The Siberian Husky

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the Siberian husky, a working dog, is bred by the Inuit Eskimo people for pulling sleds across the very harsh environment of the vast snow-driven plains. The author explains that the Siberian husky is more closely related to the wolf than are other domestic dog breed. Therefore, they are difficult to train. The paper stresses that, in the absence of any possibility of studies on wolves, the Siberian Husky is the closest candidate for helping solve the mystery of the extreme stamina and physical endurance of wolves.

Table of Contents:
Introduction - Background and History of the Siberian Husky
Canine Domestication Theories
The Siberian Husky Breed as a Working Dog and a Pet
Training Siberian Huskies
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Whereas certain breeds were selected for traits like retrieving, or for their scenting abilities, or speed, the Siberian Husky was developed primarily to feature extreme physical stamina and endurance over long distances while pulling a heavy load. As is always the case in circumstances of purposeful artificial selection for specific traits, other (non-selected) traits often become diminished in successive generations that produce the desired characteristics of breeding efforts. In the case of the Siberian Husky, the particular traits for which they were artificially selected by humans mirror many of the
predominant traits associated with wolves."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Budiansky, S. (2000) The Truth About Dogs: An Inquiry Into The Ancestry, Social Conventions, Mental Habits, And Moral Fiber Of Canine Familiaris. New York: Viking
• Conniff, R. Africa's Wild Dogs. National Geographic Society(vol. 195, No. 5, May, 1999)
• Coppinger, L., Coppinger, R. (2001) Dogs: A Startling New Understanding Of Canine Origins , Behavior And Evolution. New York: Simon & Schuster
• Coren, S. (1995) The Intelligence Of Dogs: A Guide To The Thoughts, Emotions, And Inner Lives Of Our Canine Companions. New York: Bantam
• Derr, M. What Do Those Barks Mean? To Dogs, It's All Just Talk; The New York Times, April 24, 2001.

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