Siberian or russian huskies belong to the spitz family of dogs that also include the Nordic spitz and the European and Asian spitz as well as Arctic or Northern dogs and all are medium sized dogs that are strong and dependable.

This has a lot to do with their original function as sled dogs in Siberia, and they arrived in the USA in 1909 as racing dogs. The breed has now expanded worldwide partly because the dog has always been a purebred dog and not some kind of half-wild, half-wolf dog which its sometimes imposing appearance can suggest.

Their purebred status is backed up by their courage and dependability, and they alone were responsible for saving the lives of many people in the Alaskan town of Nome in 1925 during a diphtheria epidemic when they were the only available way of getting to far off Neana for vital supplies. This helped seal their positive reputation in the US, but it has also assisted owners and breeders worldwide in gaining a true appreciation of the wonderful dog they love.

Siberian or russian huskies have a strong following worldwide and remain one of the more popular breeds of dog but they are not ideal for all owners and their strength, stamina and outgoing temperament suite them for larger backyards and energetic owners.