A Logical Look at the Origin of the Siberian Husky....
There is a lot of breed romanticism that surrounds the Siberian Husky breed. The hardest part of truly researching something, is putting aside what you already know, in order to learn even more. There are so many pieces of the puzzle that tell us who this dog would be to the people it lived with. Take a moment to explore with me where the Siberian Husky comes from, who it's people are, the things they would see and live through daily. It is only through the breeds native anthropology, science, and sociology that we can truly know the full potential our Siberian Huskies can reach in our family.
As often as possible, the pictures are links to sites of source information. Some pages on this site are saved in their original form, to preserve information. All links from the pages will navigate to other pages within that website.
Chukchi; Siberian People living Symbiotically with their Dogs:
Let's explore the people who accompany the Siberian Husky to this very day in Siberia, and the relationship they share with their dogs.
The Migration of Chukchi and Their Dogs
Food Sources Found in Chukotka & East Siberia:
Now That we are familiar with the theories on how they got there, let's take a look at what they had available once they settled in Chukotka:
Food Sources Available in Siberia:
It is surprising the very small amount of thought that is given to the diet fed to most dog breeds. The Siberian Husky is no exception.... To deduce what to feed the Siberian, one must be aware of what would have been readily available in their natural habitat. With this knowledge in hand, one can gain a better understanding of what dietary needs have to be met for maximum health and vitality.
It is important when considering the naturally available diet, that you consider that all animals killed were eaten, and that most canines are not entirely carnivores... especially in a starving country!
Mammals available in Siberia:
Walrus, Tundra Shrew, Reindeer, Brown
Bear, Arctic Tern, Polar Bear, Moose, Raven,
Chipmunks, Snow Shoe Hare, Sea Otter, Lemming, Musk Ox, Arctic Ground Squirrel,
Bowhead Whale, Ptarmigan, Arctic Cod, Snowy Owl, Narwhal,
Ermine, Mink, Musk Rat, Dall Sheep, Snow Rams, and several species of
whales-humpback, fin back, grey, blue, and the razor-back.
Fish available in Siberia:
Cisco, Lake Herring, Char, Grayling, Northern Pike, Smelt, Pike, Dog Fish, White Fish, Salmon, Loach, and Burbot.
Land Growing Plants Life Available in Siberia:
Sea Growing Plants Life Available in Siberia:
Importation a forgotten Ideal
Before there was an AKC to worry if they put their stamp of approval on a dog, the most serious of dog breeders would import native stock directly from Siberia. This was more than a status symbol, this was insuring the authenticity of a breeders line, and keeping the gene pool diverse.