The Siberian Husky is a medium sized working dog that requires a lot of exercise, time and dedication. Males weigh 45-60 lbs and females weigh 35-50 lbs and their life expectancy is 12-15 years.
DESCRIPTION:
Though extremely strong, Siberian Huskies are a very gentle breed and well suited for the whole family. However, they do not make good guard dogs. Huskies are very people oriented and are playful, enjoying activities such as pulling children in a wagon. Males like to roam and need to be kept in a well secured area. Huskies are very strong, compact, working dogs and have the ability to haul heavy loads over long distances and rough terrain. They have a thick, wooly undercoat and a soft outer coat and is able to withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees to -76 degrees F
ORIGIN:
Siberian Huskies were used for centuries by the Chukchi Tribe, off the eastern Siberian peninsula to pull sleds, herd reindeer and as a watchdog. They were perfect working dogs for the harsh Siberian conditions: hardy, able to integrate into small packs, and quite happy to work for hours on end. The dogs have great stamina and are lightweight. Native to Siberia, the Husky was brought to Alaska by fur traders in Malamute for Arctic races because of their great speed. In 1908 Siberian Huskies were used for the first All-Alaskan Sweepstakes, an event where mushers take their dogs on a 408-mile long dogsled race. The dogs gained popularity in 1925 when there was a diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. Siberian Huskies were used to bring in the much needed medicine to the people. In the early to mid-1900s Admiral Byrd used the dogs in his Antarctic Expeditions. During World War II the dogs served on the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit. The Siberian Husky’s talents are sledding, carting and racing. The Siberian Husky was recognized by the AKC in 1930.
TEMPERAMENT:
Siberian Huskies are fun-loving, adventurous, alert, independent, clever, stubborn, mischievous and obstinate. This is a high energy dog, especially while young. Huskies love to run and will roam if given the chance. It it is generally good with other dogs. In fact, it is a very social dog that must have human or canine companionship. It may chase strange cats or livestock. Some howl, dig and chew. These dogs are gentle and playful, but willful and mischievous. This cheerful dog is very fond of their family. A puppy at heart, they are clever, sociable and loving, easy-going and docile. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they love almost everyone. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they have a mind of their own and will only obey a command if they look to their human as their leader and see a point to do it. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. If you are not this dog’s 100% firm, confident, consistent pack leader, he will take advantage whenever he gets the chance, becoming willful and mischievous. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. They do not like to be left alone, so if this is the breed for you, you may want to consider having two. A lonely Husky can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog in heart and soul. They are good with other pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed does like to roam and therefore its recommended to keep them fenced or leashed at all times. Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals and are willing to put the time and energy into them.
HEALTH:
Prone to hip dysplasia, ectopy (displacement of the urethra), eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (primarily in male dogs), corneal dystrophy and crystalline corneal opacities. Also prone to a skin issue known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which improves by giving zinc supplements.
LIVING CONDITIONS:
Siberian Huskies prefer to live in packs. They are very active and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cold climates, but are able to adapt to hot climates as well.
EXERCISE:
Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, but should not be excessively exercised in warm weather. They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are likely to dig their way out.
UPKEEP:
This is an active dog, bred to run tirelessly for miles. It needs ample daily exercise, either in the form of a long jog or a long run off leash in a safe area. It also loves to pull and enjoys cold weather. It can live outdoors in hot or cold climates, but ideally it can divide its time between indoors and out. Its coat needs brushing one or two times a week — daily during periods of heaviest shedding.
GROOMING:
The coat of a Siberian Husky does not need much care except during the twice a year heavy shedding season. NEVER shave your husky! Although we may think they are miserably hot in the summer months, their thick coat is their insulation and actually keeps them cooler just like it keeps them warm in the winter. Shaving your husky can cause heatstroke, sunburn and permanently damage their coat! Wooly coats should be brushed daily to prevent knots and tangles.
Source: dogbreedinfo.com
– Click here to learn about the different colors of Siberian Huskies
Southern Siberian Life 