you encourage howling and vocalizations in your Husky puppy without training them to stop.

Is a Siberian Husky Puppy Right For You?

These are just a few facts about Siberian Huskies. If you think this is the right dog breed for you, check out the available Siberian Husky puppies. You could end up finding your best friend!