Originally a sled dog of the Chukchi people of north eastern Asia, the Siberian Husky was capable of traveling great distances at moderate speed transporting light loads in very low temperatures. Siberian Huskies were imported into Alaska and America by enthusiasts of sled racing as early as 1900, winning races over gruelling 400 mile courses. In 1925 a diptheria epidemic struck the city of Nome, Alaska, and dog teams were used to urgently transport life-saving serum. The heroic dogs were later to travel to the U.S.A. on a personal appearance tour where the delightful personality of the breed won the hearts of sportsmen who established the breed in the U.S.A. Siberian Huskies were used as sled dogs on the Byrd Antarctic Expeditions, and also in the U.S.A. Army's Search and Rescue Unit during World War II. |