Characteristics
Average
49–58 cm
20–30 kg
12–15 years old
not registered
Brief information
Origin story
Northern peoples began to use sled dogs many thousands of years ago. According to archaeological discoveries, a man for 4-5 thousand years BC already built sleds and harnessed animals to them. Moreover, among the Chukchi, reindeer riding was much less developed than dog sledding.
Until the middle of the 20th century, northern sled dogs were divided into several subgroups in Russia, depending on their geographical location. Later, it was decided to abolish this division, combining all breeds into a single species. With the development of technology, snowmobiles and helicopters began to displace sled dogs. As a result, traditions were preserved only in the extremely inaccessible regions of the North, or where the inhabitants opposed the abandonment of their tailed comrades.
The Chukchi sled dog as a separate breed was recognized already in the mid-90s of the XX century. It was then that both the standard appearance and the main characteristics were described. To do this, cynologists examined more than 1,500 animals, among which only about 400 were recognized as purebred.
The Chukotka sled dog is often compared to the Siberian Husky in appearance. These breeds are similar in phenotype, but there are differences, and very significant ones. If the Siberian Huskies have already ceased to be working dogs, but have become, let’s say, exhibition dogs, then the Chukchi sled dog continues to fully justify its name. By the way, blue eyes in huskies are a hallmark of the breed, but the Chukchi are sure that blue-eyed puppies are a marriage: they are lazy and eat a lot. Therefore, despite the external similarity, these breeds are only partly related.
Description
The Chukotka sled dog is a medium-sized dog with well-developed muscles and strong bones. massive paws. large head. Slightly oblique, almond-shaped eyes are usually yellow or brown. The ears are widely spaced, almost completely repeating an equilateral triangle in shape. Nose large, black.
The tail is very bushy, usually curled or curled. Hair on the tail is thick. In winter, the Chukchi mount sleeps calmly on the snow, covering its nose with its tail like a blanket for warmth.
Character
The Chukotka sled dog has a very independent disposition, but the dogs are not at all aggressive. Relationships are easy to build. The animal immediately recognizes the primacy of the owner, obeying almost any of his decisions. True, for this the owner must show character. For an insecure person, the Chukchi sled dog will not become an obedient pet, since it will not feel a leader in it.
These animals are not prone to violent manifestation of emotions. Personality more calm than playful. But the disposition is cheerful: to become a companion on the run, for example, the Chukchi sled dog will agree with joy.
This breed lends itself perfectly to training, especially if training is combined with play.
Care
Representatives of this breed are very unpretentious. Thick coat with a very well developed undercoat should be brushed at least 1-2 times a week, and during periods of molting generally daily. But bathing a pet is often not worth it. Either as needed or no more than 1-2 times a year.
Caring for the ears and eyes of the Chukchi sled dog is also not difficult. All recommendations are standard. And if you suspect some kind of problem, you should urgently take the animal to the veterinarian.
Like almost all sled dogs, these pets have excellent health, so caring for animals usually does not cause any difficulties for the owner.
Conditions of detention
The Chukchi riding, of course, can live even in the conditions of the Far North. Therefore, keeping in enclosures for this breed is acceptable. Of course, the ideal option would be a country house with a large fenced area where the animal can actively move. You can also keep a Chukchi sled in an apartment, but in this case you need to be very careful in daily walks. If the dog does not receive the necessary load, then it will direct its energy not at all for peaceful purposes, which the owner will probably not like.
Chukotka mount is very rarely sold. There are no kennels specializing in this breed. Basically, puppies are bred just in Chukotka. Buying a dog with a good pedigree can be very problematic, because northern dog breeders rarely deal with paperwork for their pets.
