Siberian Husky

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal, Outgoing, Mischievous

GROUP: Working Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Frequent

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Independent

CHARACTERISTIC: Largest Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Spitz-Type Dogs

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Origin

Siberia

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Registration

1930

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Size

21 - 23.5 Inches (Male)

20 - 22 Inches (Female)

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Weight

45 - 60 Pounds (Male)

35 - 50 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection that a breed demonstrates towards family members or acquaintances can vary widely. Certain breeds may show warmth exclusively to their owners, whereas others are known for greeting familiar faces with equal enthusiasm as they would their best friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The extent to which a breed can gracefully endure children's actions and possess a disposition that's accommodating to family life varies. It's important to monitor dogs when they are in the vicinity of young ones, especially children unfamiliar with canine interactions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed with other canines can differ significantly. Even though close supervision during dog-to-dog meetings is essential, certain breeds naturally exhibit a higher propensity for friendliness toward their fellow dogs, whether it's during home playdates or public encounters.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of hair a breed scatters can be substantial; frequent brushings, potential allergy triggers and an upswing in vacuuming and lint-rolling activities are all more common with breeds that have higher shedding rates.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming regimen for a breed, including baths, brushings and trims, varies evaluate your availability, patience and grooming budget before committing. Remember, consistent nail trimming is a must for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The likelihood of a breed to drool extensively varies; for those who cherish cleanliness, a slobber-heavy dog may not be the ideal companion, as they can lead to unsolicited saliva trails on your arm or damp patches on your attire.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The likelihood of different breeds to warmly receive unfamiliar faces varies. You'll find that certain breeds exhibit a natural reserve or wariness in the presence of people they haven't met before, no matter the setting. On the flip side, there are those breeds that are invariably delighted at the prospect of making a new two-legged friend whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
A breed's zeal for playful activities can extend well beyond its puppy years. Certain breeds keep a puppy-like enjoyment for energetic games like tug-of-war or fetch, maintaining a love for playtime well into their maturity. Meanwhile, other breeds are more content to spend their days lounging comfortably on the couch alongside you indulging in relaxation over active play.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The propensity of a breed to signal the presence of newcomers is quite distinct. Such breeds are often on high alert ready to respond to anything they deem suspicious, be it the daily arrival of the mail carrier or a curious squirrel scampering past the window. These alert canines generally grow more amicable with unfamiliar guests once they step into the home and receive the household's seal of approval.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to change encompasses its tolerance to a range of lifestyle adjustments, whether it be shifting living environments, fluctuating noise levels, weather changes, alterations in daily routines or other day-to-day shifts. Some breeds navigate these changes with ease, while others may require more time and patience to acclimate to new circumstances.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The trainability of your dog and its eagerness to take on new challenges can vary widely from breed to breed. Some are naturally inclined to please their owners, grasping new commands with enthusiasm in their quest to make you proud. Meanwhile, other breeds might display a more independent streak choosing to follow their own whims and desires, often on their own schedule and terms.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The necessity for physical activity and mental engagement varies significantly across breeds. High-energy breeds are a bundle of boundless vigor always on the lookout for the next thrilling exploit; you'll often find them dashing, leaping and frolicking from dawn to dusk. On the other side of the spectrum, low-energy breeds epitomize the "couch potato" lifestyle fully content to while away the hours lounging and napping in cozy comfort.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Frequent
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The mental engagement necessary to keep a breed content and flourishing can vary greatly. Dogs bred for specific purposes may need tasks that demand critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, focused attention and other cognitive skills. Without adequate opportunities to stretch their mental muscles, they might take the initiative to devise their own diversions. Unfortunately, these self-assigned "projects" aren't likely to align with your own preferences or household peace.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Agouti & White

001

Black & White

019

Gray & White

105

Red & White

146

Sable & White

165

White

199

Brown & White

063

Black Tan & White

030

Black

007

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Piebald

025

Saddle-Back

083

About The Breed

The Siberian Husky, with its luxurious coat is a robust, yet moderately sized sled dog renowned for its stamina. Developed to navigate the icy terrains in teams, Huskies are built to transport light cargo at a brisk pace across extensive wintry landscapes. Known for their sociable nature, meticulous habits and majestic poise, Sibes exude a friendly charm. The elegant Siberian Husky is distinguished by its almond eyes, sporting hues of brown or blue and occasionally a captivating mix of both, all contributing to their sharp yet playful and sometimes roguish gaze. Agile and light on their feet, Siberians are celebrated for their vigorous but smooth stride. They typically weigh in under 60 pounds presenting a sleeker less imposing figure than their close relative, the Alaskan Malamute. True to their heritage as pack animals, they thrive in a family environment and are companionable with other canines. However, their convivial nature makes them less suitable as guard dogs. Bursting with vitality, these dogs have an irresistible urge to pursue smaller creatures meaning a well-secured area for exercise is essential. A bonus for their owners is the Sibe's inherent cleanliness and minimal doggy scent.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A SIBERIAN HUSKY

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Siberian Husky: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

The Siberian Husky generally boasts robust health. Conscientious breeders will screen their stock to identify and manage health issues like juvenile cataracts. The Siberian Husky Club of America, the breed's official national organization enforces stringent guidelines to minimize the occurrence of such problems. It is recommended that starting at the age of one year, any Siberian Husky considered for a breeding program be assessed by a specialist in canine eye health. This examination should become an annual ritual. Advances in screening techniques are continuously emerging assisting breeders in making informed decisions regarding the selection of both dams and sires. It's through educated breeding strategies that the health future of the breed is safeguarded.

For those who own Siberians as working dogs, it's crucial to observe each animal with a keen eye to detect any signs that may suggest health issues. An alliance with a vet who has a background in caring for active breeds can be particularly beneficial providing an edge in maintaining the well-being of these spirited dogs.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

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Siberian Huskies are admired for their 'au naturel' disposition maintaining a surprising level of cleanliness with minimal assistance. They typically require just a few baths annually barring their participation in dog shows where they may need more frequent grooming. To keep their coat and skin healthy, a routine of weekly brushings is beneficial. Equipped with a double layer of fur, which includes a dense undercoat and a layer of protective guard hairs, Huskies undergo biannual shedding. During these periods, it's crucial to diligently remove the old undercoat. Employing tools like a pin brush and metal comb can be quite effective. It's also crucial to monitor nail length to ward off paw issues regular trimming is necessary. For those Siberians gracing the show ring grooming becomes an art that demands more precision to ensure they're showcased in all their glory.
Health

Exercise

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The dynamic and athletic Siberian Husky necessitates ample exercise. As a working breed, they thrive on having a purpose and are indeed most content when they're active and engaged. Regular physical and mental exercises are not only essential for their well-being but also serve to fortify the bond between the dog and its owner. The breed has an innate drive to run, a trait deeply embedded within their lineage. Therefore, it's critical to manage their environment carefully to prevent them from taking off on their own. Huskies should always be kept on a leash, harnessed or within the confines of a secured fence when outdoors to curtail their pursuit for adventure. For those looking to channel their Siberian's energy positively, the American Kennel Club (AKC) sponsors a variety of activities that dogs and their owners can enjoy together. These can include rally, agility and obedience, which not only provide physical outlets but also mental stimulation. An active lifestyle is a cornerstone for a joyful and healthy Siberian Husky. The breed is quite versatile, and even for those residing in urban environments, there are alternatives like daily walks or joining doggie playgroups to ensure that these spirited canines receive the exercise they need.
Health

Training

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Every dog breed thrives with prompt socialization, fundamental obedience instruction and the cultivation of proper behavior, this includes the spirited Siberian Husky. For those enthusiastic owners eying the prospect of sled-pulling commit to extensive training, a journey demanding enduring perseverance. Numerous insightful guides on mushing literature are at your disposal offering essential guidelines and introductory know-how. Keep in mind, infusing enjoyment into training sessions is paramount for both the Siberian and the trainer. These sociable creatures crave the presence of either their human families or canine pals and are not cut out for solitude during long hours. Above all, Siberians possess an innate propensity for sprinting and must always be leashed or within a safe enclosure to prevent them from taking off.
Health

Nutrition

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A premium dog food is crucial for maintaining the lush coat and healthy dermis of a Siberian. The working Husky’s diet should fluctuate in protein content according to their activity levels. During the less demanding summer season, a modest 20 percent protein diet may suffice, while those powering through winter's challenges in harness might require a robust 32 percent. Keep a vigilant eye on each dog, tailoring their diet to meet their specific needs and always be mindful of their intake to avoid excess weight. Regular weight checks are advisable and supplements should be used judiciously.

Historiography

The compact stature, insulated coat, perked ears and curved tail of the Siberian Husky conspicuously reflect its Arctic lineage. Originally nurtured by Northeast Asia's Chukchi people, these dogs served a dual purpose as family companions and durable sledding canines. In the face of shifting weather patterns that compelled the Chukchis to wander further afield or face extinction, they ingeniously bred a sled dog that could cover immense icy terrains with stellar efficiency and minimal effort. The isolation of the Chukchi preserved the lineage of these canine teams for generations culminating in the noble predecessors of the contemporary Siberian Husky. Capturing public admiration through sled racing victories in the early 20th century, their claim to fame skyrocketed in 1925 when a courageous squad of Huskies, led by the esteemed Leonhard Seppala traversed 658 miles in a mere five and a half days. This heroic "Serum Run" to deliver lifesaving medicine to Nome, Alaska amidst a diphtheria outbreak cemented the Siberians' widespread acclaim. Balto, Seppala's lead dog during the race's climax earned an indelible place as one of history's most revered canine heroes. Today, mushers across North America cherish sledding Siberians for both sport and pleasure, while others simply revel in the breed's amiable and companionable nature.

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