9781422278444

Quite a tall order, but over successive generations, the Chukchi developed a dog who was perfect for the job. These dogs were so highly valued that they became more than working dogs. They were invited into the homes of the Chukchi and became loyal and loving

family companions. Coming to Alaska

The Chukchi way of life continued undisturbed for many centu- ries, and the Siberian Husky was unknown outside his native home. But when gold was discovered in Alaska in the late 19th century, there was a sudden and urgent need for dogs who could pull sleds. In the desperate rush to get to the gold, money was no object and sled dogs changed hands for exorbitant sums. It is not known exactly when the first Siberian Huskies arrived in Alaska, but the first documentary evidence is dated 1909, when a team of Huskies competed in a long-distance sled race called the All-Alaska Sweepstakes. A Russian fur trader named William Goo- sak had imported his team from Siberia. His dogs were much light- er in build than the other sled dog teams that were entered, and his dogs were labeled the “Siberian rats.” Starting at odds of 100-

to-1, they surprised every- one when they finished third. The Siberian Husky earned a reputation for speed and endurance. The following summer a ship- load of 70 dogs bought at the Siberian village of Markovo on the Anadyr River were imported by a wealthy young Scot, Charles Maule Ramsay.

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