From: mlhb@mammoth.dr.att.com (Sky Warrior)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Alaskan Huskies, Sled Dogs
Date: 7 Oct 92 21:45:48 GMT
Distribution: na

In article <1992Oct7.152331.10890@mdd.comm.mot.com>, knapik@mdd.comm.mot.com (Jim Knapik) writes:
|> Does anyone know the lineage of the Alaskan Husky. They seem to be such a mottly
|> looking crew. I was wondering how much cross breeding has really gone on and
|> how one could figure an Alaskan Husky from another type of northern or not so
|> northern looking dog.
|> 
|> I have done some reading and pretend to understand that they were at least
|> crossed between Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, wolves and  Miritus Yifter ;)
|> 
|> Also, how do other purebreds fair in long and short distances? Are malamutes
|> decent choices for long races, or are thay too big and slow, like I've read.

Alaskan Huskies, contrary to many people's beliefs, are not purebred dogs.  Rather
they are dogs that are bred out of northern breed stock and many have lines
dating back to the Inuit villages and dogs of the gold rush era.  These dogs are
special because of their lineage, rather than their purity, i.e., these dogs
were bred from stock that was from a specific region and was known to be 
exceptional for particular jobs.  Many other types of huskies such as the 
Greenland Husky, the Indian Husky, and the Mackenzie River Husky are actually
lineages moreso than breeds.  

Why the diversity?  Mostly because mushers have different needs.  Some mushers
up in Alaska are trappers and need traditional trapline dogs.  They are bigger
and longer legged and are able to work long hours and miles at a fairly even
pace and can haul heavier loads with fewer dogs.  Some mushers need actual
freighting dogs -- dogs that can pull phenominal weights.  Sprint mushers like
small, fast dogs that are able to run 21+ miles per hour for short distances
(6-8 miles, for example).  Long distance mushers look for dogs that can travel
incredible distances with good feet and good appetites and that will not give up
and will trot for long periods of time.

If the Alaskans look motley to you, it is because the mushers don't care what
the dog's coat color is or whether it has upright or floppy ears.  We've found
it is tough enough to breed for good temperment and working attitude -- not 
to mention a good body (sound conformation) and excellent feet.  Cross-breeding
an Alaskan Husky with other breeds, such as a Siberian Husky, is common, but
not as common as it used to be.  Most mushers like to stay with proven lines.  
Crossing a racing dog with somebody's show Siberian usually ends up with
puppies that are neither good for show or racing.

Other purebreds, with the exception of the Seppala Siberian (more on them later),
have not matched the speed the Alaskan Husky produces (this is a general 
comparison and not necessarily always true).  Alaskan Malamutes (as much as I
love them) are really too slow.  Samoyeds are neat dogs (all around good sled
dogs) but are also slow.  Siberians are perhaps the only breed that can match
the Alaskan Husky's speed *provided that they are bred for racing*.  The
Seppala Siberian, named after their breeder, prove to be the fastest Siberian.
However, they have a *very* limited gene pool and many mushers have had to 
outcross to other Siberians.  This is called Sep-Alt.  (Is this correct,
Stephen?)  The Seppala Siberians are not bred for looks, so you can get a
motley crew with those too.

As for crossing with wolves, this is generally not a common practice among
mushers.  Most mushers can't get hybrids to do anything for them  (they are
*very* independant).  I know of a couple of mushers who do well with hybrid
stock, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Sky Warrior
and Conan (Newfie/Sam mix)
Cuawn (Aussie mix)
Shadow (Keeshond)
Mirin (Siberian/Greyhound mix?)
Dancer (Alaskan Husky)
Skye (Alaskan Husky)
Jasmine (Alaskan Husky and Siberian mix -- oh ok, Alaskan Husky)

and soon to come:
Kersel (Alaskan Husky)
Ed (Alaskan Husky)
Tasha (Alaskan Husky)
Kiana (Alaskan Malamute)
-- 
-----------------------------                                              
SKY WARRIOR aka MLH Bonham  | "Good tea.  Nice House." -- Lt. Worf
mammoth!mlhb@druhi.att.com  |----------------------------------------------
mlhb@drutx.ATT.COM          | SKY WARRIOR RACING KENNELS - Coming to an
                            | Iditarod near you!
-----------------------------