The husky was developed from the Alaskan Malamute and has been used for hunting, herding, and guarding purposes.
The History of the Husky
The history of the Husky goes back thousands of years.
It is believed that the first domesticated dog was the grey wolf.
The gray wolf has been around for at least 15,000 years and was one of the many species that gave rise to the modern day domestic dogs.
The most popular theory about where the name Husky came from is that it originated from the Altaic language word “husk”.
It is thought that this word means “wild” and as such, the name would mean “wild dog.”
In the early 1800’s, Russian Cossacks began breeding dogs with wolves and used them as sled dogs.
These dogs were called huskies, although today we use the term “Husky” to refer to all dogs of this type.
Between 1823 and 1837, two men by the names of Peter Kropotkin and Ivan Pritchett developed a system for training these dogs to pull sleds.
This method became known as the “Pritchett System.” By 1835, the Pritchett System had become very well-known and was being taught throughout Russia and Siberia.
However, it wasn’t until after the American Civil War (1861-1865) that the Pritchett System became widespread in North America.
In the United States, the first Husky breeders were William and Elizabeth Hall.
They began their breeding program in 1890 and started with eight dogs.
Today there are over 1,500 different breeds of Huskies.
Another important piece of information to know about the history of the Husky is that they are not related to any other breed of dog.
While there have been attempts made to link the Husky to other breeds, including the Malamute, the Siberian Husky is its own distinct breed.
One interesting fact about the Husky is that while they can be found almost anywhere, they are predominantly used as sled dogs in Alaska.
For more information on the history of the Husky, check out the links below:
History of the Husky
Alaska Sled Dogs
Appearance
Huskies are usually between 30 to 60 pounds and have a long body with short legs.
They have a large head which can weigh up to 20 pounds.
Their muzzle is black, gray, or red and their eyes are dark brown or hazel.
Their ears are rounded and covered in hair.
When huskies are not working they have a lot of excess skin hanging down on their legs.
This is called “sledging” and it is a natural part of their coat.
The Origins of the Husky’s Circle Running
According to Dr. Michael Moseley, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist who has studied huskies extensively for over ten years, there is no definitive answer as to why huskies run in circles.
However, he does have an interesting theory as to how it started.
He believes that the circle running instinct is actually linked to hunting instincts.
The circle running is a way for the husky to chase prey by circling around it.
This method helps the dog to focus on one spot at a time so that the prey can’t escape them.
It also allows the husky to keep track of their prey without losing sight of it.
This is important because when the prey does manage to break free, the circle-running will help the dog to chase it down again.
When hunting in groups, this would give the huskies the advantage of being able to surround their prey before attacking it.
How do Huskies Hunt?
Huskies hunt with a team of other dogs.
They work together to flush out animals from hiding places.
Once the prey is flushed out, the huskies will attack it.
They do this by using their strong jaws to hold onto the prey until the rest of the group arrive.
Then they will start biting and pulling it towards their den.
Once the prey is near the den, they will use their powerful legs to carry it back to the den while the others continue biting and pulling.
Once the prey reaches the den, the rest of the pack will pounce on the prey and eat it.
When you own a husky, you should never ever leave them alone.
Even if you know that they are safe and sound, there is always the chance that they will run away.
If you do let them go, they will likely return home after a short period of time.
But if you want to make sure that they don’t run off, you need to train them to stay where you put them.
You can do this by tying them up in a small area and allowing them to explore freely.
As long as you are nearby, they will not stray too far.
The Purpose of the Husky’s Circle Running
The purpose of the Husky’s circle running is a mystery.
Some people think it has to do with chasing prey.
Others believe it is for training.
It seems to me like a combination of both.
I can see how it would be beneficial for a young dog to chase after a squirrel or bird and bring it back to you.
It is also possible that they are running in circles because they are just getting into shape and need more exercise.
You can use this exercise as a way to get them used to being around other dogs.
They will learn to trust other dogs and eventually form friendships with them.
You should try to keep the distance between you and the other dogs at least six feet (1.83 meters).
This allows them to have room to run if they want to but also gives them space to avoid any fights.
Another thing to consider is that this exercise can help prevent hip dysplasia.
The dog’s hips are very important so it is always good to make sure that they are healthy.
If you notice that your dog is running in circles, you might want to take him/her to a vet to have their hips checked out.
Let’s look at what other reasons there could be for the Husky’s circle running.
The Health Benefits of the Husky’s Circle Running
Running in circles is one of the most common behaviors exhibited by huskies.
It seems like every husky I meet has been doing this for years.
The behavior is so common, in fact, that it has even earned its own name – the “circle run”.
If you have ever seen a husky circle run, you would know that it is pretty entertaining to watch.
The dog will do a complete circle around an object before coming back to the object again and again.
This can sometimes look like a game of tag between two huskies, but it is actually more than just a game – it is a form of exercise.
The circle run is a natural behavior for huskies because they spend their days hunting.
They need to burn off all the energy they have stored up from their hunt by running around a lot.
It is a great way to keep them fit and healthy as well.
As far as the benefits go, there are plenty of health benefits that come with the circle run.
Here are six ways that the circle run helps improve your husky’s overall fitness:
Circle runs build endurance.
They help strengthen muscles.
They help reduce stress.
It provides mental stimulation.
Circle runs help reduce obesity.
They help increase muscle mass.
1. How does the circle run help build endurance?
When a husky circles around an object, they are burning off energy at a fast rate.
This type of exercise is very beneficial because it helps build stamina.
If done regularly, it will allow huskies to use less oxygen when running around.
This means that they can run longer and cover more ground without getting tired.
This also makes the circle run a good workout for older dogs who have trouble climbing stairs or running long distances.
2. Circle runs build strength
Another benefit of circle runs is that they help strengthen muscles.
When a husky circles around an object, they are using different muscles throughout their body.
Muscles that are used while circling around include the leg muscles, arm muscles, and neck muscles.
These exercises work on multiple levels which means that they help strengthen the husky’s entire body.
As a result, the circle run helps make the dog stronger and increases his ability to handle physical tasks such as climbing stairs or jumping over obstacles.
3. Circle runs reduce stress
When a husky circles around an object, he is helping to relieve some of the stress that comes with living in a human household.
Being indoors 24/7 can take a toll on huskies, especially if they don’t get enough exercise.
By running around in circles day after day, huskies help lower their stress levels and feel more relaxed.
4. Circle runs provide mental stimulation
Circle runs are not only great for building endurance, strengthening muscles, reducing stress, and increasing muscle mass, they also provide mental stimulation.
A husky that circles around a tree branch or fence post gets a chance to see new things everyday.
He sees new objects and learns about the world around him in a fun and exciting way.
5. Circle runs help reduce obesity
One of the biggest problems facing huskies today is obesity.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), 35% of adult huskies are overweight or obese.
Obesity is a serious problem in dogs because it can lead to many other health issues.
These include high blood pressure, diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease.
By running in circles, huskies help burn calories and lose weight.
They also stay active and prevent themselves from becoming too sedentary.
As a result, circle running helps reduce the risk of obesity.
The Psychological Benefits of the Husky’s Circle Running
When I was younger, I used to love watching my dog run around the yard and chasing after squirrels.
It made me feel like a kid again.
My husky is no longer the energetic puppy she once was, but she still loves to play and run around.
She’s also very smart, so when she sees me walking through the house she’ll start running in circles around me.
When I try to ignore her, she just keeps getting more excited until I finally give in and chase her around for a bit.
If you have a husky, then you know how much fun it can be to watch them run.
It makes them happy, which makes us happy!
But what exactly does it do for them?
There are several benefits to this behavior, including mental health benefits.
Let’s take a look at these psychological benefits of the husky’s circle running!
1. The Husky Gets Exercise
One of the most important things about being a pet is that you need to exercise.
You need to move around and burn off those calories.
That’s why your husky will usually want to run around on a daily basis.
They’re not going to sit there all day waiting for you to come home from work, so they’ll keep themselves active by running around.
This exercise isn’t just physical, either.
Your husky needs to release stress as well.
They might be feeling nervous because they’ve been cooped up inside while you were gone all day, or maybe they’re feeling anxious because you left them alone with another husky who might have taken over their territory.
A lot of dogs will run in circles to relieve stress.
2. The Husky Is Fulfilling Their Nature
Dogs are naturally curious creatures.
If they see something new, they want to investigate it.
However, sometimes they’ll get carried away and forget about the fact that there are people nearby.
They’ll start jumping into the pool or barking at a stranger who walked past.
This curiosity can lead to dangerous situations if you don’t teach your dog to behave properly.
But the circle running isn’t dangerous.
Instead, it’s an outlet for your dog’s natural desire to explore.
Just like humans, dogs want to learn new things.
They want to meet new challenges.
So by running in circles, they’re fulfilling their nature.
You can help your husky along by encouraging this kind of behavior.
For example, when you let them out of the house, make sure you stay close to them.
Don’t leave them somewhere alone where they can escape.
When they see you coming back down the stairs, they’ll think that you’re leaving them behind.
So instead of running toward you, they’ll run away from you to explore the world around them.
3. The Husky Has Fun
Running in circles is a great way for a husky to have fun.
They’ll enjoy the rush of adrenaline that comes with sprinting through the grass.
And since they’re always moving forward, they won’t get bored.
4. The Husky Can Get Attention From People
Another benefit of the circle running is that it will draw attention from other people.
Most people will stop to watch a husky running in circles.
Some people might even ask questions about it.
Others might laugh and tell you to go faster.
It’s amazing how many people love to watch a husky run in circles.
And by doing this, your husky is gaining attention and making himself stand out from the crowd.
5. The Husky Gives You Something To Do
Just like we mentioned above, your husky wants to run around and explore the world.
However, they often end up sitting around the house all day.
So if you have a husky, you should definitely consider giving them a chance to run around every now and then.
They’ll need plenty of exercise, so you can’t expect them to run around forever.
However, if you set aside one hour each day for circle running, your husky will be able to burn off a good amount of energy.
Plus, it will give you something else to do during the day besides cleaning up poop and taking out the trash.
The Negative Aspects of the Husky’s Circle Running
If you have ever seen a husky circle run, then you know what we mean by this exercise.
A husky will run in a circular pattern until he is exhausted and falls over.
It’s not uncommon for a husky to circle around three times before falling down and collapsing.
This exercise can take up to 15 minutes, but it is important to note that if your husky is doing this exercise regularly, it’s possible that there is a problem.
There are several negative aspects of this exercise.
Let’s go through them one at a time.
It Is Not Natural For A Dog To Do This Exercise
It Can Cause Stress And Anxiety
It Can Lead to Exhaustion And Illness
It Can Be Dangerous When Done Indoors
It Can Damage The Joints Of Your Dog
It Can Increase The Chance Of Injury To Your Dog
It Can Make Your Husky Unhappy
It Causes Pain To Your Dog
1. It Is Not Natural For A Dog To Do This Exercise
This is a very important point to remember.
If you have never noticed your dog circling in this way, then you likely do not understand how much effort this exercise requires.
They are meant to walk on four legs, and moving around in circles is unnatural for them.
It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort to a dog.
When you see your dog circle in this way, it is best to avoid it.
You should talk to your vet about this so that they can make sure that your dog is healthy enough to participate in any training exercises.
2. It Can Cause Stress And Anxiety
Dogs need to burn off an enormous amount of energy every day.
They need to move and run constantly to keep their bodies in top condition.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become stressed and anxious.
This exercise can lead to stress and anxiety because it takes a lot of energy out of your husky, and it can make him feel like he has done nothing all day.
He might even start circling just to get his energy back.
3. It Can Lead to Exhaustion And Illness
Exercise is good for dogs, but too much exercise can be bad for them.
Too much circling can be hard on your husky’s joints and muscles, leading to exhaustion and illness.
If your husky circles every day, he could find himself with a sore knee, hip, or elbow.
He could also develop an injury that keeps him from exercising normally.
4. It Can Be Dangerous When Done Indoors
Indoor exercise is different from outdoor exercise in many ways.
First, indoor exercise does not provide as much stimulation for your husky as outdoor exercise does.
Outdoor exercise provides more stimulation because it allows your husky to use its senses to explore and discover new things.
Indoor exercise limits your husky’s ability to experience the world around him.
Second, you cannot control the temperature inside your home.
This means that your husky can get cold easily when he runs indoors.
Third, indoor exercise can be boring for your husky.
He doesn’t have anything to look at outside of you and other dogs.
Fourth, you cannot let your husky out of the house because he might escape.
Finally, your husky may not want to leave his crate while you’re working out, which can make him feel insecure.
5. It Can Make Your Husky Unhappy
Circle running can cause your husky to feel bored, frustrated, and unfulfilled.
If you force your husky to circle in this way, he may grow more and more unhappy the longer he does it.
He may become depressed and stop wanting to exercise with you altogether.
6. It Can Cause Pain To Your Dog
Running in circles can cause pain and damage to your husky’s body.
They can strain their knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders.
They can also strain their lungs and heart.
These injuries can prevent your husky from being able to exercise properly.
It is best to avoid these injuries whenever possible.
7. It Can Increase The Chance Of Injury To Your Dog
Circle running can increase the chance of injury to your husky.
Running in circles puts a lot of pressure on your dog’s joints and muscles.
Overuse injuries can occur if your husky circles too often.
These injuries include strains, sprains, tears, and fractures.
8. It Can Make Your Husky Unhappy
Your husky may not enjoy circle running.
If you force your husky to circle in this way, he may grow more and more unhappy the longer he does it.
He may become depressed and stop wanting to exercise with you altogether.
9. It Causes Pain To Your Dog
Circle running can cause pain and damage to your husky’s body.
They can strain their knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders.
They can also strain their lungs and heart.
These injuries can prevent your husky from being able to exercise properly.
It is best to avoid these injuries whenever possible.
Conclusion
Huskies have many unique characteristics and behaviors.
Some of them are endearing while others can be quite dangerous.
This is one of those rare instances where the behavior is actually beneficial for both dogs and people.
It is important to understand what causes these behaviors before you try to correct them.
If you want to learn more about huskies, check out our article on how to train a husky puppy.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
