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.

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"

Head study of "Balto", Gunnar Kaasen's lead dog on the Serum Run.  While Balto did not travel the greatest distance he did receive most of the glory	Another picture of "Balto" showing his unusual markings.
"Balto" shown in double lead position with "Jack" as they came into Nome.	Gunnar Kaasen sitting with some of his dogs "Balto" is shown on top 2nd from the left.
One of Harry Wheeler's dogs "Kreevanka"	Another Early Siberian Husky import circa 1920
Harry Wheeler poses with some of his dog outside the "Gray Rocks Inn" St. Jovite Canada.  "Tserko" is on the left and "Kreevanka" on the right.	"Togo", Leonard Seppala's favorite lead dog who with his team members ran the longest and hardest part of the 1925 Serum Run to save the people of Nome Alaska