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Breed Information

To learn more about Nordic Breed dogs, click on Breed Information.

Contact Us

Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
PO Box 5784
Vallejo CA 94591

Phone: 800-471-5822

rescue@norsled.org

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Donations Needed

Northern CA Sled Dog Rescue (NORSLED) is a 501(c)(3) non profit all volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused Northern breed dogs, including Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimos and mixes of same. We work throughout Northern California and parts of Nevada. We often provide extensive medical care as well. Donations to NorSled are tax deductible. Please click the PayPal icon to support NorSled.

Breed Information

NorSled specializes in Northern breed dogs - specifically Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Samoyeds. There are many other breeds which fall into the category of either Northern breeds, Spitz dogs or sled dogs. Indeed, any trainable dog can be taught to be a "sled dog".

There are many sources on the Internet and in print for information about these dogs. This is meant to be a discussion for individuals new to these breeds in order to bring out some points which may help make the decision: "Is one of our dogs the right dog for you?"

The Big Guys - Alaskan Malamutes

The Malamute is native to Alaska, and named for the Mahlemuts, the Inuit tribe that developed the breed. Despite a vague surface resemblance to a wolf, the Malamute breed has been domesticated for thousands of years. These dogs are built for endurance and to pull heavy loads, not for speed.

Of all the sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute is the largest and most powerful. Although there is a natural range in size in the breed the desirable freighting size for a female would be 75 pounds and for a male would be 84-85 pounds. A variety of coat colors can be found; unlike the Siberian Husky, the only acceptable eye color in the Alaskan Malamute is brown, the darker the better.

Malamutes are very smart, and because of this they grow bored very easily, especially with repetition. Therefore, when training a Malamute the trainer must always work with positive reinforcement to keep the dog's interest and things fresh. A very astute observation about Malamutes is that "Malamutes live with you, not for you". The Malamute owner needs to understand pack dynamics and how to be the "Alpha" - then must apply this knowledge day in and day out. The Malamute is extremely social and will need to be a family member - they are miserable "back yard" dogs. They will go looking for social contact if it is denied them at home.

Malamutes, like most Nordic breeds, have a predatory streak a mile wide. However, anecdotally there appear to be more small animal tolerant Malamutes than Huskies. Malamutes are a dog-dominant breed - constantly challenging their canine pack mates - this can lead to some fairly serious fights that the multiple dog owner must be prepared to deal with. They may be territorial with other dogs, but in general are friendly with all people - if you want a dog that will alarm bark or further protect your property or person, the Mal is not the breed you are looking for. If you want a dog that will be happy to see visitors and new people, including delivery people, prowlers, meter readers and the mailman - the Malamute has what it takes!

Suggested Sites About Alaskan Malamutes

• Alaskan Malamute Club of America
• The Alaskan Malamute HELP League
• Starhawk Alaskan Malamutes
• Kodiak and Kayeanna's Malamonster Realm
• The Alaskan Malamute
• O'Mal Malamutes

The Working Class - Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies were developed as sled dogs by the Chukchi tribe of northeast Asian and made their way to Alaska in the early 1900s. In fact, we are told the word “husky” is a Chukchi term to describe a “sled pulling dog.” Sibe coloring can v ary -coats come in an array of beautiful colors, including red, black or silver and white, all black or all white and piebald (spotted -- rather rare). Eyes can be blue, green, brown, black, parti-colored, or each eye a different color, all are acceptable in the breed. Male Sibes can weigh anywhere from 45-60 pounds; females between 35 and 50 pounds. They are usually smaller than their Nordic cousins, the Malamutes. The Husky has a double coat of fur, wooly and downy underneath and a thick outer coat. This means very little dirt can penetrate the coat and should make the Husky easy to groom-but often. If you do not like wearing and having fur everywhere, do not get a Siberian.

Siberians are working dogs - that means they need a job. They are born to pull and born to run -- and can do so with heavy loads for long distances. Without stimulation, they become easily bored. Which could mean digging up your garden, running down the street onto a freeway, jumping a six foot fence or otherwise making or getting into trouble. It is critical not to let your Siberian run loose! It’s in their genes to run long distances and fast! Lots of exercise and stimulation is key.

Siberian Huskies are very outgoing, fun loving, gregarious, mischievous, affectionate… and exasperating animals. They love being with people and other dogs, and working in large teams in activities such as mushing (runners on snow) and carting (wheels on dry ground). Because they are so friendly with everyone no matter who, they make terrible guard dogs - kissing a burglar and begging for treats. If you want a guard dog, please do not get a Siberian. Because they are so social, it is important they be part of the family, and not relegated to the back yard.

With Siberians, “obedience is optional.” Huskies are extremely intelligent and may not want to do what you say. So if you want a dog who will be at your beck and call, get a Golden Retriever! A Siberian is not the dog for you. They work with you not for you. This independent behavior comes from a long history of being entrusted with a musher’s (and other team members’) lives. If a musher tells a dog to go right, but the dog, having superior canine senses, knows the ice there will crack, the dog disobeys and goes to the left and safety. A savvy Sibe person recognizes the dog’s instincts and is grateful.

So if you want a challenge, pair up with a Siberian Husky or two. Your life will never be the same… and you’ll be very glad!

Suggested Sites About Huskies

• Siberian Husky Club of America
• Siberian Husky Rescue and Referal of California
• The Huskies' Domain
• SledDoggin.com

They Happy Ones - Samoyeds

The Samoyed is one of the oldest Arctic breeds of dogs. They were originally used to guard herds and to hunt large animals such as bear and walrus. So these dogs, despite their fluffy white coats and happy smiles, are not wimps! They are affectionate, gentle pets with the right training and socialization. They can be a bit talkative, which is part of their charm.

One great thing - probably the greatest thing - about this breed is their temperament. They were originally used to herd and pull, but they also kept the children warm at night in the igloo. So, any dog that was not of great temperament became dinner the next night. This selected the best temperaments for breeding, giving us the wonderful dogs we have today. They are usually fantastic with children. They are also great watchdogs, being protective about their home. The Samoyed has been bred for centuries to be an integral part of a family unit. A Sammy that is not given the opportunity to be with its family will not be a happy dog.

The sun will burn a Samoyed's harsh outer coat and it will appear a soiled brown color, especially over the back. A Sammy requires ample shade at all times! His thick white coat is protection against both sun and cold - it should never ever be shaved down. Because of its white coat, these dogs are susceptible to heat related problems - a mister is a good idea during the summer to keep the dog cool. The best environment for a Sammy is inside!

Sammie, unlike other Nordic dogs such as Malamutes and the Huskies, actually make fair watch dogs, as they will not allow a stranger to approach without taking notice, usually by barking. They are not guard dogs, as in biting, but rather alerting to danger. Samoyeds are active dogs, with a curious nature. They are very social and make poor backyard dogs - they need to interact with their people and be part of the family.

In our present day world, a working breed dog is great for rollerblading in harness or skijoring as well as carting and pack hiking. A Samoyed is more than just a pet - it's an adventure!

• Samoyed Club of America
• Expedition Samoyeds
• The Samoyed Home Page
• White star Samoyeds
• Samoyed Health
• Samoyed Health Foundation
• SamHealth Yahoo Group

Is the Samoyed Right for You?

• Hair, Hair Everywhere! Of course they shed, females twice a year. If you're a neat freak -- don't purchase a Samoyed!!
• Sammies, especially bored ones, have their own ideas about landscaping -- it's called digging. If you admire and wish to keep the landscaping in your backyard, don't buy a Samoyed.
• Samoyeds love being with their people -- inside the house, yes even in the bed at times. They do not like to be left alone. If you don't plan to make your Samoyed an integral part of your family, don't buy one.
• You have a fenced yard and think it is secure -- think again. Samoyeds are natural escape artists. They can climb tall fences with ease. And once outside the yard, can they ever run!!! Never chain them up -- this is cruel, abusive and neglectful.
• For their own safety, Samoyeds must be supervised or securely confined in a proper kennel. If this can't be done, consider another breed of dog. Don't buy a Samoyed.
• If you don't have a fenced yard, don't even consider buying a Samoyed.
• You've heard that Samoyeds don't bark -- they just make the cute wooo wooo sounds. Well, you've heard wrong. They do bark and will irritate your neighbors if left unattended. Don't purchase a Samoyed if you will not be able to monitor his/her barking.
• You lead a busy life. You don't have time to completely brush your dog at least once a week and clip those toenails. Samoyeds actually stay fairly clean, but a weekly grooming session is in order. If this can't be done, don't buy a Samoyed.
• If none of the above is a problem for you, Congratulations, a Samoyed could be in your future! All of the previous scenarios can and do happen, but it's not the dog's fault.
• Samoyeds are naturally intelligent and creative. And a bored or neglected Samoyed can be VERY creative. But, with patience and a little behavior modification (for you and your dog), the Samoyed makes a wonderful pet.
• But, PLEASE, don't purchase your Samoyed from a pet store. Unfortunately, animals purchased from a pet store can have a lot of health problems, as well as a high mortality rate. Contact reputable breeders who perform genetic testing on their Samoyeds.

Pam Barbe, 1996, Samoyed Club Of Houston, Inc

Other Nordic Breeds

Among the sled dog breeds that are seldom, if ever, seen by NorSled in the shelter system are:

• American Eskimo Dog
• Klee Kai Greenland Dog (Gronlandshund)
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Swedish Elkhound
• Karelian Bear Dog
• Laika
• Finnish Spitz
• Finnish and Swedish Lapphund
• Asian Spitz dogs such as Kishu