Siberian Huskies are guard hunting dogs. Is the Siberian Husky suitable for hunting or not?

Throughout the world, the Siberian Husky breed is known and became famous as sled dog, but few people know that many hunters Far East Huskies are successfully used as a hunting dog. Very highly developed hunting instinct and passion, directed in the right direction, reveals the unique ability of the husky to be not only a sled dog, but also an excellent hunting assistant, like a husky. Persistence, endurance, well-developed instinct, ability to accept independent decisions, as well as adaptation to cold climates are some of the few advantages that a good hunting dog should have. The above qualities are generally quite characteristic of the Siberian Husky breed, thereby showing their close relationship with the aboriginal dogs of the North.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the ancestors of modern Siberian huskies, living in Kolyma, Chukotka, Kamchatka, were taken from the northern regions of our homeland, where these dogs for thousands of years performed the most varied work: pulled sledges, hunted, herded herds of reindeer. The indigenous peoples of our north have never divided their huskies into hunting, sledding and reindeer herding, as is customary today. All these primitive or bestial dogs were of similar origin, with a highly organized psyche, and had much in common in their exterior characteristics. Also, the use of these dogs was universal, due to their ability to perform various jobs. Interesting examples are given in the article by B.I. Wide “Our Northern Dogs”:

“...we should not divide our northern dogs into hunting, sledding, and reindeer herding dogs. Thanks to the ability to perform various works, taiga fishermen value them for their hunting qualities (although they sensitively guard the estate), coastal residents often need such dogs as transport dogs (but are also used for hunting), and reindeer herders need them both for herding reindeer, and for hunting, and in order to somehow diversify and brighten up your solitary life.
There are many examples of successful, versatile use of our northern dogs. Also M.G. Dmitrieva-Sulima (1911) wrote about huskies that “they are spoken of in military circles as material for a military dog, they are used for police service.” Referring to the works of Stefanovich’s expedition, she notes that “near the Tungus on the Stanovoy Ridge, the husky carried notes and parcels over long distances.” And the dogs of the Great Patriotic War? How many of them (mostly these were dogs of Siberia and the North, especially in the early years) went nowhere when they destroyed tanks, rescued the wounded, found mines, transported people and military cargo, and provided communications.

And very recent examples. West Siberian Laika White was the best among the representatives, many service breeds at the rescue courses in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Not inferior to him was the male Kamchatka sled dog, which belonged to the dog breeding instructor and the first Russian female sled dog racer Elena Panyukhina. Among the best rescuers There was also a reindeer spitz from our factory “Nick Kinos” by Nina Tranbenkova. Our male Tony of the Chukotka sled dog breed, having in his foreseeable ancestors only sled dogs of Chukotka, and in terms of appearance and breed, the best of the hundreds of dogs examined by us during canine examinations of dogs in the North-East, in the fifth year of his life he became acquainted with the Transcarpathian forest, where he showed work on squirrels and marten, no worse than the work of a specialized factory hunting husky. There are countless examples like this.”

Since the Siberian Husky is directly related to our northern dogs, it is not surprising that we also have countless numbers positive examples successful use them on the hunt. The husky's main passion is hunting ungulates. Two or three dogs follow the fresh trail of roe deer, wapiti or wild boar, like a pack of wolves. The relatively low weight allows the husky not to get stuck in the snow, and its excellent instincts and tenacity allow it to drive the animal to the last. There is an opinion that Siberian Huskies are not barking dogs, but rather howling ones. We cannot agree with this statement, since our dogs speak quite clearly when holding an animal, and simply never bark. They voice with a howl in the upper register, informing the hunter about the location of the animal. In many ways, hunting with a husky for animals is reminiscent of hunting with a husky, but unlike the latter, huskies have become famous as faster, more persistent and hardy dogs.

Many hunters and even game experts who took puppies from us give preference to Siberian Huskies, and testify to the versatile use of these dogs in hunting. There are examples of huskies’ excellent work on upland and swamp game, and even on furs. A few more advantages of this breed over the husky, which are appreciated by hunters who do not have a country house and an enclosure for keeping a dog, that huskies are perfectly kept in a city apartment. Unlike huskies, the Siberian Husky does not have the smell of fur, massive molting, and endless barking, which is very tiring for neighbors. Thanks to all these valuable qualities, our kennel has been successfully and purposefully maintaining a special line of hunting Siberian huskies for more than five years.

The Siberian Husky breed is known throughout the world. She became famous as a sled dog. But few people know that many hunters successfully use huskies as hunting dogs. They have a very highly developed hunting instinct and passion, which, if channeled in the right direction in time, reveals the unique abilities of the husky. They may well be not only sled dogs, but also excellent hunting assistants, like huskies.

Husky hunting dogs have such qualities as endurance, perseverance, well-developed sense of smell, the ability to make independent decisions, as well as easy adaptation to cold climates. These are the main of the few advantages that should be in mandatory from a good hunting dog. In general, all of the above qualities are quite characteristic of these Siberian dogs, which thereby shows their blood relationship with the aboriginal dogs of the Far North.

A little about the history of the breed.

At the dawn of the twentieth century, the ancestors of modern Siberian huskies, which inhabited Kolyma, Chukotka, Kamchatka, were taken from the northernmost regions, where these dogs had been doing a variety of jobs for thousands of years: hunting, pulling sleds, herding herds of deer. The indigenous peoples of the north never divided their dogs into hunting dogs, reindeer dogs or sled dogs, as is customary today. All these bestial or primitive dogs were of related origin and had many common features in exterior characteristics. The use of these dogs was also universal, due to their ability to perform various kinds work.

Husky on the hunt.

The husky's main passion is hunting ungulates. Dogs (two or three) follow the fresh trail of a roe deer, wapiti or wild boar, like a pack of wolves. Due to their relatively light weight, husky dogs do not get stuck in the snow. Their excellent instincts and sense of perseverance allow them to chase the beast to the last. There is an opinion that Siberian huskies never bark at all, but can only howl. This is not entirely true. These dogs, if trained, vocalize quite actively and loudly when holding an animal. Although the truth is that these dogs simply will never bark. They usually voice with a howl in the upper register, telling the hunter about the location of the animal. When hunting, huskies are somewhat reminiscent of huskies, but unlike the latter, huskies are faster, tenacious and hardy.

Many hunters and game managers prefer Siberian Huskies. They confirm the versatile use of these dogs in hunting. There are examples of the excellent work of huskies for swamp, upland game and even for fur. There are several more advantages of this breed over the husky, which are valued among hunters who do not have country house or an enclosure for keeping huskies - these dogs are perfectly kept in a city apartment. Unlike the husky, the Siberian husky has no smell, no massive shedding, and no constant annoying barking that tires neighbors so much. It is thanks to all these valuable qualities that a special line of hunting Siberian huskies has been successfully and purposefully developed for many years.

Innate hunting instinct.

The breeding habits of most northern dogs (this tradition is still alive today) require feeding them only in winter, when everything around is covered with snow. In the spring, as soon as the snow melts, the dogs live exclusively on pasture until the fall. Thanks to this pressure natural selection, an integral property of all huskies is a strongly expressed hunting instinct. The diet of Siberian huskies mainly consists of small birds and field mice, however, there are references that huskies often caught up with and ate hares.

In modern urban conditions, this property of these dogs can cause certain problems. So, for example, a husky puppy who grew up in a house next to a cat, in most cases, depends on cats adult life doesn't hunt. Otherwise, any husky at the sight of a cat will most likely try to catch up and kill it, just as these dogs behave when hunting. It is clear that this causes conflicts with neighbors.

Despite their popularity, not everyone knows the origin and true nature of these amazing animals.

Purpose

Four-legged friends with blue eyes first “came” to America from the North. These dogs are sled dogs, accustomed to being in a large harness, covering long distances and being in wide open spaces.

This strong dogs, and their habits retain a lot of wolfishness. They are brave and intelligent hunters, get along well in a pack and are very clean. Huskies do not live well in an urban environment happy life, they are isolated from other dogs, and few owners can provide them with sufficient physical activity in the city.

Sled breed

Many varieties of huskies, like malamutes or wolfdogs and other breeds of dogs, are used as traction force for transporting goods, carts, boats, and people. They are capable of covering about 50 km a day (with rest stops, of course) and reaching a speed of 12 km/h.

The sled is convenient for traveling over long distances in the Siberian and northern snowy expanses, as these dogs are hardy and loyal. In the evenings after long journey they warm their owners.

Sled dogs are known for the feat of the leader Balto, who covered a distance of more than 2 thousand kilometers, to deliver anti-diphtheria medication to Alaska.

Largest recorded haul with the participation of sled huskies 10,000 km.

IMPORTANT! Harness riding is their true nature and they show their best qualities when they live in appropriate conditions.

Hunter

Similar huskies are often trained for hunting. These breeds should not be confused - they are similar only in appearance, their characters and inner nature are very different. Huskies are less suitable for hunting. Their character is very willful. In Siberia, these pets often played the role of a hunter and brought small and medium-sized game. However, rather at will than at the owner's command.

Their nature is characterized by strength and resistance to harsh conditions. weather conditions. They are brave and are not afraid to attack an animal larger than themselves. In addition, they have a very keen sense of smell and determination - qualities that help pets find fresh tracks of roe deer or deer, as well as holes of small game. But still, initially they are not hunters.

Security guard

For the Husky as a guard, it is important to “outline” his protection zone. In Siberia, these dogs were in sleds and could serve as guards at rest. However, two teams can be at enmity with each other, so it is necessary to teach the dog boundaries, and due to waywardness, such a dog on a leash will feel betrayal by the owner and punishment. Is not in the best possible way will affect her security abilities. In this case, it is necessary to teach the dog to react friendly to strangers and other animals.

Defender

This breed is difficult to train with aggressive measures. The dog wants to feel the respect of its owner, and then it may respect him and accept him as a leader. That's why V conflict situation Husky will not fly to protect its owner or his property, she will act according to her own ideas about the situation.

ATTENTION! Coercion will only discourage the dog from being a protector.

Despite the fact that in Siberia huskies can be versatile and perform different roles, there they are in their natural environment, familiar to them, and often without a leash, when not in harness. But in other conditions, when a husky lives alone (without other members of the pack), it is difficult to predict its character. You can only slightly correct the behavior with persistent training, greater activity and expressions of respect.

Sports with husky

Siberian Huskies are great for sledding. There are several varieties, which are divided into snow and non-snow disciplines.

Snow disciplines:

• Pulka- Husky sled racing. There are from 1 to 4 dogs in the team.
• Skijoring- the skier is directly connected by a cable to the dog.

Snowless disciplines:

• Canicross- like skijoring, only without skis and snow. Runner and pet on a zip line.
• Bike joring- the dog pulls an athlete on a bicycle.
• Karting- the dog pulls a special kart with a driver.
• Scooting- a team of dogs pulls a scooter.

Riding sport - best use these dogs. They are showing good results at sports competitions.

IMPORTANT! Exercising can ruin your pet's health in warm climates. It is better to refrain from training at temperatures above 16 degrees plus.

What else can huskies do?

For owners living near forests, they will be excellent guides for forest hiking. Huskies can help their owner carry equipment. These dogs can also be shepherds.

ATTENTION! Huskies are sled dogs. The team and the snow are their nature and element. You can adapt a dog for any purpose, but will such an animal live? full life. It may be worth choosing a breed that suits your goals, lifestyle and character.

Working huskies in the North

Working version of the breed this moment one of the rarest. Huskies have unique working properties, however, due to the low need for use, this type is not very common. In the North, other dogs are used for work. Most often, the working version of the husky is used to transport people for tourism purposes, as well as for sledding competitions.

Husky speed

Of course, the husky does not have the same speed characteristics as the Russian greyhound or other hound breeds. However, this breed is very hardy, capable of covering long distances in a sled through the snow, which is more difficult than running on a flat road. In a day, a team can cover a maximum of 250 km.

In the snow, a team of dogs with a load can reach a speed of 30 km/h. Maximum speed one dog can reach 40 km/h.

The character of this breed is very contradictory and unique. This dog is a good member of the family, where its opinion is taken into account. He is friendly, affectionate and very beautiful four-legged friend person. Before getting such an animal, think about whether you like to run as much as this husky loves. And will your pet be able to live in comfortable conditions, if you limit it to a small apartment or the backyard of a house.

Each dog has a direct purpose for which it was once bred, but it is believed that the hunting instinct is to some extent inherent in all descendants, that is, dogs.

People often wonder if their Husky can be used for hunting. Dispute between hunters and dog breeders Experienced hunters recommend taking specially trained dogs with them when hunting. There are many breeds that were bred to track and chase various animals, which makes the hunting process more effective and spectacular.

Pros and cons of using a Siberian Husky for hunting

A dispute arises between hunters and lovers of the Husky breed over the advisability of using this breed as a hunting breed. Breeders of the breed recall the history of its origin and point out that although it was bred as a sled dog, northern peoples used huskies for hunting. Therefore, she has retained her hunting instinct, and this breed is especially effective at tracking and pursuing animals in a pack.

Hunters object that the hunting instinct may be developed in the husky, but it is very difficult to teach it the rules of hunting. She, as a rule, pursues him, but it is not easy to bring to her consciousness the need to bring prey to the owner. Hunters ask a reasonable question to lovers of this breed: is there any point in spending a lot of time and effort teaching huskies hunting skills if there are more suitable breeds for this?

Moreover, if a husky is competing in sledding competitions, her hunting skills may ruin her career as an athlete. Running in a harness at speed can be ruined by a random hare running by, followed by a husky.

Husky hunting experience

The fact that the Siberian Husky is a hunting dog can be proven by example, having achieved good results, but this is a personal matter for each person. In principle, if we think about it this way, then any dog ​​can be used for different functions: as a hunting dog, a guard dog, a sled dog, except, of course.

It all depends on the purpose for which you got a Husky. If you are an avid hunter, but you really like this breed, then you can try your hand at a Husky. There are many examples of huskies hunting swamp and forest game, furs and various ungulates. Moreover, there are specialized nurseries that breed a line of huskies intended primarily for hunting, and not for sledding.

Therefore, debates about whether huskies can be used for hunting will most likely always be conducted with varying degrees of success, because each side will find a lot of evidence of both hunting and sporting achievements husky

Today we will talk about how to hunt with a Siberian Husky dog ​​and whether this dog is suitable for hunting. Let's find out whether it is possible to train a Siberian Husky to hunt various game and animals. We will also consider how to properly train and train a husky to make it a full-fledged hunting dog.

It is believed that the Siberian Husky breed is only a sled dog, not used for guarding or hunting. Indeed, due to his natural friendliness and complete absence aggression towards people, inherent at the genetic level, huskies are not suitable as guard dogs. But the Siberian Husky can be used quite successfully as a hunting dog

In its habitat of the Polar North on summer period When the snow melts and the dogs are no longer needed as sled dogs, they are released to feed in the tundra until autumn and the first snow. Husky is a completely self-sufficient dog capable of feeding itself in wildlife, since she is a born hunter with wolf blood. Ideal sense of smell, endurance, ability to keep track and act in a pack make the Siberian Husky an excellent hunting dog, provided that this craft is skillfully trained.

Here are separate selections from specialized sites about the use of Siberian Huskies as hunting dogs. Website http://www.huskydv.ru/:

“...many hunters in the Far East successfully use huskies as a hunting dog. A very highly developed hunting instinct and passion, directed in the right direction, reveals the unique ability of the husky to be not only a sled dog, but also an excellent hunting assistant, like a husky. Persistence, endurance, well-developed sense of smell, the ability to make independent decisions, as well as adaptation to cold climates are some of the few advantages that a good hunting dog should have.

The above qualities are generally quite characteristic of the Siberian Husky breed, thereby showing their close relationship with the aboriginal dogs of the North.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the ancestors of modern Siberian huskies, living in Kolyma, Chukotka, Kamchatka, were taken from the northern regions of our homeland, where these dogs for thousands of years performed a wide variety of work: pulling sleds, hunting, herding herds of deer. The indigenous peoples of our north have never divided their huskies into hunting, sledding and reindeer herding, as is customary today. All these primitive or bestial dogs were of similar origin, with a highly organized psyche, and had much in common in their exterior characteristics.

Also, the use of these dogs was universal, due to their ability to perform various jobs. Interesting examples are given in the article by B.I. Wide “Our Northern Dogs”:

A dispute arises between hunters and lovers of the Husky breed over the advisability of using this breed as a hunting breed. Breeders of the breed recall the history of its origin and point out that although it was bred as a sled dog, northern peoples used huskies for hunting. Therefore, she has retained her hunting instinct, and this breed is especially effective at tracking and pursuing animals in a pack.

Moreover, if a husky is competing in sledding competitions, her hunting skills may ruin her career as an athlete. Running in a harness at speed can be ruined by a random hare running by, followed by a husky.
Husky hunting experience

The fact that the Siberian Husky is a hunting dog can be proven by example, having achieved good results, but this is a personal matter for each person. In principle, if we think about it this way, then any dog ​​can be used for different functions: as a hunting dog, guard dog, sled dog, except, of course, for decorative breeds.

“It is pointless to argue with the fact that without paying due attention to raising a puppy, you can raise a disobedient dog. And if it is necessary for a husky puppy to be raised as a hunting dog, then the appropriate upbringing must begin from the very beginning. early age. The basis must be respect and obedience to the owner. Since huskies are pack dogs, they great importance has a hierarchy in the pack and its own place in it.

For example, such a seemingly insignificant nuance as the order of returning to the house. If the owner lets the dog go ahead, then it thinks that it is the leader, which means it will not obey its two-legged subordinates. There are other features too many to discuss in this article.