The Need for a Sled Dog

• Each Eskimo like tribe in Siberia bred and maintained its own specific type of dog
• These dogs later evolved into distinct breeds such as the Husky, Malamute, or Samoyed.
• The Husky originated from the Chukchi tribe who  inhabited the part of Siberia closest to Alaska
• The need for a sled dog arose as weather conditions got worse forcing the tribe to venture further from their settlement to find food and later were used for transporting goods for trade between tribes.

       Desired qualities of a Chukchi dog

• Bred mainly for endurance over long distances rather than speed or strength
• Dogs had to be energy efficient in that they had to perform their task with as little effort as possible so that the energy left over could keep their bodies warm below the sub zero temperature.

      Purpose of the curled brush tail

• Could easily protect the Husky's face from snow and wind when the dog curled up on the ground and was therefore vital for a dog destined to work and sleep outdoors in arctic conditions

      Place in history

• An outbreak of a deadly diphtheria in Nome, Alaska, required the delivery of anti-toxin to prevent further spread of the disease. Severe weather conditions made it impossible to transport it by air.
• A relay team of huskies was used to cover 650 miles in five and a half days to deliver the serum to Nome.
• Two of the team drivers gained particular recognition: Gunnar Kasan and Leonard Seppala.
• Seppala and his team covered 300 miles, the longest distance covered by any single team.  The Seppala line has become foundation stock for many breeders across the world.