Siberian Husky

Dog Group Kennel Club: Working (AKC, KC) Appearance Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, with high set erect ears and a brush tail. Siberians also have a variety of eye colours: from shades of coppery to brown chocolate brown, icy blue, or bi-colour, which is one brown and one blue eye. Coat Their weather resistant double-coat is made up from a soft, downy inner coat protected by a longer, stiffer, outer guard coat. Colours include: black, red, grey, sable, agouti and White. The face mask and under-body are usually white.

Weight: 35 - 60 lbs

Average Life Span: 11 - 13 yrs

Temperament
The breed is known for its good temperament and its suitability in a family environment. They are gentle in character, with a friendly and alert facial expression. They are people orientated dogs so don’t make natural guard dogs. They love and need company and should not be left alone for long periods of time or they can become very destructive.
They enjoy other dogs, and may do better if there is more than one Husky. They do not get along well with cats or other small animals due to their natural hunting instincts.

Although they don't bark much, Siberians are vocal and can howl. Digging is also natural with this dog, his ancestors dug holes in the snow as nests, and this instinct still remains strong.

Training
Whilst intelligent, the Husky does have a mind of its own. They are happy to obey, but always on their own terms.  To teach this breed, consistency and patience play an important part.

Grooming
If you don't like dog hair this is not the breed for you, as their downy undercoat sheds in early to late spring. They also shed a little all year round, this can be reduced by weekly brushing. The only need to be bathed when necessary.

Exercise
Siberian Huskies are a very active breed with high stamina and require a considerable amount of exercise. They become bored easily if they do not receive enough exercise. Therefore not recommended for homes with a small backyard.

They should not be exercised hard in warm weather as they could easily overheat.

Siberian Husky Health Issues

Hip dysplasia: a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease of the eye that has been identified in this breed. PRA is a blanket term for many types of retinal diseases, all of which result in blindness. All Siberians, regardless of age or breeding status, should be examined yearly by a member of the Veterinary Opthalmologists.

Cataracts: cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

Zinc responsive dermatitis: a skin condition which improves by giving a zinc supplements.

Siberian Husky History

The Siberian Husky originates from the Chukchis people of the Tundra regions of North-eastern Siberia in Russia during the 19th century. The fine temperament of the breed can possibly be acclaimed to the fine treatment of the Chuckchis, as they welcomed these dogs into their homes. The dogs were used by the natives to to pull sleds and herd reindeer.

By the late 19th century, the Chukchi dog was discovered by Alaskan traders, imported into the Northeast Territory, and renamed the Siberian Husky. This import proved important to the survival of the breed as the breed died out in Siberia due to the Russian Communist regime.

Sled-racing  became popular and the breed's speed and stamina amazed and inspired dog racers in both Canada and the Northern States of America. The Siberian Husky gained worldwide recognition when they rushed needed medicine to ill people during the diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska.