Page 221 - Showsight March 2013

The Serum Run made the mushers
and their dogs famous. Leonhard Seppala
and Togo and Gunnar Kaason and Balto
traveled to the continental US on tour.
Leonard Seppala settled for a time in New
England, racing his dogs locally. When
returning to Alaska, the dogs were left
with friends in New England and Québec,
Canada. Every registered Siberian Husky
can trace his lineage directly to these dogs,
original imports and a few of their direct
descendants. The success of these early
Siberian teams in New England contribut-
ed to their popularity. These dogs captured
the interest of some New Englanders, who
helped in the popularization of the breed.
This fledgling group of Siberian Husky
fanciers raced their dogs in the winter.
Wanting something to do with the dogs
in the summer, they sought recognition
for the breed with the American Kennel
Club. They wrote the first Breed Stan-
dard describing those original imports
and their offspring. AKC recognition of
the breed was achieved in 1930. Approxi-
mately twenty years after the first Sibe-
rian Huskies arrived in Alaska their
descendents competed in their first AKC
dog shows. This group of Siberian enthu-
siasts formed the Siberian Husky Club of
America, Inc., and in 1938 AKC recog-
nized it as the parent club, that still serves
as the guardian of the breed.
The temperament and characteristics
which make the Siberian a successful sled
dog can be easily adapted to other activi-
ties. The Siberian’s natural air scenting so
valuable on the trail makes him a great
tracking or nose work dog. The Sibe-
rian’s friendly temperament allows him
to excel as a therapy dog. His endurance
and athleticism makes him a good Agility
and companion dog. And, of course, his
conformation and arctic furnishings put
him at home mushing, ski-jorring, or just
romping in the snow. However, Siberians
often add their own flair to any activity,
much to the dismay of their owners and
the amusement of an audience.
The inquisitiveness, intelligence, and
independence, all prized in a working sled
dog, may seem challenging in one’s back
yard. A Siberian Fancier must be prepared
for this, because a bored Siberian may
become a naughty Siberian. If left alone
too long, Siberians can easily devise their
own activities. Unfortunately, these activi-
ties may include digging in the garden,
chewing favorite shoes, plotting an escape,
or chasing squirrels in the yard.
A clever Siberian owner can channel
this creativity with activity and exercise.
And, there is always one more option avail-
able to a Siberian owner: bribery. Most
Siberians can be persuaded to do as asked
when offered an edible reward. Supplied
with a pocketful of biscuits, the owner of
a Siberian Husky will discover that the
breed is nearly perfect!
Never forget that Siberians love to RUN!
Photo by Sarah Hubbach.
Today’s Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome commemorates the 1925 Serum Run.
There are often teams of purebred Siberian Hiskies competing.
“THE SERUm RUN
made the mushers and
their dogs famous.”
S howS ight Magazine, M arch 2013 • 221