Siberian Husky
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Appearance
| Siberian Husky Quick Summary | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | |
| Origin | Russia |
| Size | Medium |
| Height (at withers) | 20-24in (51-61cm) |
| Weight | 40-55lbs (18-25kg) |
| Hair Colour(s) | Varies |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Litter size | 6-8 |
| Shedding | High |
| Grooming | Medium |
| Barking Tendency | Medium |
| Exercise requirements | High |
| Ease of training | Medium |
| Suitability for kids | Low |
| Animal compatability | Low |
| Aggression levels | Medium |
| Distress if left | Medium |
The Siberian Husky is a powerful and athletic dog. The body is well-muscled with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, a level topline, straight legs and a fox-like brush tail carried in a sickle curve over the back. The head has a medium-sized tapering muzzle, high set erect ears, a dark nose and almond-shaped eyes that can vary in colour. The coat is very impressive and consists of a thick undercoat and a soft outer coat, and can withstand extremely cold temperatures as low as –60°C. The colouring varies greatly from from solid black to pure white with markings of various colour combinations.
Temperament
Siberian Huskys are gentle and sweet-natured dogs with highly dependable natures. Loving and affectionate too, they make for great companions and family pets and enjoy attention and interaction. They are not suited to those with little time for their pets, and if neglected they can become bored and destructive, which tends to involve chewing. They can often tend to bark and howl from time to time too, but generally they are pretty quite. These dogs are intelligent, quick to learn and highly trainable. However, they are very strong-willed and will only obey orders that seem worthwhile, and so they can be a challenge to train. As a result they are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership and training, rather than novices, as owners will need to show dominance. Siberian Huskys are only suited to older, more considerate children they have been raised alongside. They are normally fine with other dogs too, but cannot be trusted around cats and smaller animals due to their high prey drives. They tend to be sociable and friendly around strangers but they will bark to raise the alarm if something seems amiss, and so they do make effective watchdogs.
History & Skills
Siberian Huskys originate from Russia and have a long history dating back thousands of years. They were originally used by the Siberian Chukchi people for a variety of tasks such as herding reindeer, pulling sleds and as watch dogs. They were well suited to these roles thanks to their exceptional strength and resilience, plus their ability to withstand the extremely harsh weather conditions. Their thick coats can insulate them to very low temperatures, and they have snow-shoe feet with hair between the toes to provide traction over snow and ice. It was these attributes that saw them being used for Antarctic expeditions. They retain these skills to this day, and have also become popular as companions and pets.
Breed Specific Ailments
Siberian Huskys tend to live between 12-15 years and are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the health problems associated with this breed includes PRA, cataracts, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and thyroid problems. They can also be prone to zinc responsive dermatitis.
Grooming
Siberian Huskys are heavy shedders that also shed on a seasonal basis, and so they are not suitable for those suffering from allergies. However, their grooming requirements are pretty reasonable. The coat should be brushed around twice a week, increasing to daily during the heavier shedding periods. They can be bathed as and when required.
Exercise & Environment
Siberian Huskys are suited to cool climates due to their thick coats, and are not suitable for small homes such as apartments. They are very energetic and need a fair amount of exercise, and they make great hiking or jogging companions. As a minimum they will need a good half-hour daily walk on a leash plus a yard or garden area in which to play. These areas must be secure because these dogs are good at escaping under or over fences to go hunting, and garden lovers be aware that these dogs love to dig. During warm periods exercise should be moderated, as their coats tend to release body heat very slowly.