Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky combines striking, wolf-like good looks with speed and grace, and these traits have endeared them to both dog lovers as well as film and TV creators.
Huskies are working dogs, and their role as sled dogs has given them a well-balanced, athletic build and endless stamina.
Temperament
Siberian Huskies display all the qualities that Northern dogs are known for, with an outgoing nature and affection for family, strangers, and other dogs. As pack animals, Huskies are not shy in the least, and are quick to make friends. They aren’t known to be aggressive, and get along well with almost anyone. However, they may view smaller animals such as cats as prey, and having a Husky in a multi-species household may not be ideal. Huskies are both intelligent and independent, making them ideal working dogs for a variety of tasks. They can be mischievous when the urge strikes them. They don’t live to please their humans, but instead view humans as partners and packmates.The Ultimate Guide to Siberian Husky
Origins
Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeast Asia to be sled dogs. While technically a part of the Spitz family of dogs, the makeup of the original Huskies is impossible to trace after hundreds of years of unrecorded breeding. Siberian Huskies were first brought to America through Alaska in the early 20th century, and they enjoyed moderate success as utilitarian sled dogs. It was in 1925 when the breed would really come to be known by the public. Siberian Huskies formed the teams of sled dogs that would bring vital life-saving serum to Nome, Alaska, which had suffered a deadly diphtheria outbreak. The journey of the sled dog teams was followed by people all over America through radio and newspapers. They called it the Great Race of Mercy, and when the sled dog teams succeeded, the popularity of Siberian Huskies reached all-new heights. The legend of these dogs lives on today, immortalized with films, books, and TV shows about the heroic dogs Togo, Balto, and Fritz.
Key Characteristics of Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky | Siberian Huskies display all the qualities that Northern dogs are known for, with an outgoing nature and affection for family, strangers, and other dogs. As pack animals, Huskies are not shy in the least, and are quick to make friends.
They aren’t known to be aggressive, and get along well with almost anyone. However, they may view smaller animals such as cats as prey, and having a Husky in a multi-species household may not be ideal.
Huskies are both intelligent and independent, making them ideal working dogs for a variety of tasks. They can be mischievous when the urge strikes them. They don’t live to please their humans, but instead view humans as partners and packmates. |
Exercise Needs | Huskies are incredibly energetic dogs that can run endlessly if allowed to do so, and they require a good amount of exercise each day to burn off all this energy. Around an hour of exercise per day is a good baseline for most Siberian Huskies.
A Husky will run, given the opportunity, so any outdoor walk with your Husky will need to be done with a leash. They are excellent jogging companions, provided that it isn’t too hot for them, as they are not resistant to heat.
Huskies also excel at more challenging activities such as agility courses or rally obedience, and they can be taught to perform all sorts of tricks. These can provide your Husky with the physical and mental stimulation necessary to prevent destructive behaviors from forming.
Most Siberian Huskies will also love to dig to get rid of excess energy, and any fenced outdoor space where they are allowed to roam free will need to be reinforced. |
Siberian Husky Grooming | Siberian Huskies generally have a medium-length double coat, with a straight, sleek top coat and dense and fluffy undercoat.
Huskies will shed lightly throughout the year, and will blow coat twice a year. It’s advisable to have a vacuum cleaner handy when Huskies blow coat, as the shedding may be extreme. It’s not uncommon to find large clumps of Husky fur lying all around the house during this time.
For most of the year, brushing once a week is sufficient, and daily brushing when the Husky blows coat is advised.
Baths can be done if and when your Husky has gotten too dirty from being outdoors, but most Huskies rarely need them. Huskies generally do not smell, and they are fastidious about cleaning themselves much like cats.
Tooth brushing should be done a couple of times a week, or daily if possible. Nail trimming can be done regularly if their nails are not worn down naturally by outdoor exercise. |
Siberian Husky Training | As working dogs, Siberian Huskies are both smart and self-directed. They have their own way of doing things and are expert problem-solvers. This can make them a handful for novice dog owners.
Huskies benefit from a confident owner who can set clear rules with their dog and can implement consistent, patient training. Huskies tend to be easily amused, so finding a space with few distractions may be beneficial to your training sessions.
Despite their independent streak, Huskies love having a job to do, and can be trained successfully if you find the right way to motivate them. |
Siberian Husky Lifespan And Health Issues | Siberian Huskies can live longer than other dogs, up to 12 to 16 years of age. Siberian Huskies may be prone to:
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Siberian Husky Size and Space Requirements | Siberian Huskies will generally only weigh between 35 to 60 pounds, which is relatively slim for how tall they get. They stand between 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder.
Siberian Huskies are not very large dogs but due to their high energy levels, they are not well-suited to small apartments. They can be kept in apartments if they have ample enclosed outdoor space to tire themselves out, such as a fenced yard. The fence should also be tall enough that the Husky cannot jump over it, as they are natural escape artists.
Siberian Huskies also have an almost terrier-like love of digging, and they will create holes in any yard. It’s advised to teach your Husky to only dig in one spot, instead of trying to get them to stop digging completely. |
Other considerations:
- Siberian Huskies do not generally bark, but they are vocal in another way: howling. Huskies will howl to communicate with other dogs and their owners. Training your Husky the “quiet” command at an early age may help to curb this behavior.
- Siberian Huskies have either blue or brown eyes, or a mix of both. It is not uncommon to see Huskies with two different colors of eyes, also known as Heterochromia.
- They are exceptionally well-suited to cold climates, being able to survive in temperatures as low as -76° F.
How can I take good care of my Siberian Husky or Puppy?
Proper socialization
Siberian Husky puppies should be socialized early and often. Reputable dog breeders will usually only release puppies to buyers at 8 weeks old at the earliest, it is still possible to do socialization work even if the puppy does not have a complete set of vaccinations. The period between 8 and 12 weeks of age is crucial as this is when the Siberian Husky puppies will begin forming lifelong traits that carry on into adulthood.
Proper nutrition
Siberian Huskies are bred for harsh conditions and can handle low amounts of food. A working Husky will need more protein than a Husky that stays at home, so consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog’s energy level and amount of exercise. Your breeder may specify a specific brand or type of kibble that they have been giving to your Husky before they are released to you. Transitioning your Husky from this dog food slowly is important to prevent digestive system issues. Since Huskies generally eat a little less than other dog breeds of the same size, weighing out your Siberian Husky’s meals can help keep them from becoming overweight.
Up-to-date vaccinations
Upon bringing home your Siberian Husky puppy, it’s a good idea to contact a trusted veterinarian so they can advise you regarding the proper vaccination schedule for your puppy. Following this schedule is crucial in protecting your puppy from common transmissible diseases and bacteria.
Most Asked Siberian Husky Questions
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