In the late 90’s, after the release of “101 Dalmatians”, populations of Dalmatians exploded in the United States and other countries. The United States population of Dalmatians wavered around 40,000 in the early 90’s. After the release of the famous Disney movie, over 140,000 Dalmatians were registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The New York Times reported that in South Florida, 35% of Dalmatians were given up to shelters. Overbreeding led to a rise of deafness and urinary tract problems. With the overwhelming amount of Dalmatians in the shelters, and rescue organizations overpopulated, many of these dogs were euthanized. The same trends have been observed with other dog breeds like the Golden Retriever after Air Bud (1997), and Collies after the release of “Lassie” (1943).

The current epidemic is affecting the “Siberian breeds” (Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo, Samoyed), but mostly the Siberian Husky. Siberian Huskies first set foot on American soil in 1908. Russian fur trader William Goosak brought a team with him to Nome, Alaska to race in the All Alaskan Sweepstakes, a 408-mile race with a prize of $10,000. After teams of Siberians swept the competition in the 1909 and 1910 races, the breed became very popular among Alaskans. The most famous story of the husky happened in 1925. Nome, Alaska was ravaged by a diphtheria epidemic during a blizzard. A team of 20 Huskies ran over 600 miles to deliver the life saving serum.

Today’s Siberian Huskies are very different from the ones that first set foot on the Alaskan shores. Rather than breeding for looks, the dogs were bred for physical phenotype traits to perform in the racing world. The first huskies varied in size, color, pattern, and shape. It wasn’t until 1930 that they were officially recognized as a breed by the AKC.

We all love the videos of Siberian Huskies we see on YouTube, Facebook, and on TV. Dogs like Steel, Mishka the talking husky, and the golden trio of Shelby, Oakley, and Memphis of Gonetothesnowdogs entertain us with their antics, “talking”, but mostly those fluffy bodies and beautiful eyes. Siberian Huskies are truly beautiful dogs. Here’s the problem…Everyone wants a husky now. Husky numbers are exploding thanks to the current media trends. The same epidemic that struck countless other breeds (previously mentioned), is now shaking the Siberian Husky community. Shelters in Southern California are overflowing with abandoned, surrendered, and stray Siberian Huskies.

So what can we do about it?

The answer here comes from two places. First, dog owners need to spay and neuter their dogs to prevent unwanted puppies. I know that phrase sounds insane, who wouldn't want a puppy? Eventually, that puppy is going to grow into a big, demanding fluffball. Secondly, educate yourself before adopting a husky! There are plenty of resources on the internet about owning a husky or a Siberian type dog. There's no reason that these beautiful dogs should have to suffer a horrible fate, because we, as humans, couldn't be responsible pet owners.