The Seppala Siberian Sleddog has its origins in the 19th century Canada and is named after its creator, Leohnard Seppala. It is believed that the breed was the result of crossings between various sledding breeds like the more known Siberian Husky.
Although the dogs main use was that of sled pulling, the ability to protect and warn the owners of a potential danger also made them popular. The harsh weather conditions and the rugged terrain were no match for the breeds power to overcome any of these obstacles and still remain a good companion.
Today, although the dogs are a lot more popular than a hundred years ago, the breed is rather rare outside Canada or Alaska.
Compared to their closest cousins, the Huskies, the Seppala Siberian Sleddog has a slimmer figure, with lighter weight and a larger body length.
The medium sized head is in proportion with the body, with the muzzle equal in length with the head. The stop is less defined compared to the one found in the Huskys description. The ears have a high setting and are erect. Eyes are medium sized, almond shaped and come in brown, blue or a combination between the two. When alert, the dog keeps its tail high, curved over its back.
The coating has a medium length, with two layers. The undercoat is almost as long as the outer coat. Coat colors are varied and include white, buff, black, buff and white, gray, charcoal gray, brownish gray, sable and blue-gray. A lot of dogs can also have agouti or piebald spotting colorations. Grooming must take place once a week, and with special attention when the dog sheds, meaning twice a year, when a daily brushing is required.
This is an energetic working dog that will also be trainable and docile if provided with the wright amount of exercise. Very intelligent, these dogs will react well to training only if they recognize the owner as their leader. If failing to become the pack leader the dog will become mischievous and willful.
They are good with children or around other dogs and pets, as long as they are well socialized from a young age.
It is not recommended to keep these dogs in an apartment, although sometimes they can adapt to indoor living if well-trained and properly exercised. The perfect living space for a dog like this is a large, fenced yard. Because of its heavy coating, this breed doesnt love warm climates and must always have a shaded place and lots of drinking water to cool down.
A daily walk is very important in order to stop the dog from being bored and experience behavioral deviations. This breed is genetically programed to be active, so it will always be eager to run, play and roam.
An intelligent, obedient and loyal breed, the Seppala Siberian Sleddog can be a great companion to anyone willing to provide everything that the dog needs, with a reward that will come as quick as lightning.
