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Location: mikinakministik, ca(Canada[sic])
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 245
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The Alaskan Husky is a crossbreed that as originally loosely Siberian Husky with the original Indian Dogs of Northern Canada and Alaska and of course the odd (and sometimes not) accidental breeding by Wolf. More recently there's been Saluki and other hounds. Wolf ( I can see where it would be helpful)has also purposely been used for some modern breeding programs. There has been Irish Setter, Heeler(Australian) put in there too. The most recent is German Shorthaired Pointers because they love to keep running. Eurohound, which is essentially a Sibe/GSHP cross has also been used recently.
So the Alaskan Husky is essentially a mutt that's been selectively bred for bone angulation, bone density, skeletal structure (just way the skeleton is put together), muscle to skeleton strength, muscle structure, super proficient digestive tracts, coat, feet, attitude towards people, other dogs and work. They are not bred for looks. They are bred to pull a sled. ...in winter weather. ...as low as -40*C or more.
That said, just like humans, some give out.
All said, more "pet doggies' die in one day in traffic accidents due to irresponsible pet ownership than Iditarod dogs in the last 20 years.
More "pet doggies" die in one year due to complications of obesity (again) due to irresponsible pet ownership than Iditarod dogs in the last 20 years.
I don't have the numbers but that information is available on the www.
As for distance, my Sibe/Qimmiq/ArcticWolf/Kli/ManitobaWolf/Malamute sleddogs could go 35-60 miles everyday if I let them. I'm the one that gives out, not them.