Siberian huskies are a breed with a long history and an impressive cold tolerance. They can also evoke plenty of love and laughter from their humans with their loyalty, friendliness, and mischievous natures. Read on to learn more about this lovable breed!

They’ve Been Hauling Sleds for a Long Time

Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia around 3,000 years ago to help them with sled pulling after hunting. However, their ancestors had been doing that job since nearly 10,000 years ago. Their predecessors go back even further, too, with modern day sled dogs showing evidence of the genes of a 33,000 year old Siberian wolf.

They’re Escape Artists

Due to their past as sled dogs with lots of running on their agenda, huskies are very energetic, and they still love nothing more than a good sprint. As a result, they’re talented escape artists. These mischievous pups can sprint away when given the chance. They can also dig holes or jump over fences to head out on solo adventures. This is less apt to happen, though, if owners ensure they get plenty of mental and physical stimulation, which they need.

They Don’t Have a Library Voice

If you live in an apartment or townhouse, your neighbors may be able to pick your husky’s voice out of a lineup. These dogs are quite vocal, but what they’re most known for is their howls. This links back to their sled dog days. If you’re headed on a long car ride, you may want to double up on the noise canceling headphones.

They’re Dog Saint Peters

The Chukchi people didn’t just use huskies for sled dog purposes. They also attached religious significance to them. Legend says they believed two huskies guard the gates of heaven and are able to turn away anyone who was cruel to dogs during their life.

They’re WWII Vets

They may have also helped people get to the afterlife a bit later. Huskies’ hardiness, working background, and people-oriented nature has sometimes led to their use as search and rescue dogs. That included during World War II, when they were among many dog breeds who lent their assistance to the war effort. Huskies were used as Arctic search and rescue workers, finding planes to rescue crews and cargo.

They’ll Run With You, Sled or Not

Though most of their running in the past came from being sled dogs, huskies just want to run in general. If you’re in need of a running partner, they could be just what you're after. You do need to slowly build up distance and avoid running on warm days, which could be rough for them. They can run for hours on end without depleting their glycogen or fat stores, so they could probably outpace you, unless maybe you’re an ultrarunner. 

One Inspired an Animated Movie

In 1925, the isolated village of Nome, Alaska, was in the midst of a diphtheria outbreak, and the serum needed for treatment was 600 miles away. To get the medication to the ill residents as quickly as possible, a relay of sled dogs got underway. One of the dogs, Balto, led the last leg of the run, powering through snow and severely low temperatures to deliver the serum. To commemorate his work, a statue was created in his honor in New York City, and a 1995 animated film bearing his name was produced.

Brown Eyes or Blue? How About Both?

Something that stands out about huskies are their eyes. They may be a rich brown, but they’re often very bright blue. It’s common for them to have eyes of different colors, too, known as heterochromia. Parti-eyed huskies bring another unique attribute to the table. That’s when one eye is two colors.

They’ll Shine Their Eyes at Just About Everyone

Those striking eyes can be used to lure anyone in, and huskies are good at doing that. These pups are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Much like Ariel, they want to be where the people are. They especially want to be around their own people, though, and can get separation anxiety if away from them for too long. They’re also known to be good at making dog friends.

They Have a Snow Nose

Some huskies have a condition known as “snow nose.” That’s when their noses become pink, often in spots or in a stripe down the middle, when it’s cold. During warmer weather, though, it’ll return to its usual black color. Though the color change may seem a bit odd, it’s harmless.