Dogs in Arctic
Dogs have lived in the Arctic alongside humans for an incredible 17,000 years. 'Dogs are man's best friend', King Frederick of Prussia allegedly said in the 18th century. In the Arctic however, dogs are much more than that – they can be guardians, means of transport, ceremonial sacrifices, hunting companions and in some places even providers of fur for clothing.
From wolves to working partners
Arctic Peoples have had dogs for a very long time. In fact, archaeological excavations show canine presence in the Arctic for at least 17,000 years. The general theory is that wolves came closer to human settlements to benefit from being near humans, eating scraps of food they had left. These wolves eventually became domesticated dogs. Humans too realised that these wolf-dogs were useful for different purposes.
As early as 9,000 years ago, Arctic ancestors living in northern Siberia – what is now Zhokov Island – made sleds that could be pulled by dogs. The Zhokov hunters, who were specialised polar bear hunters, bred larger dogs for hunting polar bear while smaller dogs were used for early forms of transport.
The skull of an old dog missing most of its teeth. Around 7000 BC. Institute for the History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences. © Pavel Ivanov, Elena Pavlova, Vladimir Pitulko.
Fragments of a sled runner. Around 7000 BC. Institute for the History of Material Culture, Russian Academy of Sciences. © Pavel Ivanov, Elena Pavlova, Vladimir Pitulko.
The presence of dogs in North America is much more recent. We know that 1,500 years ago, dogs were important companions in the Iputiak culture (roughly AD 250–800), who lived along the eastern Chukchi Sea coastline. While there is still uncertainty about the exact role of dogs, Iputiak graveyards show reverence for them as they were buried with humans. The Old Bering Sea culture (AD 250–1400) also kept dogs for ceremonial purposes and food. At this stage, however, dogs were not used for transport in North America.
Walrus tusk, engraved with scenes of umiaks, kayaks and homes being pulled across the ice. Angowzhuk, Happy Jack. Early 1900s.
Close up of the engraving showing dogs pulling sleds.
Dogs' roles changed significantly with the Thule peoples' expansion (1200–1400) across the American Arctic. Dogs enabled the rapid transcontinental movement of Inuit from Chukotka towards Greenland. The Thule people, ancestors of the Inuit, perfected dog traction (use of dog harnesses and sled hitches) which allowed for larger dog teams to haul heavier sleds.
The Thule people were expert sea mammal hunters and the availability of vast quantities of highly nutritious food enabled larger dog teams to flourish. Technological innovation, such as using sled-hitching technologies for dog sleds made larger dog teams possible while the use of whips transformed human attitudes towards dogs. Companions became work partners.
Dog whip made of leather. Whip with handle carved of wood and whip made of heavy strips of leather. Hudson Bay, Canada. Before 1920.
Dogs for transport
Across the Arctic, Indigenous Peoples use different breeds of dogs and types of sleds but there are broadly two styles to 'hitch' (harness), dogs – one in a line formation and one in a fan formation.
The Khanty people who live in western Siberia, east from the Ural Mountains, have sleds (narti), which, like the imagebelow shows, have runners (so that the sled frame sits above the ground) and are drawn by seven dogs. One dog is at the front and the other six dogs are in pairs behind. The driver of dogs appears to have a stick to direct the dogs.
Ivory model of a dog sled. Mid 19th century. Russia.
Another style of hitching dogs is used by Inuit in eastern Canada and Greenland. The so-called 'fan hitch' spreads out dogs and runs in a line like this model from Hudson's Bay, Canada shows. This style of hitching sled dogs is preferred as it is safer to have a wide spread of dogs when travelling across sea ice. The dogs also have more room to maneuver across rough patches of ice.
Model sledge made of wood, ivory and whalebone showing the fan hitch. Labrador, Canada. 1850s.
Watercolour illustration by John Sakeouse (1797–1819) from a book showing British expedition to Baffin Island. A sled with a fan hitched dog team can be seen on the right hand side. British Library.
The basic shape of the Inuit sled has not changed much since its invention. Compare the two sleds below – the first collected by John Ross in Greenland in 1818 and the second, a modern Greenlandic sled collected in 1985 by the former British Museum curator Jonathan King.
Sled made of bone, ivory, wood and seal skin and sinew. Inughuit, Greenland, about 1818.
Sled on display in the Citi exhibition Arctic: culture and climate. Sled made of wood, metal, nylon. Greenland. Mid 20th century.
Gwich'in peoples from northern Canada and Alaska have a similar dog team arrangement as the Khanty but use toboggan-style sleds, sleds with a flat bottom, which curl up at the front.
Abraham Stewart Junior, a Teetł'it Gwich'in Elder from Fort McPherson (Northwest Territories, Canada), sheds more insights on dog teams:
'Before the 1980s, dog teams were our main source of transportation to hunt and people moved from camp to camp. Dogs were just used for everything to make a living. Those days, if you didn't have a dog team you were considered to be poor. People with dog teams were considered well off.'
Postcard showing a dog team pulling a sled. Alberta, Canada. Around 1920.
'Usually in a dog team we have five to seven dogs. Seven Husky dogs makes a strong dog team. These dogs have long hair because of the cold weather – their hair grows long and they stand about 2 to 2.5 feet (60 –75cm). The dogs had broad shoulders and they are really strong and powerful. When we have them in a team we use a harness in a straight line – one after another. We have a lead dog that listens to every command that you are giving. Those days we relied on them because wherever you went they would bring you home regardless. It happened to me once. I came down from Stoney Creek and I was beat tired and I just let them go. Pretty soon I was back in Fort McPherson. That time I said: 'Oh man, no matter what I do, these dogs bring me home'. They did too. I always have respect for dogs, they are pretty smart animals.'
Russia
A 2017 study found that the domestic dog existed 9,000 years ago in what is now the island of Zhokhov, in northeastern Siberia, then connected to the mainland. These dogs were selectively bred as either sled dogs or hunting dogs, suggesting that sled and hunting standards coexisted. The optimal maximum size for a sled dog is 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs) based on thermoregulation, but ancient sled dogs weighed between 16-25 kg (35-55 lbs). The same criteria are found in the 2,000-year-old remains of sled dogs in the region and the modern Siberian Husky breed criteria. The other dog weighs 30 kg and is much larger, and is believed to have been bred with wolves and used to hunt polar bears. The dog's head was carefully separated from the body by humans after death, and was thought to be a ritual. The Kungur Chronicle and the Remezov Chronicle, drawn up at the end of the 16th century and 1703 respectively, describe these people. They lived along the rivers of Siberia and used reindeer and dogs as their main means of transportation. In these documents, the Olenyok, Yana, Indigirka and Kolyma rivers were called "dog rivers" because of the abundance of fish eaten by dogs. Rivers without fish, or not enough to feed dogs, were called "deer rivers" because reindeer were used for transportation. From the 1940s to the 1990s, the number of dog sleds in Russia began to decline. In 1998, before the revival effort got underway, the breed's population hit a record low of 3,000. Reasons for their decline include: Introduction of mechanization in the Arctic In particular, declining fish catches and the collectivization of farming and reindeer herds have reduced the ability to keep dogs. The decline of fur hunting.
Greenland
The Greenlandic Inuit have a very long history of using sled dogs and they are still widely used today. As of 2010, there were approximately 18,000 Greenlandic dogs kept in West Greenland and East Greenland north of the Arctic (in an effort to maintain the purity of the culturally important dog breed, Greenland dogs are the only dogs allowed in these areas), about half of which are in eastern Greenland. Some of them were used as sled dogs by hunters and fishermen. Their numbers have been steadily declining over the decades, as a result of declining sea ice (limited use range), increased use of snowmobiles, rising dog food prices, and diseases in some local dog populations, with 2016 By 2015, the number of Greenland dogs was 15,000. Many projects have been initiated to ensure that the Greenlandic dog sledding culture, knowledge and uses are not lost. The Sirius Patrol, a special unit of the Danish military, enforces sovereignty in the sparsely populated northeast (essentially comparable to dog sledding). Northeast Greenland National Park), conducts long-distance dog sledding patrols and also records all wildlife sightings. Between 1978 and 1998, patrol distances averaged 14,876 km (9,244 miles) per year. By 2011, Greenland wolves had regenerated from northeastern national parks to eastern Greenland by dog sledding patrolling distances of up to 350 miles (560 km).
North America
A 2019 study found that dogs first brought to the North American Arctic from northeastern Siberia were later replaced by dogs that accompanied the Inuit during a process of Inuit expansion that began 2,000 years ago. bottom. These Inuit dogs were genetically more diverse and morphologically more diverse when compared to earlier dogs. Today, the Arctic Sled Dog is the last American descendant of this pre-European lineage of dogs. Historical references to dogs and dog harnesses used in Native American cultures predate European contact. The use of dogs as work animals was widespread in North America. There were two main types of sled dogs. One type was preserved by coastal cultures and the other by inland cultures such as the Athabasca Indians. These indoor dogs formed the basis of the Alaskan Husky. In the mid-1800s, Russian traders tracking the interior of the Yukon obtained sled dogs from inland villages along the river. The dogs of this region had a reputation for being stronger and better at carrying heavy loads than the native Russian sled dogs. The Alaskan Gold Rush brought renewed interest in the use of sled dogs as a means of transportation. Most Gold Camps were only accessible by dog sled in the winter. "Everything that moved in the cold season was moved by a team of dogs. Prospectors, trappers, doctors, mail, commerce, trade, transportation of goods…If it had to be moved in winter, it was moved by sled dogs. This, combined with the use of dogs in polar expeditions, led to the late 1800s and early 1900s being dubbed the "Dogsledding Age". In the late 1800s and early 1900s, sled dogs were used for mail delivery in Alaska. The Alaskan Malamute was a popular dog breed and the team had an average of 8-10 dogs. Dogs could deliver mail in situations where ships, trains and horses would stop. Each team carried 230-320 kg (500-700 lbs) of mail. Mail was stored in a waterproof bag to protect it from the snow. By 1901, dog trails had been established across the Yukon River. Dog sled mail delivery ended in 1963 when the last postman to use a dog sled, Chester Nungwuk of Savonga, retired. He was honored by the United States Postal Service in a ceremony held on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. Airplanes took over Alaska's postal service in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1924, Carl Ben Eilson made the first successful air mail delivery in Alaska. Dog sleds were used for patrols in western Alaska during World War II. Highways and trucking in the 40's and 50's and snowmobiles in the 50's and 60's contributed to the decline of working dog sledding. Recreational mashing was introduced to maintain the tradition of dog mashing. The desire for bigger, stronger, load-pulling dogs has given way to desire for faster dogs with high endurance used in racing, resulting in historically lighter dogs. Later, Americans and others living in Alaska began importing sled dogs (which later evolved into the Siberian Husky breed) from the indigenous people of Siberia to increase their dogs' speed. But this is "contrary to what the Russian traders thought." I looked for a sled dog. Outside of Alaska, dog-drawn carts were used to carry hawker goods in cities such as: new york.
Scandinavia
After World War II, skijor and purka-style dog sled racing quickly grew in popularity in Norway and neighboring Scandinavian countries. These styles of racing required small, fast teams of one to four of his dogs competing over short hilly distances of 15 to 30 kilometers (9.3 to 18.6 miles). Mandated by the Norwegian Sled Dog Racing Association to use purebred dogs, the German Shorthair Pointer quickly emerged as a popular breed. The early 1970s saw the advent of sled pointers, bred for sledding rather than hunting. In the 1970s, "gnome-style" sled racing began gaining traction in Scandinavia, mimicking the large dog sled teams running long distances and sleeping overnight in freezing temperatures found in North American-style racing. In 1974, the first Nome-style sled race, the Shevria Sweep Stakes, was held near Oslo. For this style of racing, Norwegian mushers began importing Alaskan Huskies. It was popularized by mushers like Stein Hubbard Verstad and Roger Regard who traveled to Alaska to race the Iditarod. However, the Alaskan Husky, a performance hybrid, could not be legally raced in Norway until 1985, when the Norwegian Sled Dog Racing Association removed the requirement that sled dogs be purebred. This new ruling also paved the way for the breeding of Nordic-style mushers. A top performer of any breed, Muscher crossed Alaskan Husky with German Shorthair Pointer to produce Eurohound, and Greyhound with German Shorthair Pointer to produce Greyster. I was. These Nordic-style hybrids gained popularity in Europe and later in North America, especially with the growing popularity of dryland mushys such as Bikejolling and Canicross. Sled Dogs and Husky Safaris are considered dog breeds, not native to Sapmi (Lapland) and Finland. Reindeer herders are committing serious nuisances as it directly affects their livelihood. These and glass-domed 'eagles' have been plagiarized from other cultures by the tourism industry in the 1980s and have been falsely portrayed as being part of Sami or Finnish culture.
Alaska and the Iditarod
In 1925, a diphtheria epidemic devastated Nome, Alaska. Nome had no serum to treat people infected with this disease. Nenana had a sera, but the town was over 970 kilometers (600 miles) away and could only be accessed by dog sled. A dog sled relay was set up by the villages between Nenana and Nome, with 20 teams working together to relay the serum to Nome. The serum arrived in Nome in 6 days. The Iditarod Trail was established on the road between the two towns. The trail was known as the Iditarod Trail because Iditarod was the largest town on the trail at the time. In the 1940s, the road fell into disuse. However, in 1967, Dorothy Page, during the Alaska Centennial Celebration, ordered 14 kilometers (9 miles) of trail to be cleared for dog sled racing. In 1972 the U.S. Army surveyed the trail and in 1973 Joe Reddington Sr. founded Iditarod. The race was won by Dick Wilmers after a three-week run. The modern Iditarod is an endurance dog sled race of 1,800 km (1,100 miles). Weather permitting, it usually lasts 10-11 days. The event kicks off with a ceremonial start in Anchorage, Alaska on the first Saturday morning in March as the mushers run 20 miles (32 kilometers) along the Alaskan Highway to the Eagle River, where spectators are shown dogs and mushers. give you the opportunity to see Teams are then loaded onto trucks and driven 48 km (30 miles) to Wasilla in preparation for the official race start in the afternoon. The race ends when the last masher is eliminated from the race or crosses the Nome finish line. The winner of the race will receive a cash prize of $50,000. It is advertised as the "World Series of Melee Events" and "The Last Great Race on Earth".
Antarctica
The first Arctic explorers were men with dogsleds. The successful use of dog sleds in the Arctic was thought to be useful for Antarctic exploration, and many explorers attempted to use them. Sled dogs were in use until 1992, when the Environmental Protection Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty banned sled dogs from Antarctica due to concerns that dogs could transmit diseases such as canine distemper to seal populations. was done. I visited Antarctica during the Southern Cross Expedition (1898-1900) and it was much colder than expected at Cape Adare. The dogs were accustomed to working on snow rather than ice in much milder temperatures. The dogs were not given enough food and eventually all died. Erich von Drygalsky used Kamchatka sled dogs on his expeditions in 1901-1903, but his dogs were accustomed to the cold and he hired experienced dog handlers, so they did much better. His dogs were allowed to breed freely, but many had to be shot because there was no space on board to take them back. Many of the dogs that were not shot were stranded on the Kerguelen Islands. Otto Nordenskiold attempted to use Greenland dogs on his 1901–1904 expedition, but all but four of his Huskies died on the journey south. He picked up a mixed-breed dog in the Falkland Islands, but after arriving in Antarctica, it was all killed by four surviving Huskies hunting in a pack because dog trainer Ole Jonassen did not tether the dog. hunted down and killed. These huskies were later able to tow a weight of 265 kg (584 lbs) 29 km (18 miles) in three and a half hours. Robert Falcon Scott took 20 Samoyeds with him on a trip in 1902. The dogs struggled under Scott's conditions, with four dogs bleeding from their paws as they pulled a heavily laden sled through 45 centimeters (18 inches) of snow. Scott blamed their failure on rotting stockfish. In 1910, Scott returned with 33 Sakhalin huskies, noting that they performed poorly in deep snow and that their docked tails prevented them from curling up to keep warm. Douglas Mawson and Xavier Mertz were part of the Far East Party, a three-man sled team with Lieutenant B.E.S. Ninnis, investigating the land of King George V of Antarctica. On December 14, 1912, Ninis fell into a snow-covered crevasse with most of the party's provisions and was never seen again. With little food, they were forced to eat the rest of the dogs on the 507 km (315 mi) return journey. Their meat was firm and stringy with no trace of fat. Each animal yielded a very small yield, most of which was fed to the surviving dogs and eaten until the flesh, skin and bones were gone. The men also ate the dog's brain and liver. Unfortunately, sled dog livers are much more tolerant of vitamin A than humans, so eating sled dog liver can cause a condition known as hypervitaminosis A. Mertz deteriorated rapidly. He developed stomach pains, became incapacitated and disorganized. Mertz died on January 7, 1913. Mawson continued on his own and was eventually able to return to camp alive. Roald Amundsen's expedition was planned around 97 Eskimo dogs (probably Canadian Eskimo dogs, Greenland dogs, or both). On his first attempt, two dogs froze to death in -56 °C (-69 °F) temperatures. He tried a second time and succeeded. Amundsen covered 17 miles (27 km) a day, stopping every 3 miles (4.8 km) to build the cairns that marked the trail. He had 55 dogs with him, but when he returned from the pole they were slaughtered until 14 remained. On the way back, the man skied ahead of the dogs and hid meat in a cologne to encourage them to run.
Dogs for hunting
Dogs are not only used for travelling – they're also very important for traditional activities such as hunting.
Sled dog breeds and modern sled dog varieties
Sled dogs are dogs trained and used to pull harnessed land vehicles, most commonly sleds on snow. Dog sleds have been used in the Arctic for at least 8,000 years and were, along with personal watercraft, the only and inaccessible means of transportation in the Arctic region until the introduction of semi-trailer trucks, snowmobiles and airplanes in the 20th century. I was transporting goods in the area. in other ways. They were used during the polar expeditions and the Alaskan Gold Rush with varying success. Sled dog teams delivered mail to rural areas of Alaska, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Sled dogs are still used in some rural areas, especially in Russia, Canada, Alaska and much of Greenland. They are used for recreational purposes and racing events such as the Iditarod Trail and Yukon Quest.
While the original sled dogs were selected for their build, strength and stamina, modern dogs are bred for speed and endurance. Most sled dogs weigh about 25 kg (55 lbs), but some can weigh as little as 16 kg (35 lbs). Over 32 kg (71 lbs). Sled dogs have a very efficient gait, and "the sled dogs are very efficient at walking, both in size (approximately the same) and in gait (dog walking, trotting, running speed, and 'transitional speed')." We aim to be a well-balanced dog team that fits the dog. "When a dog switches from one gait to another), the whole team of dogs moves in the same way, which increases the efficiency of the whole team." Runs up to 45 km/h (28 mph) I can. Because of this, sled dogs have very strong, webbed feet with dense toes. Webbed feet act as snowshoes. Sled dog breeds can usually be further divided into the following subtypes: short-distance dog bred to pull sleds faster A cargo dog bred to carry huge weights A long-distance dog bred to travel hundreds or thousands of miles. Indigenous multi-purpose sled dog. They pull sleighs and hunt reindeer herds and game, such as Russian Laika. Dog fur depends on its use. Cargo dogs must have a dense, warm coat to retain heat, and short range dogs have short coats to retain heat. Most sled dogs have a double coat, with an outer coat that keeps snow away from the body and an inner coat that is waterproof for insulation. In warmer climates, dogs have trouble regulating their body temperature and can overheat. The tail helps keep the nose and paws from freezing when the dog curls up to sleep. It also has a unique vascular arrangement in its legs to protect itself from frostbite. Appetite is important when choosing a sled dog. Dogs that are loud off the trail may be even louder on the trail. They are fed a high-fat diet and may eat fatty salmon and fatty sea mammals on the trail. Sled dogs should also not be overly aggressive towards other dogs. I need a lot of exercise too.
Alaskan husky
The dogs most commonly used in dog sled racing, the Alaskan Husky is a mixed breed specifically bred for performance as a sled dog. The Alaskan Husky has two genetically distinct breeds of him, the short-distance group and the long-distance group. Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies genetically contributed the most to the long-distance group, while English pointers and salukis contributed the most to the short-distance group. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog brought a strong work ethic to both breeds. There are many Alaskan Huskies, which are part of the greyhounds, which increases their speed.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large and strong cargo dog. Weighing in at 36–54 kg (80–120 lb), he has a round face with soft features. Cargo dogs are a class of dogs that includes both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs. The Alaskan Malamute originated in the Cotsebue Bay region of Alaska and is believed to be one of the first domesticated dog breeds. These dogs are known for their broad chests, thick coats and strong paws. Speed is of little value to these dogs. Instead, the emphasis is on pulling strength. It is used for expeditions, long adventure trips and for carrying heavy loads. The Alaskan Malamute was the dog of choice for haulage and messenger work during World War II.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog or Canadian Inuit Dog, also known as the Exskimo Husky, Eskimo Dog, Kinmic (the Inuit word for dog), was an indigenous sleigh used by the Tule people of Arctic Canada Originates from dogs. The breed that exists today was developed primarily through a Canadian government effort. Each dog can pull 45-80 kg (99-176 lbs) for distances of 24-113 km (15-70 miles). Canadian Eskimo Dogs were also used as hunting dogs, helping Inuit hunters catch seals, musk oxen and polar bears. On May 1, 2000, the Canadian Territory of Nunavut officially adopted the "Canadian Inuit Dog" as its animal symbol. Studies have shown that they are not genetically divergent enough to be considered separate breeds, so they are believed to be genetically the same breed as the Greenland Dog.
Chinook
Developed in New Hampshire in the early 1900s by Gold Rush adventurer and dog driver Arthur Walden, the Chinook is a rare breed of English Mastiff, Greenland Dog and German Shepherd Dog. , Belgian Shepherd blend. It is the state dog of New Hampshire and was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) Working Group in 2013. It is said to have a "rigid body" with high athletic ability and a "tireless gait". The coat is always tan and ranges from pale honey to reddish gold.
Chukotka Sled Dog
The Chukchi Sled Dog (чукотская ездовая) is an indigenous Spitz dog breed endemic to the Chukchi people of Russia. Chukotka sled dog teams have been used since prehistoric times to pull sleds in harsh conditions, such as hunting marine mammals on ocean ice floes. The Chukchi Sled Dog is the most famous ancestor of the Siberian Husky.
Eurohound
The Eurohound is a breed of dog bred for sprint-style dog sled racing. Eurohounds are usually produced by crossing the Alaskan Husky group with one of the many pointer dog breeds ("pointers").
Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is a heavy dog with great endurance but not much speed. It is frequently used by those who propose dog sledding adventures and long expeditions. As of 2016, Greenland was home to about 15,000 Greenland dogs, but decades ago the numbers were much higher, prompting projects to ensure the breed's survival. started. In much of Greenland north of the Arctic, it is the main mode of transport in winter. Most hunters in Greenland prefer dog sledding teams to snowmobiles because they are more reliable. Studies have shown that these are not genetically divergent enough to be considered separate breeds, so they are believed to be genetically the same breed as the Canadian Eskimo Dog.
Greyster
The Greyster is a type of sled dog bred for dog sled racing, especially dryland sports such as canicross and bikejoring. The Greystar was created by crossing a Greyhound and a German Shorthair Pointer.
Labrador Husky
The Labrador Husky was born in the Labrador region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The breed probably arrived in the region with the Inuit who came to Canada around 1300 AD. Despite its name, the Labrador Husky is not closely related to the Labrador Retriever, but is actually the closest relative to the Canadian Eskimo Dog. It is estimated that there are 50-60 Labrador Huskies worldwide.
MacKenzie River Husky
The term Mackenzie River Husky refers to several overlapping regional populations of Arctic and sub-Arctic sled-type dogs, none of which constitute a breed. Breeds of Yukon Territory dogs and large European breeds such as St. Bernards and Newfoundlands have created powerful cargo dogs capable of surviving in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a Laika developed by the Samoyed tribe of Siberia and was used not only for pulling sleighs, but also for herding reindeer and hunting. These dogs were highly prized and their owners depended on them for their survival, so they were allowed to sleep with their owners in tents. Samoyeds weigh approximately 20-29 kg (45-65 lbs) for males and 16-23 kg (35-50 lbs) for females, with a shoulder height of 48-60 cm (19-23.5 in).
Sakhalin Husky
The Sakhalin Husky, also known as the Karafuto Inu, is a breed of sled dog developed on the island of Sakhalin. The Sakhalin Husky is valued for its hardiness, good temperament, and ease of training, and was the preferred dog of the Soviet Army to carry equipment in harsh conditions prior to World War II. There was also. Unfortunately, with the advent of mechanized travel, the Soviet authorities decided that the cost of maintaining Sakhalin was futile and exterminated it, leaving only a few people living in Japan to survive. About 20 Sakhalin Huskies remain on Sakhalin Island.
Siberian Husky
Smaller than the similar-looking Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky has more pulling power with each weight added than the Malamute. Descended from sled dogs bred and used by the Chukchi natives of Siberia, they were imported to Alaska in the early 1900s. The dog was used as a working and racing sled dog in Nome, Alaska throughout the 1910s and often dominated all-Alaska sweepstakes. . After gaining popularity in the 1925 Gnome serum sale, the Siberian Husky became widely bred by recreational mushers and show dog enthusiasts in the United States and Canada. Siberians are 20 to 23.5 inches (51 to 60 cm) tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds (16 to 27 kg) (females 35 to 50 pounds (16 to 23 kg), females 45 to 60 It weighs 20-27 kg (20-27 kg. males) and has been selectively bred for both appearance and traction ability. They are still used regularly for competition, recreation and as sled dogs by tour guide mushers.
Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika (Russian: Якутская лайка) is an ancient working dog breed that originated on the Arctic coast of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Functionally, the Yakutian laika is a sled laika, capable of hunting in packs and carrying cargo. The Yakutian Laika is recognized by the International Federation of Animals (FCI) and the Foundation Stock Service of the AKC. The Yaktian Laika is a medium-sized, hardy and compact dog with strong muscles and a thick double coat that can withstand the harsh temperatures of the Arctic. They were the favorite dogs of Russian polar explorer Georgiy Ushakov, who appreciated their hardiness and versatility, capable of not only hunting seals and polar bears, but also carrying sledges thousands of miles. .