Siberian Huskies For Dummies

by Diane Morgan

  Balto, who had suffered bad press as “just a freight dog,” surpassed himself in the Great Serum Run. When Kasaan became lost on the ice of the Topkok River, it was Balto who scented out the right trail (in 50 mph winds) and brought the team in safely. If it had been left to Kasaan, the entire team would have plunged through the ice.

  Kasaan staggered into Nome at 5:30 a.m. on February 2, 1925. His dogs were cold and exhausted, their feet torn and bloody. But the serum was delivered. Kasaan handed it over to the only physician in Nome, Dr. Curtis Welch of the Public Health Service. And then he began to pull the ice splinters out of his dogs’ feet.

  Within five days of the arrival of the serum, the diphtheria epidemic was halted. It was the last major outbreak of the disease in North America. And so, out of the Great Race of Mercy to Nome, was born the modern sled race we call the Iditarod.

  During his travels in the east, Seppala left some of his animals with Harry Wheeler of Quebec, who began breeding them. All currently AKC-registered Huskies can trace their ancestry back to this foundation stock.

  As far as Kasaan’s team went, the musher took the dog on a nationwide tour. Then Balto and company were sold to a movie producer named Sol Lesser, who made a film called “Balto’s Race to Nome,” eulogizing the dog. Afterward, the entire team was sold again and put on exhibit as a kind of curiosity show. The poor dogs were abused, neglected, and forgotten until a Cleveland businessman named George Kimbal, with the help of Cleveland school children, bought the six remaining dogs for the then astounding sum of $2,000. They raised the money in two weeks.

  The dogs were brought to the Cleveland Zoo and lived out their lives in peace. When Balto died in 1933, he was stuffed and put on display in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Most of the time, he’s still there. (Every once in a while, Balto’s remains make a trip to the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla. But they always come to back to Ohio.) Check out Figure 2-1 for a photograph of Balto, taken after the Great Serum Run.

  Figure 2-1: Balto, after the Great Serum Run.

  Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum

  Balto

  In New York City’s Central Park stands a bronze statue of Balto, paid for by penny collections from children. Many Siberian aficionados resent the fact that it was this dog, rather than Seppala’s beloved Togo, whose likeness is sculpted. But it doesn’t really matter. The statue symbolizes the boundless courage of all the dogs who made that tremendous journey against the greatest of odds. Togo or Balto — he faces north, forever dreaming, perhaps, of his immortal run in the service of humankind. The inscription reads, “Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed anti-toxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of a stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance. Fidelity. Intelligence.”

  The Development of the Siberian in the United States

  Siberian Husky fanciers owe a debt of gratitude to the inimitable Leonhard Seppala. Not only did he develop a great racing dog, but he also worked to standardize the breed. Traveling across the continent with his teams, he introduced Huskies and the sport of sled dog racing to thousands of people. The Ricker/Seppala Kennel he helped to establish in Poland Spring, Maine, set the benchmark for the breed’s characteristic looks and temperament.

  Equally legendary were two famous New Hampshire kennels: the Chinook Kennels in Wonalancet, and the Monadnock Kennels in Fitzwilliam.

  Chinook Kennels

  The Chinook Kennels took a roundabout and independent road to breeding Siberians. The original Chinook was a big yellow lop-eared “MacKenzie River Husky,” who was purchased for three bags of flour in Dawson, Alaska, in 1898. His new owner, Arthur Walden, took him home to New Hampshire, and established a famous line of racing sled dogs, naming his kennel Wonalancet Farm.

  As you may expect, the big Chinooks became rivals of the Siberians for honors in the world of sled dog racing. Although the Siberians appeared to be no match for the oversized Chinooks, Seppala beat them soundly race after race. Spectators were also impressed by the uniform good looks of the Siberians, their amiable nature, and their ability to thrive on very little food.

  Walden and Chinook went off on an Antarctic adventure with Admiral Byrd. Sadly, Chinook himself never returned from that journey. During his absence Walden left his kennels in the capable hands of Eva “Short” Seeley and her husband, and on his return, Walden sold his kennels to her.

  “Short” Seeley renamed the kennels after Chinook. Despite this token honor, however, she abandoned the breeding of “Chinooks” per se and worked hard to help develop the Siberian Husky standard, with the help of some of Leonhard Seppala’s dogs. The Seeleys also helped develop the breed standard for the Alaskan Malamute. (Chinook dogs are still around, by the way, but they are not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.)

  The Chinook Kennels provided Admiral Byrd with dogs for his second and third trips to the South Pole. Later, Chinook Kennels trained Huskies as search and rescue dogs for the United States Army Air Transport Command in World War II. Chinook dogs were used in Labrador, Greenland, Alaska, and Italy. They were also employed in rescuing the wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.

  Monadnock Kennels

  Monadnock Kennels, also located in New Hampshire, used a more conventional breeding strategy, and employed Seppala’s dogs as foundation stock. They developed Siberians for every purpose: show, sled, and companion dogs. In a breeding program that lasted over 40 years, the Monadnock dogs set the standard for Husky good looks and fabulous temperament.

  Today, the Siberian has truly become a worldwide breed. Important Siberian Husky breeding programs are currently underway in Canada, England, Finland, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, and Australia. Thanks to the work of these and thousands of other dedicated Siberian fanciers, the Siberian Husky today is healthy, beautiful, and for many, the ideal family pet.

  Part II

  Looking for Your Soul Mate

  In this part . . .

  So you’ve decided a Siberian is for you. Now that you’ve made that important decision, you’re probably eager to find your soul mate in Siberian form. In this chapter, I guide you through the important process of finding the right place to get your Husky and let you know what to look for in a pup. I also get you ready to bring that puppy home, letting you know what to have on hand the moment that four-legged friend walks through the door.

  Chapter 3

  Finding and Choosing a Siberian

  In This Chapter

  Figuring out whether a Husky is right for you

  Locating a good breeder from whom to get your puppy

  Picking out a puppy

  The Siberian Husky is an incomparably beautiful dog. And that’s probably part of the reason why you want one. Or maybe you saw Sergeant Preston and King on TV when you were a kid. Or you’ve heard about how wonderful Siberians are with children, how intelligent they are, and what terrific jogging partners they make. Someone may have mentioned something to you about their lack of “dog smell.” All these things are true. But it’s also true that not everyone should have a Siberian Husky.

  So in this chapter, I start by helping you figure out whether you and a Husky would make a good match. Then I guide you through the process of finding a good breeder and choosing the right pup. Don’t skip that all-important first part of the chapter, though. You owe it to yourself and your dog to be sure you’re choosing the right breed.

  Determining Whether a Husky Is Right for You

  If you are a well-adjusted, happy person, in a stable family situation, you may be the perfect Siberian owner. On the other hand, if you are living in a contentious, unhappy household, you can expect your Siberian to pick up a lot of that tension.

  If you expect your new Siberian to act the way your old Labrador did, you may be in for a little shock. Huskies are more free-spirited (and free-ranging) than many other popular breeds.

  Huskies also requ
ire an enormous amount of attention. They are strong-willed animals, and most of them do better with an experienced dog owner. This does not mean that you can’t have a Siberian for your first dog; it does mean you should know what to expect. (You’ve already taken a step in this direction by buying this book.) Some people consider Siberians stubborn, but it is more accurate to say that they are determined and persevering — necessary qualities in a good sled dog.

  Sadly, many people do not sufficiently understand enough about the background of the breed they choose to own. The so-called “bad” qualities of Siberians were necessary components of dogs raised in an arctic environment for a particular purpose. The very elements that make Siberians great sled dogs can sometimes be inconvenient when Huskies are transported to a very different kind of life.

  As a prospective Siberian owner, your responsibility is to understand your dog’s heritage, and make the necessary accommodations to it. If you harbor any doubts at all about owning a Siberian (or getting a dog at all), don’t get one.

  Huskies are adaptable to many situations. They are not one-person dogs but enjoy the company of the entire family, particularly children. They like strangers, too. In fact, if you are looking for a watchdog, get a Chihuahua. Huskies not only like burglars as well as they like anyone else, they seldom even bark at trespassers. They prefer to stand around silently wagging their tails while the thief makes off with the silverware. If you own a whole pack of Huskies, the non-dogwise miscreant may stay away from your house, on the hunch that Siberian Huskies are dangerous. But he’d be wrong.

  Because a Siberian is family dog, be sure that everyone in your family wants a dog, and that everyone agrees that the Husky is the right dog for your family. Siberians often live 15 years or more; so make sure you get a dog with whom you are willing to forge this lifelong bond.

  In the following sections, I cover some important factors to consider when getting a dog.

  Children

  Most Siberians are good with and for children; a very few are not. A lot depends on the nature of the children. Careless and cruel children (and there are a lot of them) do not deserve a pet of any kind. Never buy a pet to teach a child responsibility. You are the adult; you have the responsibility of caring for the pet.

  Certainly, having your child help with pet care is wise; you may even want to make it the child’s job to feed, groom, or walk the dog. But the dog is ultimately the responsibility of adults. If the child forgets to feed the Siberian, then you must. If you yourself are not willing to undertake the care of the dog when the child forgets, rethink owning any animal. If your child gets bored with the dog, then he becomes yours. Many dogs who are fine for older children are not suitable for children under the age of three, and a young child should never be left alone with a pet, for both their sakes.

  Because many children are allergic to dog hair and dander, I strongly advise prospective Husky owners to get their kids allergy tested before bringing home this shedding breed.

  Financial considerations

  Siberians can be expensive, but perhaps not in the way you imagine. The initial cost of your dog, whether you spend $100 for an adoption fee or $800 or more for a show-quality Siberian, is the cheapest part of sharing your life with a Husky. Your new friend needs high-quality food and medical attention throughout his life. You are responsible for these costs. And they can be considerable.

  Boarding fees, crates and other equipment, high-quality food, regular medication like heartworm preventive, and training classes cost more than you think. The first year, when you are buying the crates, barriers, dog bowls, and beds, will be the most expensive. In fact, Dog Fancy magazine estimates that the annual expenses for a small dog will be about $1,800 dollars a year; for a medium-sized dog like a Siberian, add another $500. And that’s just for the necessities.

  Many people become so attached to their pets that they purchase collars and leashes with their pet’s name inscribed, orthopedic beds, special treats, toys, and other accoutrements. They buy books about their pets (like this one); subscribe to breed magazines; they join clubs and Internet groups. You may become addicted to showing or racing your Siberian. Besides, you may eventually want to get a second Husky as company for the first. Those costs add up quickly.

  Your house

  Meticulous housekeepers may not be happy owning a Siberian. These dogs shed a lot and have a reputation for destructive behavior. Much of this reputation is undeserved, but it’s fair to warn you that if an extremely clean house is very important to you, owning a Siberian will add stress to your existence.

  Despite their shedding, Siberians are exceptionally clean. They do not have the doggy odor typical of many breeds. They are clean eaters, as well.

  Climate

  Unfortunately, climate is an important consideration that many people overlook. Although you can certainly keep a Siberian if you live in South Carolina, you will need to take extra care and precautions in the summer. As a general rule, the colder it is, the better Huskies like it. If you live in Minnesota and like the winter, the Siberian is the dog for you! However, if you can’t take the cold yourself, you may want to match up with a less arctic animal.

  Time

  Siberians are supposed to be independent, but in truth they crave the human touch. The more time you spend with your Siberian, especially when he’s young, the happier and better adjusted he will be as an adult. Don’t consider getting a puppy if you will be away from home for long hours every day. It’s not fair. An adult dog or two may be just the ticket, however.

  Exercise

  Siberians need a lot of exercise — every day. If you want a Husky, you need to be willing to provide your pet with the high level of activity he requires to keep him happy and healthy. These activities can include regular jogging, playing, swimming, or best of all, sledding. One Husky can keep several members of the family in top condition. Be honest with yourself about how much exercise you can give your dog. If you are not willing or able to give your dog a lot of attention, consider a breed with lower activity level needs.

  A Siberian Husky must be fenced in, or at least exercised vigorously several times a day. Most communities have containment laws, and even where there are none, Siberian Huskies cannot be allowed to roam free. They have a habit of chasing and killing cats, rabbits, and even lambs or calves.

  Legal considerations

  Make absolutely certain your lease or covenant agreement will allow you to have a dog. You don’t want to have to make an uncomfortable choice later on. And whether you are an owner or a renter, you should carry liability insurance if you have an energetic dog. In today’s litigious society, even a playful nip can mean big lawsuits.

  If your Husky escapes and kills the neighbor’s chickens, you will be held responsible for the damage.

  Commitment

  Who will be primarily responsible for the care of your new Siberian — financially, emotionally, and in charge of day-to-day activities like walks or feeding? Splitting these chores among different members of the household is okay, as long as everyone knows and agrees to his part. Too often, people complain that “I’m not the one who wanted the darn dog in the first place, and now I’m stuck with feeding/exercising/taking him to the vet.” Decide on these things in advance, and delegate responsibilities.

  Finding a Puppy and a Breeder

  Before you can choose a dog, you must know what you are looking for. Do you want to do recreational mushing, racing, showing, tracking, or just have a nice family pet? If you want a healthy, genetically sound Siberian you should get your dog from a reputable Siberian breeder. Some breeders specialize in one type of dog, but beware of breeders who say that they just breed pets. These dogs may not be of good quality. The best pets are often those who didn’t make the “cut” as show-quality puppies. This would be an excellent break for you, because you can purchase a well-bred puppy at a very reasonable price.

  It’s an axiom in the dog world that a good dog comes from a good breeder
, a reputable breeder. But how do you know who is reputable and who isn’t? Check out the following sections for help.

  Get recommendations from reputable sources

  Ask around to get recommendations for good breeders in your area. Check with your local Siberian Husky Club. Members will be happy to refer you to a good source. The American Kennel Club (AKC) can provide you with the phone number for a breeder referral representative from the Siberian Husky Club of America. Breed magazines also advertise upcoming litters. You can visit the AKC Web site at www.akc.org for more information. Or you can write to the AKC (see Appendix C for contact information).

  Go to dog shows

  If possible, attend a few AKC dog shows. This experience will give you a good idea of what a quality Siberian Husky looks like. You may also get a chance to speak with a few exhibitors who can give you information about good local breeders and may know about a forthcoming litter. This can be tricky, though. Most people show up for their own breed class (say at 10:00 a.m.) then pack up and go home. You’ll need to call in advance to find when the Siberians are showing, or come at 8:00 a.m. and hang around all day. Exhibitors may be busy at dog shows and may not have the time to talk. However, they may be available after the show or may be willing to give out their phone numbers so you can contact them later.