Pixabay

Husky

About the Husky

Husky is a type of sledge dog. It is not a breed by itself but a group of dogs that includes breeds such as Siberian Husky, Alaskan Husky, Sakhalin Husky and others. Huskies are not wild animals, but they form an integral part of the Arctic.

One of the most common huskies, the Siberian Husky, is a breed developed in Northeast Siberia thousands of years ago by an ethnic group called the Chukchi.

Huskies thrive in cold regions. They have two layers of fur: the first layer, called an undercoat, provides insulation, and the second, outer coat, is a water-resistant layer made up of longer hairs. Thanks to their coats, huskies can withstand temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F).

Huskies were bred for sled pulling: they are full of energy, resilient and fast. Huskies can reach a speed of up to 50 km (30 miles) per hour and can run over 150 km (100 miles) per day. Not only do they enjoy exercise, they need it to stay healthy.

Commonality of Huskies

Huskies, especially the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky, are quite common around the world. They are popular not only as pets, but also as sledge racing and working dogs in the Arctic and subarctic regions.

Another husky breed, the Sakhalin Husky (also referred to as Karafuto Ken) is critically endangered. Unfortunately, Sakhalin Huskies are near extinction due to the lack of substantial conservation efforts.

Protection & Threats

The main threats to huskies are overpopulation and shelter surrenders. Many people adopt them as pets without understanding their needs. People who later find themselves unable to take care of huskies leave them in shelters. The efforts to protect huskies include educational and responsible breeding programs.

Climate Change

Husky coats are made for cold climates. Rising temperatures can lead to overheating and heat-related health problems in huskies, such as heatstroke and skin problems. Additionally, snow melting reduces the demand for working huskies in the Arctic and may affect their populations.