|
Siberian Husky Dog Breed Info | About Siberian Husky Dogs
Siberian Husky History |
Siberian Husky Temperament
Siberian Husky Care | Siberian Husky Exercise
Siberian Husky Grooming | Siberian Husky Training
Siberian Husky Health | Choosing a Siberian Husky Puppy
Copyright©1997
- 2010
Dogs and Puppies
Central
All Rights Reserved
 Country
of Origin: Russian Federation
Alternate Names:
Size Variations:
Color Variations: colors
Height: 20-23 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Exercise Needs: Demanding
Grooming Demands: Demanding
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.
Good With Other Pets: With caution - see below.
Trainability: Moderate
Common Misspellings: Siberian Huskys , AKC Siberian Huskies, CKC Siberian Huskies
Breed Group AKC: Working
Breed Group CKC:
Breed Group UK:
Breed Group AU:
Breed Group NZ:
Breed Group UKC:
Back to Menu
There are few dog breeds as charming and enervating as the beautiful Siberian Husky. Related to the Alaskan Malamute and the wolf, the Siberian Husky is an extremely loyal dog built for hard work. His compact, muscular body and thick hair coat bring to mind the vast snow plains of Alaska and Siberia. Watch a Sibe in the first snow of the season, and it's impossible to miss the utter joy in his play. He will dig a hole in the deep snow and curl up for a nap, leaving his human companions flabbergasted.
Back to Menu
Credit for this uniquely-marked member of the Spitz family goes to an indigenous tribe of Russian people, known as the Chukchi or Chukchee. Living on the Chukchi Peninsula and along the shores of the nearby Bering and Chukchi seas, these people relied heavily upon reindeer and sturdy sled dogs to help them haul heavy loads across the frozen terrain, as well as for speedy travel across the ice and snow. Fleet of foot and powerfully built, these beautiful dogs were ideal candidates for the job and were utilized for centuries. In fact, recent DNA analysis has been able to confirm that the Siberian Husky along with his cousin, the Alaskan Malamute, is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world.
It's still debated whether or not the Siberian Husky actually originated in Siberia, or if he originated elsewhere but was then developed by the Siberian Chukchi people. Regardless, it is a known fact that he was first introduced to Alaska in 1909, where he practically dominated the sport of sled dog racing. To date, the Siberian Husky remains a popular favorite amongst the various sled dog breeds, prized as a faithful and loving companion, a worthy guardian of the family, and a hard worker with lots of heart. As well-known as his wolf-like markings and curled tail, the intelligence and gentle temperament of the Siberian Husky endears him in the hearts of most who meet him.
Siberian Huskies grew in popularity following the 1925 Diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska, when the people had to rely upon swift-moving sled dog teams to carry the life-saving medicine to the city. Also used in the Antarctic Expeditions of Admiral Byrd, many were amazed by the beauty and power of these amazing dogs and they would continue to spread throughout the United States and throughout the world. Today, the Siberian Husky is one of the world's most popular and beloved breeds of dog.
Back to Menu
The Siberian Husky puppy is an active and excited prankster, full of a zest for life and a seemingly endless desire for play. This playful and mischievous behavior usually lasts well into adulthood, making the Siberian Husky an entertaining companion for many years. With children, he is usually gentle and protective, enjoying games where he races around and plays tag as opposed to knock down and wrestling games. Huskies love to run and the opportunity to give chase to things is seldom turned down.
While gentle with children in most cases, the Siberian Husky does retain a lot of "wild" aspects - They prefer the company of other Huskies and are usually pack-minded. While this means that they are protective of home and family, it also means that one must establish dominance or "alpha" status with their Husky or disobedience and pranking is common.
Additionally, Huskies can also be troublesome with other animals, particularly smaller ones. Some are known for a penchant for running deer, while others will attack birds, rabbits and cats - not out of malice, but simply due to a natural tendency to do this. One way to help alleviate this problem is to raise your Husky puppy around these animals and integrate them into the family, so your Husky learns to tolerate them. Even so, playtime should be observed, in order to ensure all are safe.
Back to Menu
In reality, the Siberian Husky is anything but the vicious creature his appearance suggests. This is a sociable, eager, but high-energy breed, difficult to keep under control in a suburban residential setting. Siberian Huskies do not take well to the typical chain-link enclosure. If they can�t climb out, they will dig under the fence to escape. They fare best on a wire runner, but don�t be surprised if your intelligent, crafty pup quickly masters the connecting snap or finds a way to remove his collar. Sibes need room to run, lots of exercise, and a job to do. This breed is not suitable for apartment living unless you are willing to put in the time to make sure that his need for activity is met. Hot climates are difficult for the Siberian, so if you live such an area, you may have to resign yourself to shaving the dog for most of the year.
While the Siberian Husky's coat does not mat up if he fails to receive a daily brushing, most dogs do enjoy a weekly combing and it's a good time to give your dog some hands-on t.l.c., helping to detect potential problems early on. Huskies also shed their coats a couple of times a year, where their thick and wooly undercoat will come out in clumps; a daily brushing during this time will help to free this dead hair from his coat and cause less of a mess to your furniture and carpeting.
Back to Menu
Training your Siberian Husky requires time, patience and a gentle nature. Huskies do not respond well to a heavy hand or loud voices but, instead, learn best by repetition and with lots of praise to reinforce positive behavior. Consistency and routine are a must when training your Husky puppy.
Back to Menu
Like any breed of dog, the Siberian Husky is subject to a variety of health concerns though, fortunately, few are breed-specific. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Siberian Husky puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful canines. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Siberian Huskies include:
Juvenile cataracts
PRA often affecting male dogs
Urethra displacement
Hip dysplasia, though not as common as one may expect
Back to Menu
It is easy to be seduced by the friendly, quick nature of the Siberian Husky and the unmistakable hint of the wild in his wolf-like appearance. As with any exotic breed, it is vital to your happiness and his that you have the resources to provide what the breed requires before you allow yourself the pleasure of bringing home a dog of this type. They are strong and strong-willed, intelligent and personable, benefiting greatly from obedience training, but they are not the breed for every owner.
Back to Menu
|
Siberian Husky
History
Is
the Siberian Husky The Right Dog Breed For You?
