What’s In a Name?
Fast Facts
Mika is a happy and healthy female Siberian Husky. She is an adopted rescue that hails from the Pacific Northwest. I believe she was born in the middle of July 2020. She loves the dog park in the mornings and enjoys long 5-mile walks in the evenings. Mika’s favorite pastimes are chasing squirrels, sleeping, and meeting new friends. Here are some other fun facts about Siberian Huskies and Mika–see how they compare.
| Siberian Husky | Mika | |
|---|---|---|
Height |
21-23.5 inches (male) 20-22 inches (female) |
21 inches |
Weight |
45-60 pounds (male) 35-50 pounds (female) |
48 pounds |
Life Expectancy |
12-14 years | Hopefuly Forever |
Wolfiness |
2-4% | 2.8% (High) |
Coat Type |
Double | Double |
Coat Length |
Medium | Long “Wooly” |
Group |
Working Group | “Let Me Sleep” Group |
Energy Level |
High | Medium-Low |
Playfulness |
Medium | High |
Breed and Ancestry
When I adopted Mika, I didn’t quite know her background. She was furry and fluffy like an Alaskan Malamute but small and active like a Siberian Husky. I had so many questions and didn’t know where to turn. I was able to find a DNA test for dogs called Embark to help me tell Mika’s story. Here are the results of Mika’s DNA test.
Ancestry
Through Mika’s mitochondrial DNA, Embark can trace her mother’s ancestry back to when dogs and people first became friends. This map helps visualize the routes Mika’s ancestors took to get to Newport Beach, California.
Maternal Haplotype
The A2 Haplogroup is a very ancient maternal line. Most likely, it was one of the significant female lines that contributed to the very first domesticated dogs in Central Asia about 15,000 years ago. Those that escaped the mountains of Central Asia sought out other cold spots and are now found among Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. Part of the A2 haplogroup, this haplotype occurs most commonly in Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and village dogs from Alaska.
Born to Run
The breed’s ancestors were originally bred in northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people. The Siberian Husky’s compact body, thick coat, and sickle-shaped tail immediately suggest the breed’s northern heritage. The Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds, capable of hauling light loads over vast expanses of frozen wasteland in sub-zero temperatures. This breed’s heritage is legendary with a storied history of overcoming formidable challenges.
Mika’s Story
In the end, Embark helped me tell Mika’s story. They were able to identify Mika’s breed, it turns out she is 100% Siberian Husky! Embark was even able to connect us with some of her long-lost relatives–she has a family! They have beautiful red coats, just like her. I am so happy I was able to find Embark.