Characteristics
Large
55–65 cm
30–40 kg
12–14 years old
not recognized
Brief information
Character
The birthplace of one of the most ancient sled dogs karafuto-ken is Sakhalin Island. For more than one hundred years, animals lived next to the Gilyaks, the local people of the Nivkhs. Hence the name: “Gilyak Laika”. And the Japanese version of “karafuto-ken” traditionally indicates the geographical origin of the breed: Karafuto is the Japanese name for Sakhalin.
Sakhalin Husky a universal helper. This is both a hunting breed (with dogs they went to a bear), and a riding breed. She gained particular popularity in the late 1950s due to her amazing story.
The Sakhalin Husky was considered the ideal dog for conquering cold regions. In 1958, Japanese scientists went to Antarctica, they were accompanied by 15 riding karafuto-ken. An emergency situation interrupted the study, and people were forced to leave the southern continent. It was not possible to evacuate the dogs immediately it was planned to be done in a month. However, difficult weather conditions did not allow the plan to come true.
Scientists were able to return to Antarctica only a year later. What was their surprise when they found two dogs alive. It is still unclear how they managed to escape, because the food supply should have been enough for literally two months.
The surviving animals named Taro and Jiro instantly became national heroes in Japan. And a monument was erected to all the dogs that took part in this expedition. This story has been the subject of several feature films.
By its nature, Sakhalin Husky is a bold, hardy and devoted to the owner a pet. At first glance, it seems that the like is even too serious, but it is not at all the case. It’s just that this is a balanced and thoughtful dog that will not adapt to the owner and try to please him in every possible way.
Karafuto-ken is an independent and independent dog. She is able to make decisions, she has her own opinion. So, representatives of the breed are trained under the control of a dog handler; a beginner cannot cope with the complex nature of the husky alone.
Sakhalin Laika warmly treats children. But the child must follow the rules of communication with pets. The dog will not tolerate eccentric antics.
Care
Sakhalin Husky is unpretentious in care. Long hair is combed with a stiff comb two to three times a week during the molting period, the rest of the time it is enough to carry out the procedure once every seven days.
All dogs need a fullfledged hygiene of the oral cavity and ears, the Gilyatsky husky is no exception. They are examined once a week.
Conditions of detention
The Sakhalin Husky, like any representative of this breed group, needs active exercise and long walks. Well, the best thing that the owner of such a pet can do is to engage in winter sports with him (for example, running in a dog sled).
