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While some people may mistakenly assume Siberian Huskies are wild dogs, part wolf, or some other cross breed, they are, in fact, pure bred dogs with a delightful disposition and long, distinguished history.

Short History of the Breed

Siberian Huskies were originally bred as a working sled dog by the Chukchi people of Siberia and Asia. The first dogs were introduced to Alaska in the early 1900s to participate in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes races, and it became abundantly clear that these dogs were a special breed.

Siberian Huskies gained fame in the U.S. in 1925 when a team of sled dogs relayed life-saving medication to remote Nome, Alaska, where there was a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Thus began the Iditarod. The dogs and their handlers became famous and the dogs began competing in races throughout the country, which made this dog even more popular and in-demand in the continental United States. The AKC recognized the breed in 1930.

Physical Description & Size & Length

Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs, generally 20 – 23 1/2 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds.

Siberian Huskies are recognized by their incredibly thick coat, which can be anything from all black to all white, but most often will have dramatic breed-specific markings. Any coat color or eye color is allowed in this breed.

The Siberian Husky can survive in temperatures as low as -76 degrees Fahrenheit.

Huskies carry many physical traits which help them deal with the cold frigid conditions they were designed for. Fur lined ears help maintain heat in the head making them stay warmer when in cold areas. Dark lined, almond shaped eyes help prevent snow-blindness. Fur covered paws with web-toes helps stay on top of the snow and protects against injuring their paws when on the snow. A light bone structure likewise helps maintain a nice balance on the snow. Their fur is multi-layered helping keep their skin warm and safe from chapping. It also protects against moisture which can be bad in cold temperatures.

Temperament

Contrary to their intimidating demeanor, Siberian Huskies are friendly with owners and strangers alike. They are outgoing, alert, confident, independent, not overly obedient. Some are eager to please. Some can have a stubborn streak. This breed has a predatory nature, however, and Siberian Huskies should be supervised around small animals other than dogs, such as cats, hamsters and gerbils.


Most huskies are talkers. When their family comes home there is often a delightful wooo'ng that takes place. When they get excited you get a lot of whining and what some people describe as crying. Some instead of whine will growl greetings to people and make growl bark sounds.

A happy healthy husky is curious, happy and almost appears to prance about. You can recognize a lot by how they hold their tail as with most dogs. With tail held in a nice loose arch over their back you know they are relaxed and comfortable. A more rigid or stiff appearance with a head held lowered could be unsure or nervous. Tail and head held high and rigid with chest more pronounced is often a show for authority.

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)

Siberian Huskies are relatively easy to care for. They are naturally clean dogs that are usually free from strong odors. Since most huskies carry minimal smell the average husky owner can often go a whole year with only one bath. However as most huskies enjoy rolling in anything that is dead or smells dead there are obvious exceptions to this rule.

Additionally, Siberian huskies need an unusually small amount of food for their size. They have extremely efficient metabolisms and will gain weight if not given adequate exercise, and a good high-protein diet.

The Siberian Husky coat sheds once a year, which can create a hairy household, albeit a temporary one. The "once a year" shed is normally a fill coat blow out. During the rest of the year constant brushing will help minimize the amount of daily shedding that occurs. You know the people that own huskies by the tell-tale fur on everything they own. If you are picky about living in dog fur - don't get a husky.

As a working breed Siberians need a large amount of exercise and will get into mischief such as chewing or hole-digging if bored or anxious. These dogs need to run and do best in active households with lots of room to run around. Siberians need to be kept on a leash or behind a secure fence at all times. The breed was bred for running and they do it well. They are also very gregarious and do best with company, either human or canine. The amount of mischief this breed can get into is number one why most people do not get them. You THINK you are prepared and then you find your husky on the roof or on top of the cooler. A bored or quiet husky is normally a husky that found something to do you wouldn't agree with. Lots of walks, playtime, play time at the dog park keeps for a happy husky. If you take part in the numerous snow sports and involve your husky life is all the better.


Next part posted by IluvMeerkats:
Siberian huskies absolutely LOVE to run! Take my dog for example. My dog ALWAYS runs around our yard! Sometimes even with the neighborhood dogs! Take my word for desperate need of exercise! I love to play with my puppy. I will post a picture of what he looks like. His name is Comanche and he is a grey and white siberian husky. He is a Snowborn Siberian. That's just the name of the breeders. But he's a happy pup!

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

The Siberian Husky is a hearty dog, and on average will live 11 to 15 years or more. Some health concerns specific to the breed include eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and PRA, hip dysplasia, patella luxation and cancer in older dogs. As a working dog Siberians have a tendency to gain weight without exercise.

AKC Group

Siberian Huskies belong to the AKC Working group. Other dogs in this category include the Boxer, St. Bernard, Great Dane, and Doberman Pinscher.

Additional Resources

• Advertise your husky puppies for free
• Siberian Husky Online Community - DogBreed.org
• Yahoo! Pets
• AKC
• Siberian Husky Club of America
• Siberian Husky Health Foundation
• About: Dogs