Meet The Siberian Husky On Dog Sledding Holidays

There are few experiences as awe-inspiring as gliding across the Arctic landscape on dog sledding holidays. Humans and dogs have been working together since time immemorial in the northernmost regions of the world, and the chance to take part in this wonderful legacy is considered by many who embark on it to be the holiday of a lifetime. While there are a few different breeds that traditionally trained to pull sleds, one that can be found at most destinations is the Siberian Husky - an enduringly popular dog thanks to its hardworking, friendly nature, as well as being extremely beautiful.

Characteristics

As their name suggests, Siberian Huskies have their origins in the Siberian Arctic, and were originally bred as sled dogs by the indigenous people of North-East Asia, the Chukchi, long before dog sledding holidays were a reality. They have several key characteristics that make them highly well-adapted Arctic conditions. Firstly, their size and stature give them the strength they need to traverse the snowy landscape. Also vital is their double coat, with a layer of thick, shorter hair under a topcoat of longer hair, which helps the dogs to control their body temperature extremely efficiently. Their striking coats are usually a blend of white with black, grey, red or copper, often with bold markings on the face colours that allow them to fit in with their surroundings, as well as reflecting heat in the summer. They are known to be affectionate, curious, and intelligent.

History

Having been bred as sled dogs, Siberian Huskies are a popular choice for dog sledding holidays - with good reason. The harsh conditions of the Siberian Arctic made many aspects of life a challenge for the regions indigenous people, including travelling and transporting goods, but with the introduction of husky-drawn sleds, the possibilities for moving around were greatly increased. This greatly increased their chances of survival, as well as allowing them to hunt more efficiently, travel further, and settle in new areas. They were later used in Arctic exploration, as well as being imported to Canada and Alaska to perform a similar role in pulling sleds. Thus any holiday that includes husky sledding is engaging in an age-old history of Arctic adventure.

Sled Dogs

Thanks to their heritage, Siberian Huskies have a high degree of endurance and willingness to keep working, and are able to pull sleds over great distances for long periods of time although, of course, they need to be treated well. The bond between these dogs and those they carry is an ancient and vital one, and those who take dog sledding holidays should spend time getting to know them before setting off. The relationship of the dogs on a team with each other, and their ability to perform their different roles alongside each other, is also important.

About the Author:
Philippa Westwood is Marketing Manager at Windows on the Wild, a specialist of wildlife watching tours and dog sledding holidays. Destinations include Canada, Lapland and Sweden where dog sledding holidays can take you on adventurous experiences across the world.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/-Meet-The-Siberian-Husky-On-Dog-Sledding-Holidays/4454998

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