Siberian Husky: The sled dog built to run

The Siberian Husky is a true "long-distance runner of the snow": bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia, it can pull a sled for enormous distances in bitter cold. It is not just handsome — it also has a legend of saving a whole town. Let's meet it.

Its body

The Husky is medium-sized and sturdy, with a thick double coat — an outer layer that holds off wind and snow, and an inner layer of warm down. That coat lets it tolerate deep sub-zero cold, but also makes it very poor at handling heat, so it needs a cool spot in summer. Its legs, heart and lungs are built for distance, with astonishing endurance. It also has its signature blue eyes, or one blue and one different colour, which look wonderfully keen.

Its story with people

In 1925 a diphtheria outbreak struck the town of Nome, Alaska, and antitoxin serum was desperately needed. Sled dog teams relayed the life-saving serum through a blizzard to reach the town. The lead dogs Togo and Balto became legendary heroes — Balto's statue still stands in New York's Central Park. That history is also a record of the deep bond between sled dogs and people.

Its personality and care

Huskies love to run and love to be with their "pack". They rarely bark but love to howl and "talk", a sound a little like singing. They are full of energy and need a great deal of exercise; with no outlet, they may make mischief indoors. Before getting one, think it through: do you have the time and space to keep it active?

A note for grown-ups

You could look at the story of Togo and Balto with a child and talk about how far the dogs ran to save people. Showing a child that the most impressive animal skills are often used to help others is a lovely lesson. And do remind them: a Husky needs a great deal of exercise — cuteness alone is not enough.