Siberian Husky

Table of Contents

Siberian Husky Appearance

Siberian Huskies are mischievous beauties who are easily recognized by their distinctive markings and plush double-coat. The thick double-coat is comprised of a dense undercoat and a longer top coat of shorter guard hairs that help protect the Siberian Husky from the elements. The coat may come in a wide variety of colors and combinations which will usually include white paws, legs, and tip of the tail. Huskies also have distinctive facial masks and their eyes are often encircled with dark fur. The powerful stance and compact figure of the Husky convey both the strength and agility that are key characteristics of this breed. They carry erect, triangular ears that are thick and extremely furry with slightly curved tips high on the head. Siberian Huskies are also well known for their intense gaze; this breed will have piercing blue, brown, or parti-colored eyes. Some Huskies even have one blue and one brown eye, which further enhance their exotic look. These lively pups will grow to stand between 20-24 inches tall and will weigh in around 35-60 lbs., relative to their height. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, Siberian Huskies will generally live to be between 12-14 years old.

Siberian Husky Grooming

The downy undercoat and straight topcoat can quickly amass quite a build-up, making regular grooming necessary to avoid painful matting and to eliminate any odors that may become trapped in the bushy coat. The dense, fluffy coat requires daily brushing to help remove excess fur as well as keep the Husky comfortably clean. An occasional bath will also help keep the Husky clean, but this breed will often display cat-like grooming habits. Trimming their strong nails regularly will help prevent any painful ingrown or breakage. Due to their extremely high energy levels, the Husky may grind their nails down naturally during daily activities. Including a quick wipe of their ears during regular grooming will help keep them clean and free of any wax build up.

Siberian Husky Temperament

These pups are characteristically playful and very sociable, even to strangers. While that may make them lousy watchdogs, their loving nature makes them excellent companions. They are affectionate with almost everyone they encounter and get along great with children as well as other dogs. Huskies tend to be rather rambunctious during play and may be too rough with smaller children so it’s best to supervise during playtime. The Siberian Husky also harbors a strong prey drive and shouldn’t be around cats or other small animals unleashed. Huskies are a very high energy breed and require plenty of exercise throughout the day. Due to the Siberian Husky’s history, it’s no surprise that these dogs love to run. They have a strong desire to roam and race across the town to their heart’s content. Their high levels of intelligence make them excellent escape artists. Their wanderlust coupled with their uncanny problem-solving skills requires the owner to be especially vigilant in maintaining a properly fenced yard and keeping the Husky on a leash when out in public to avoid any potential accidents or injuries. It is very important that these dogs get adequate exercise each and every day or they will turn to destructive behavior out of boredom. Siberian Huskies are sensitive and intelligent creatures who may not always seem eager to please their owners, but obedience training is necessary to teach the Husky proper behaviors. These dogs thrive best in the hands of experienced dog owners who can keep up with the Husky’s high energy, strong will, and ceaseless antics.

Siberian Husky Training

Training a dog with such high intelligence and independence like the Siberian Husky can be difficult, especially to a first time dog owner. These dogs will respond best to trainers with an equally strong will and who can assert themselves as leader of the pack. Huskies will often try test their limits and it is important for the owner to establish their position as leader and maintain a solid relationship with the Husky. Beginning obedience training early will yield the best results and help instill good behavior in puppyhood. Since they enjoy social interactions, utilizing positive training methods will help the owner bond with their Husky during sessions. Huskies have been known to behave beautifully during obedience class and immediately disregard commands at home; continuing training outside class is crucial in assuring the Husky doesn’t revert back to bad behaviors. Huskies are also known to howl rather than bark, and will often lightly howl throughout the day to communicate with their owners or during play. While this sort of talking is acceptable, Huskies may turn to extremely loud howling when bored or lonely. Interacting with the Husky throughout the day and properly exercising them will help to avoid this behavior.

Siberian Husky History

Today’s Siberian Husky is believed to be derived from the same common ancestor as the Samoyed Dog and the Alaskan Malamute and are one of the oldest dog breeds. The Husky’s ancestral line has been traced back to a group of nomadic Siberians called the Chukchi. These dogs are the very embodiment of efficiency; they were able to carry workloads in low temperatures for long distances and seemed to have nearly boundless energy. Huskies weren’t just utilized as working dogs; they were usually a member of the family and slept indoors with their owners. Once imported into Alaska during the early 1900s, Huskies were mainly put to work as sled dogs during the gold rush. Their ability to travel great distances at a quick pace also made them prime candidates for the All Alaska Sweepstakes race which covered a race course of just over 400 miles. Today’s Husky is still often seen competing in racing competitions as well as living as family companions. The Siberian Husky makes a great addition to any experienced family with an equal amount of vitality.