11 Husky Facts Both Husky Owners and Dog Lovers Will Adore
We have all seen this breed in those funny animal videos. When a husky steals the spotlight, it is hard not to laugh and fall in love with them. But, there is much more to a husky than its strikingly adorable signature look.
Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts we found about this temperamental beauty!
1. Shocking: Huskies come from Siberia
The name tells it all, doesn’t it. Yes, this breed does indeed come from Siberia. However, what is interesting about this fact is how they came into being!
Namely, huskies were bred by Chukchi people in northeastern Asia. They were desperately in need of a dog that would help them live better in those dire environmental conditions. Specifically, they needed a dog that would help them hunt, and that could endure the unbelievable cold. Huskies, it turns out, were exactly that breed.
And, also – let’s get this out of the way while we are talking about their origin, shall we? – Huskies are not wolves. They could be linked to wolves as much as any other dog out there. This breed is just commonly used as a stand in for wolves in series, but huskies are a domesticated dog breed.
2. Huskies have unbelievable endurance
Huskies can alter their metabolism and dictate from which source they will take their energy from so that they have more stamina.
So, keeping up with the topic – as they were envisioned to endure the harshest cold climates, huskies both have a double-coat and an unmatched stamina.
Their undercoat is fluffy and dense, while their coat is water-proof. It is especially designed so that they are not cold in the freezing temperatures. Their coat doesn’t need to be cut, however it does need to be regularly brushed.
Even more impressive is the fact that huskies can alter their metabolism and dictate from which source they will take their energy from so that they have more stamina. It is not very clear to the scientist how they go about doing that, but the reason is very obvious – sprinting for hours, without food, and without fully using up their carbohydrate or fat stores.
3. Huskies are pretty energetic
Much like Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, huskies were also envisioned as working dogs. Also, they have huge deposits of energy. They can run and play for hours. Their running speed is 28 miles per hour, and they can cover 150 miles in a single day! Also, they need a lot of exercise, and mental stimulation to get that energy out. Otherwise, you will have yourself a pretty destructive, and anxious dog.
4. Dreamy eyes
Of course, we had to go over the husky’s iconic looks! This breed will most commonly have piercing blue eyes – unlike any other breed. Also, they are a breed that will often have heterochromia – two differently colored eyes: blue, gold, brown, or orangey-colored eyes.
5. Huskies nose can change colors
Sometimes the color of the husky’s nose will fade in the winter days. This is known as “snow nose.” However, once the winter days are gone, your husky’s natural nose color will come back!
6. Dogs can be picky eaters too!
Huskies are not only picky eaters, but they sometimes get bored of food, or simply refuse to eat.
Usually, when we think about dogs, something that never comes to mind is that they are picky eaters. But, huskies are not only picky eaters, but they sometimes get bored of food, or simply refuse to eat. Sometimes, this occurs just because the breed is built to survive without too much food. But, of course, it goes without saying that you should visit the vet if your husky isn’t eating for a longer period of time.
7. Huskies are incredibly talkative
Yes, we were all privy to this – at least we have seen it in videos! Huskies are not big on barking, but boy are they big on howling. But, howling is not the only thing they do. They literally make adorable sounds as if they were indeed talking to you. Of course, those little temperamental divas deserve to have their voice heard!
8. Huskies do tend to run away
Huskies rarely do run away intentionally. Rather, they run long distances, get distracted while running, and get lost. That is why it is not a great idea to let your husky off the leash when you are on unknown territory.
9. Huskies love to dig
This is something that remained with the breed as an old instinct. Huskies used to dig holes in the ground or snow so as to make shelters from the cold for themselves. Now, they just love digging. It is one of the ways they love to get their excess energy out.
10. Don’t expect huskies to be guard dogs
They may look like wolves, but they love nothing more than to be social and loved.
Let’s face it, huskies were built to be in packs and socialize. They may look like wolves, but they love nothing more than to be social and loved. They make friends easily – with everything and everyone. They are very trusting of strangers. Moreover, huskies are incredible with children. But, do keep an eye on them – they are hyperactive and love to jump around a lot.
11. Huskies are heroes
Huskies saved the lives of people in Alaska by pulling sleds in the harshest of conditions. Their mission was to deliver a serum crucial to save people’s lives. Namely, there was an outbreak of diphtheria in Nome, Alaska. It was crucial to deliver a serum which was used to fight diphtheria in order to save lives. More than 100 dogs and 20 mushers were sent on this mission. They were met with gale-force winds, temperatures of 30 degrees below zero, darkness, and blizzards. Of course, the huskies endured and the serum was delivered. And, if you take a stroll around New York to the Central Park, you will find the statue of Balto – one of the dogs who pulled the sleds.
We have one more fact on this note for you. Huskies were often used for rescue missions in the Arctic during World War I. Once a plane was down, the US Army located it, and the dog sleds were sent for rescue and retrieve missions (if there was any cargo to be retrieved).
So, there you have it – the most interesting facts on huskies we could find. They may be beautiful temperamental divas, but they are very friendly and will shower you with love all the time.
Are you a dog facts junkie? If so, you’ll love some of our other dog fact articles:
11 Fun Samoyed Facts You Need To Know
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