This beautiful breed, the
Siberian Husky, developed in Siberia, the vast
portion of Russia that extends all the way to the
Pacific Ocean. The Husky, a medium sized dog that
can survive in extremely cold weather, was first
used by tribe members to pull sleds and herd
reindeer. In addition, this sturdy dog slept with
family members to help keep the children warm during
cold nights.
Siberian Huskies have a wolf-like appearance but are
generally a very gentle and loyal dog. Because of
their affectionate nature, the Husky does not make a
particularly good watch dog or guard dog. Although
they can make excellent pets, the Siberian Husky can
be a challenge to train. This breed is energetic,
most interested in running.
Temperament
The Siberian Husky is an affectionate breed. The
dog’s gentle nature makes it a good choice for
families with children. It is important to get your
Husky from a reputable breeder because early
socialization is important. A young Siberian Husky
must be comfortable with people and other dogs from
the beginning. The Husky also has a lot of energy,
again loving to run. Therefore, the dog should never
be left to run free, for its own safety.
Most owners with Siberian Husky experience report
that this can be a difficult dog to train. In truth,
the breed is quite intelligent and loves people, but
most Huskies will respond to firm and consistent
training only if they see a point to the task. For
this reason, training a Siberian Husky may take a
lot of patience. In addition, Huskies do not like to
be left alone and if this happens, the dog can be
destructive due to boredom and loneliness.
Size and Color
Siberian Huskies are a medium-sized breed, sturdily
built and able to withstand cold temperatures. The
male usually stands from 21 inches to 23 inches tall
with the female about one inch shorter. Adult male
Huskies weigh from 45 pounds to 60 pounds, while the
female of the breed generally weighs from 35 pounds
to 50 pounds.
Most dog groups accept a wide range of coat colors.
You may find white Husky, or such variations as
black and white, sable and white, or gray and white.
Eyes can be blue, brown, black, or a combination of
two colors. The undercoat is thick and wool-like,
while the outer coat is softer.
Feeding and Grooming Requirements
Huskies do not generally need, as much food as an
owner might think is best for a medium-sized, sturdy
dog. Some experienced owners characterized the
Siberian Husky eating habits as “thrifty,” meaning
they make the most of slightly less food than the
owner feels the dog should have. This trait, too,
may be traced to the origins of the breed, as
members of the Chukchi tribe developed their dogs to
pull a light load at a fast pace over great
distances in low temperatures on the smallest
possible intake of food. Top quality commercial food
or fresh meats and some vegetables are a good place
to start with the Husky diet.
While the Siberian Husky coat does not need much in
the way of clipping and trimming. However, the coat
is shed once, sometimes twice, each year in great
quantity. A good combing at this time is
recommended. Overall, the Husky is a very clean dog,
not prone to the usual “doggy” odor or common
parasites.
Exercise Needs
From the start, a new owner should keep in mind that
the Siberian Husky loves to run! This breed does not
do well in an apartment and will be happier with a
large, fenced yard to exercise in. However, the
Husky is known to dig and may find a way to dig
under the fence. Owners should make sure the fence
extends part of the way beneath the ground.
Huskies do not do very well in extremely warm
weather because of the dog’s background and heavy
coat. Care should be taken to provide a cool place
to rest in the summer. In addition, remember to
provide plenty of fresh water!
