As it's name implies, the Siberian Husky originated in Siberia. It is thought that the breed was originally developed by the Chukchi tribes of north-eastern Siberia with whom the dogs share a very long history. In particular, it was the people living along the Arctic and Pacific coasts who bred the Chukchi sled dogs. Rather than being nomads, they lived in permanent village settlements and developed these long distance small sled dogs, which were able to cover the huge distances over pack ice to get to the Chukchi's hunting grounds in the open sea. The dogs were greatly cherished and often welcomed into their owners homes to play with the children and keep them warm at night. The Chukchi believed that their dogs guarded the gates to heaven and anyone who mistreated a dog would not be allowed to enter, clearly demonstrating their close and caring relationship with their dogs.
When gold was first discovered in Alaska in 1880 thousands of people poured into the area to try to make their fortunes. The weather was extreme and those that lived there depended on the sled dogs for survival, as it was often the only means of transport to the outside world. As the Siberian Huskies arrived too, the term 'Siberian Husky' came into being, in order to differentiate them (the Northern Siberian dogs) from the Eskimo's Huskies. Prior to this, the general term 'Husky' had been used to refer to all sled-pulling breeds with a thick coat, pointed face, brush tail and prick ears.
Soon stories grew of the various teams capabilities and so a sled-dog race was organised to prove once and for all who had the best teams. Siberian Huskies soon proved their worth yet again and their popularity grew and grew. Siberian Huskies were also used for some of the Polar expeditions too, including three Byrd Expeditions to the South Pole.
So the next time that your little darling is hauling you up the street on your daily constitutional, don't get cross, just smile to yourself and be proud of his/her heritage and the great contribution they made to exploration. Who knows, in their eyes they may be taking you on just such an adventure now!