| Joe Redington, "Father of the Iditarod" looks over his | | | | obedience classes will help these native Alaskan dogs |
| supplies at the checkpoint. One arctic parka, one | | | | be all they can be and it should be understood that |
| heavy sleeping bag, an ax, a pair of snowshoes, | | | | positive reward works best for these docile and |
| musher food and dog food, as well as dog boots to | | | | devoted animals. |
| protect the feet of the Siberian Husky team. He | | | | Siberian Huskies are a popular show dog at the |
| concocts a strategy in his mind for when to feed the | | | | American Kennel Club. If you're looking to enter your |
| dogs their meals and when to feed them their | | | | Alaskan Husky in the show, then the most important |
| snacks. Should he travel by day or travel by night? | | | | characteristics are medium size (23" males, 22.5" |
| When and how much should they rest? | | | | females), moderate bone structure, well balanced |
| Every musher has a different technique, but | | | | proportions, ease of movement, well-groomed |
| unexpected blizzards, dog sicknesses, a slip into the | | | | colored coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail and |
| icy river or losing the course could all threaten their | | | | good disposition. Penalties are doled out for |
| time. The challenge is to cover 1,150 miles in 10 - 17 | | | | clumsiness, stubbornness, excessive weight or a |
| days with 12-16 dogs heading from Anchorage, | | | | coarse coat. In other words, the Husky should exude |
| Alaska to Nome. This race is sometimes called "The | | | | "powerful endurance and agility." The Siberian Husky |
| Last Great Adventure" but most importantly, it's an | | | | Club of America provides more information on show |
| Alaskan adventure and a part of history and pride. | | | | dogs. |
| One needn't be a die-hard racer to love the Siberian | | | | The lifespan of a Siberian Husky is 12 - 16 years. |
| Husky. Sure, these dogs are clearly bred for racing. | | | | Sight problems are one of the most common health |
| Their slender, agile frames shout "long distance | | | | ailments, with juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy |
| runner," while their thick double coat and heavily | | | | and progressive retinal atrophy affecting some older |
| padded feet exude "endurance." This breed is | | | | dogs. As with many larger breeds, hip dysplasia can |
| incredibly resilient, requiring little food and little sleep, | | | | be found and sled dogs may come down with gastric |
| but demands exercise and attention. | | | | disease, bronchitis or "ski asthma." If you take your |
| The Alaskan Husky likes to dig, loves to run and | | | | dog to the vet regularly and ensure proper feeding |
| enjoys the hunt. Smaller dogs, cats and other animals | | | | exercise, then your dog should live a long, healthy life. |
| may become prey for this wolf-like dog, so they | | | | Learn more about the siberian husky at Mike Selvon |
| function best with similar-sized dogs of the opposite | | | | portal. While you are there leave is a comment at our |
| sex and the companionship of the whole family. Early | | | | alaska travel blog, and receive your FREE gift. |