Early History Of The Breed
The first Siberian Huskies were bred by the CHUKCHI INUIT people of Northeastern Siberia. The Chukchi dog remained unchanged for thousands of years.
The Siberian Husky was first imported into Alaska less than a century ago, during the "Gold Rush Days". The Siberian was used as a general purpose sled dog and won favor with the people due to his friendly manner and working ability.
During this time sled dog competitions sprang up to see who had the best teams. In 1910 the first team of Purebred Siberians won the "All Alaska Sweeps-stakes" in record time driven by "Iron Man" John Johnson.
But in 1925 when the Diphtheria Epidemic threatened the town of Nome Alaska, the Siberian Huskies and their drivers gained International Acclaim by rushing a supply of antitoxin from Anchorage to Nome. While all the drivers and their teams were important in relaying the precious serum, the Siberian Husky teams driven by Leonard Seppala and Gunner Kasson drove the most miles through the toughest weather conditions and blizzards.
Leonard Seppala with Togo Gunner Kasson with Balto
Today a statue stands in Central Park, New York City to commemorate the event. The inscription reads:
"Dedicated to the Indomitable Spirit of the Sled Dog",.........
"ENDURANCE, FIDELITY, INTELLIGENCE"
