Eleven Facts All Siberian Husky Lovers Should Know

Siberian Huskies - You know them, you love them, you NEED to have one of your very own. These majestic animals may seem like little balls of cuteness, but they also are unique, and interesting creatures. Whether you have one, you are planning on adopting one, or you're just simply a fan, here is a list of 11 facts that will bring you and these blue-eyed wonders a little closer together.

11. Siberian Huskies are an Ancient Breed

While research on the origin of dogs can be both complex and conflicting, a group of 14 breeds of dogs have been determined to have the oldest genetic line - among which is the Siberian Husky. More specifically, DNA shows that the modern-day Husky (along with the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed) is the direct descendant of the original sled dog.

In addition, an international team of scientists in Belgium recently uncovered the remains of what they believe to be the first dog - dating back 31,700 years. This Paleolithic dog, although larger in size, most resembles the Siberian Husky.

10. They're Energizer Bunnies

The Siberian Husky might only have a max speed of around 28mph, but these power machines can run for hours at 10mph, covering around 150 miles in a day. For this reason, the husky does not do well alone for long hours, and requires frequent mental and physical stimulation.

9. and Polar Bears

Huskies can function normally in as low as -40 °F ( -40 °C) and survive in temperatures as low as -70 °F. Due to their heavy coats and high energy levels (which results in a tremendous amount of heat creation from the burning of calories), cold climates are highly recommended for this breed.

8. Siberian Huskies Almost Went Extinct

Isolated in north-eastern parts of Siberia, the Chukchi people spent thousands of years building and maintaining the perfection of the husky breed; but despite the breed's major contributions to the tribe's survival, there are several documented cases of hardship that nearly lead to the breed's extinction.

At several points in time, famine almost killed off the breed entirely (the closest being in the 1860's). An ancient Chukchi legend claims that during one harsh food shortage, in which only two puppies remained, a Chukchi woman suckled the pups at her breast to ensure their survival.

Warfare was the most recent gun pointed at the Siberian Husky. Thanks to this extraordinary breed, the Chukchi people were able to outrun the wrath of Czarist Russia, however they were not so lucky with the new Soviet Union, whose offering of peace to the independent tribe resulted in catastrophic death from small-pox infected trade goods. Soviets used the opportunity at hand to slaughter every Chukchi village leader, and put all the surviving dogs in a "rebreeding program." They even went as far as to deny the existence of the Chukchi sled dog and any Siberian Husky's ancestral connection to Siberia.

7. but Alaska Saved Them

As a result of invasion, famine, disease, and politics, the original Chukchi sled dogs are virtually nonexistent, but before their complete demise, Russian fur trader William Goosak adopted nine Siberian Chukchi dogs and brought them with him to Nome Alaska in 1908. Although initally referred to as Siberian rats, this team came in 3rd (and would have won, had Goosak not been paid off by gamblers to lose before reaching the finish line) in the annual All Alaska Sweepstakes Race, quickly proving their worth against the Alaskan Malamute. Charles Ramsay, a spectator to this race, then imported 70 of his own Siberian Huskies and created three teams that won 1st, 2nd, and 4th place in the 1910 race, setting records unbroken until 2008. And so began the rebirth of the Siberian Husky.

6. and in Return They Saved Alaska

We've all watched Balto and know that the Siberian Husky rose to fame after Gunnar Kaasen's sled team saved Nome, Alaska by delivering cases of antibiotics to to treat the rapidly spreading diphtheria.

What you might not know it that it actually took 19 teams of dogs to cross 340 miles of treacherous ice and snow to reach this small town. In fact, the owner of Balto, Leonard Seppala, took on the longest, most dangerous stretch of this journey with his fastest dog, Togo. The statue of Balto in New York wears Togo's awards. Seppala also discouraged Kaasen from using Balto as his lead, recommending a dog named Fox instead, but Kaasen saw more in Balto than his owner. In the end, Baltos efforts, through the worst of the storm, make it impossible to argue he was anything less than one "damn fine dog."

5. Siberian Huskies are not Afraid to get Down and Dirty

You may think it's a stereotype, but Siberian Huskies are notorious diggers. It is a natural instinct that derives from thousands of years of living in the wilderness. Historically, huskies dug under snow to find shelter, protect food, and maintain heat in freezing conditions. Today, huskies are more likely to dig in an effort to cool down and work off built-up energy.

4. Siberian Huskies are Sweet as Sugar

Although a Siberian Husky's relationship with smaller animals, like cats, can be touch-and-go, Siberian Huskies are innately gentle and friendly creatures. This trait goes back to the Chukchi people, who needed a dog that could work amicably with large groups of other dogs - as even one major dog fight could have resulted in the entire team freezing to death. The Chukchi people also needed a dog that was soft-tempered enough to sleep with the children and keep them warm. In fact, the Chukchi people measured night-time temperatures by the number of dogs necessary to keep the children warm (eg. a two dog night, a four dog night etc).

3. but Have a Little Pinch of Spice

Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent. So much so that many owners come across challenges when training these little monsters because they will only do things on their own terms. Demonstrate patience and kindness while still standing your ground and your husky will come to respect your authority in time.

2. and a Metabolism to Die for

Maybe one of the most interesting facts of all, the Siberian Husky can control their own metabolism. This allows working huskies to run for hours while burning energy but preserving their fat stores, which prevents them from getting fatigued. Huskies can also do the opposite (burn accumulated fat stores) which is why it is rare to see an overweight Sibe. Scientists have not yet been able to find an explanation for how the Siberian Husky does this. Jealous? I know I am.

1. The Siberian Husky is an Amazing Animal and Wonderful Companion

All in all, Siberian Huskies are strong-willed, kind, intelligent animals. They were bred to aid in our survival and have stuck around to fill our hearts with warmth and happiness. Huskies need owners who are devoted in time and energy to their well-being. Although they can be difficult to manage at times, with the right treatment, the Siberian Husky can be a wonderful addition to anyone's family.