Dogs of Northern breeds evoke associations with permafrost and endless polar deserts. They are famous for their endurance and ability to adapt to any climatic conditions. Northern dogs helped man get to the hard-to-reach poles of the Earth and master the territory of the Arctic. In the Arctic, riding breeds are used as traction on snow or ice. They help transport cargo, tow boats. In this regard, they have many requirements.
Characteristics of sled dogs
To successfully cope with the tasks in difficult climatic conditions, sled dogs must have the following qualities:
- absolute obedience;
- high running speed and physical endurance;
- optimal ratio of height (55-65 cm) and weight (30-45 kg);
- lack of aggression and respect for the person;
- softened paw rim;
- the undercoat is thick and dense fur cover.
Animals should easily endure difficulties, absorb frozen food, quickly recover strength after hunger strikes. Worthy representatives of Northern sled breeds are the Siberian husky, Shiba inu, and Samoyeds.
Siberian husky
These dogs were bred specifically for sledding. They were used by the Northern tribes to transport large loads. They are also proved themselves well as hunters.
Despite the external resemblance to wolves, huskies are characterized by high performance, kind and docile disposition. They are excellent companions, active in communication, while they can do without driving for a long time.
Shiba inu
The Japanese breed of dogs, representatives of which have a proportional physique. These dogs are wayward, stubborn, and not always ready to obey a man. But at the same time, they are calm, smart, mobile, playful.
Visually, Shiba inu looks like a fox. Individuals of this breed have a muscular body, dense undercoat and thick hair.
Samoyed
Samoyed huskies were bred by the Samoyed tribe. With their help, people hunted walruses, deers, and polar bears.
The Samoyed is a gentle and friendly animal. He is very mobile, playful, constantly requires physical activity. These dogs are unpretentious in terms of nutrition, hardy, fearless. A characteristic feature of their exterior is a luxurious fringe around the neck.
Other breeds
There is a huge number of other little-known riding breeds, among which you should definitely highlight following:
Sakhalin husky. Japanese breeders are responsible for popularizing the breed. The key purpose of the Sakhalin husky is sledding. They are also famous for their success in hunting.
Chinook. A respectable riding breed that is characterized by endurance. Chinook dogs move quickly and are excellent at transporting heavy loads. They require physical exertion, space and movement.
Kamchatka riding. This breed was bred to survive in extreme climatic conditions. Its representatives have good health and good-natured character. Dense fur cover allows them to keep warm and withstand zero temperatures.
Despite the fact that most of these dog breeds are used for protection and hunting, almost all of them are famous for their good nature. Aggressive behavior is not inherent in them at all.