The Beautiful Huskies of Riga, Latvia

In the autumn we decided to take a tour of the Baltic states. After spending some time in KAUNAS, Lithuania, we took the bus to Riga to explore the Latvian capital. One thing that drew us there was the chance to meet the huskies of Riga and see how they work.

Arrival in Riga

We arrive at Riga International Bus Station, which is right next to the Central Market and relatively close to the old town so is very convenient. Short on time, we jump in an Uber/Bolt and head to the Art Nouveau District, where we’re staying.

It’s nearly dinner time and growing dark already so we head out in search of food. Even in the dark the art nouveau architecture is striking in its intricacy and detail. After a short stroll through the quiet, cobbled neighbourhood, we came across a small restaurant called Rasoul. This place serves soviet food with a twist set in an amazing art nouveau interior. Definitely worth a visit but make sure you bring cash as card is not accepted.

An early night is required so we head back to our cozy apartment, which is set in a traditional, Latvian wooden house. Tomorrow we visit the huskies!

The Huskies of Riga

Our guide, Kristina, picks us up in her old Toyota at 7:30 sharp. As we drive towards the woodland, she tells us some interesting facts about the city she grew up in. During Soviet times, they could only build an apartment block up to 5 stories high without installing a lift for the residents, which would be too costly, so most of the early housing had only 5 floors. A few years later that was increased to 9 stories and then later 12. That is how you can tell how old each block is. The further out of the city we go, the higher the buildings become.

As we get nearer to our destination Kristina tells us a little about the Huskies/Malamutes. They are all rescue dogs. These dogs need to walk around 20km a day to stay relaxed and are not suited to apartment living. So many of them end up in kennels. The dogs we are visiting have been trained to pull a sled in the snow or a wheeled cart over a clear woodland track.

As we pull up, the sound of excited dogs can be heard before the car has even stopped. Climbing out of the car, about 12 – 15 dogs are ready to greet us. They vary in size, age and colour but all are equally excited! After some time playing and cuddling with them, we help to prepare the wheeled cart. It is October and there has not been a snowfall yet. But the Latvian forest is a beautiful mix of deciduous green and falling, amber leaves.

The huskies are ready!

The dogs are ready and almost cannot contain their eagerness. With one word from the boss, we’re off! Grateful for the protective goggles, dirt flies off the track as the cart moves through the forest at the speed of 6 enthusiastic huskies. The dogs are now silent and focused on listening for commands which come through clear and calm. The smell of the soft pine needles on the track is somehow relaxing and the connection to nature is powerful.

After running in a 3km loop we arrive back at the start. The dogs are now content and quietly resume their place by the trees. Having been bred for this purpose it is evident how much they enjoy their work.

After more cuddles with the tired huskies we drive through the countryside back to Riga. We chat to Kristina along the way and she recommends some great things to do while we are in the city. We have another full day in Riga before we head to the bus station again and depart for Tallinn.

More info

To book a visit to the huskies of Riga try RED FOX TOURS. Of course there are other companies but we went with this one as they only use rescue dogs, they are well rested and cared for.

To read about more things to do in Riga, including the Art Nouveau District, the Moscow District and the Old Town, check out THIS POST.

Have you been to Riga? Are you planning a trip and would like more information? We’d love to hear from you so drop us a comment in the box below.