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Siberian Huskies are a medium sized,
strong, graceful, and tenacious sled dog. They are a handsome dog, energetic and
dignified. While they are a medium sized dog, they are extremely strong, able to pull
light loads at moderate speeds for long distances.
 AKC Official Siberian Husky
Standard
The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of
the breed. It describes the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed
otherwise known as type. Some characteristics, such as size, coat quality, and movement,
are based on the original (or current) function for the dog. Other characteristics are
more cosmetic such as eye color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all
others. The Standard describes an ideal representation of the breed. No individual dog is
perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the breeder to strive towards.
History
The Siberian Husky was originally developed by the
Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. They were also used to
herd reindeer. In 1909, the first large numbers of these Chukchi dogs were brought to
Alaska to compete in the long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races, and the Alaskan dog
drivers quickly recognized the ability of these small, compact dogs from Siberia.
In the winter of 1925, when a diphtheria epidemic broke out in the
isolated town of Nome, Alaska, a relay of dog teams brought life-saving serum from distant
Nenana. This heroic endeavor earned national prominence for the drivers and their dogs.
One of these drivers, Leonhard Seppala, brought his team of Siberian Huskies, descendants
of the original imports from Siberia, to the United States on a personal appearance tour.
While in New England he competed in sled dog races and again proved the superiority of
Siberian Huskies over the native dogs. The New England drivers and pioneer fanciers
acquired foundation stock, earned AKC recognition for the breed in 1930, and founded the
Siberian Husky Club of America in 1938.
Characteristics and Temperament
The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is by
nature fastidiously clean and is typically free from body odor and parasites. Siberian s
clean themselves like cats. In fact, a Siberian that becomes soiled with mud will clean
himself up. Therefore, bathing requirements are minimal. In fact, most owners bathe their
dogs once per year or less.
Twice a year, Siberians "blow" their undercoats, that is, they
shed their undercoats completely. It is a very intense shedding period that can last three
weeks or more from start to finish. The good news is that this only happens twice a year.
The remainder of the time, Siberians are relatively shed free. Some people feel that this
periodic problem is easier to cope with than the constant shedding and renewal of many
smooth-coated breeds. The bad news is that the shedding period can be rather messy. The
hair comes out in large and small clumps. Lots of vacuuming and brushing are in order. It
should be noted, however, that this shedding "schedule" is climate dependent.
Some owners that live in very warm climes, ones that lack clearly defined "seasonal
changes," report some shedding year round in the breed.
Other than during coat-blowing season, the Siberian needs very little
grooming. No trimming or shaving of hair is required or recommended. Just occasional
brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh and shiny is required. Their nails
should be checked and clipped periodically, and their feet should be checked regularly to
ensure good health, particularly in actively working dogs.
Temperament
The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not
fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may be a heritage from the past, since the
Chukchi people held their dogs in great esteem, housed them in the family shelters, and
encouraged their children to play with them. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please,
and adaptable. An aggressive dog is not a team dog, and therefore a lousy sled dog.
Siberians are an extremely intelligent and independent breed. They can be very stubborn,
owing to their original purpose, and they are easily bored. This independent and stubborn
nature may at times challenge your ingenuity. His versatility makes him an agreeable
companion to people of all ages and varying interests. However, this is not a breed that
is typically recommended for first-time dog owners, as mistakes are easy to make and
sometimes difficult to fix with this remarkably intelligent and opportunistic breed. While
capable of showing strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is not usually a
one-man dog. He exhibits no fear or suspicion of strangers and is as likely to greet a
would be thief as warmly as a trusted family member. This is not the temperament of a
watch-dog, although a Siberian Husky may unwittingly act as a deterrent to those ignorant
of his true hospitable nature, simply due to his intense personality and appearance.
Barking
Siberian Huskies are rather quiet dogs. They do not typically bark. They
do talk, however, in a soft "woo woo woo" sound. They can also howl quite well.
Owners of multiple Huskies report frequent howling, starting and stopping simultaneously.
Since the Siberian, like other northern breeds, is a very pack oriented animal, this
behavior is typical.
Care and Training
Feeding
When you collect your puppy, your breeder should tell
you what the puppy's diet has been to date, as well as recommendation as to the best food
and feeding frequency in the future, both for while the dog is still a puppy as well as
when the dog is an adult. You should try and follow the puppy's diet at the time you
collect him from the breeder as best you can, until the puppy is settled in to its new
environment. Then you can gradually change the diet to suit your preferences. Remember
that sudden changes in diet can severely disrupt the puppy's digestive system and cause
gastric distress. The Siberian requires a relatively small amount of food for his size.
This trait may be traced to the origins of the breed, as the Chukchis developed their dogs
to pull a light load at a fast pace over great distances in low temperatures on the
smallest possible intake of food.
As for the type and "brand" of dog food, basically any reputable
dog food manufacturer provides a dog food that is sufficient to keep a dog healthy.
However, the premium brands of dog food have the advantage that one can feed the dog less
and still get very good nourishment. In addition, stool size and amount is generally less
with the premium dog foods. Keep in mind that feeding dogs is partly art, and partly
science. The dog food manufacturers have done the science part. The rest is up to you.
Some people feed their dogs a mix of canned and dry food twice a day. Others feed only dry
and allow free feeding, and so on. Be sure and pick a frequency of feeding, brand, and
type of food to suit your dogs needs. For working Siberians, a "performance"
formula is in order. For Siberians that go for walks and hikes, a "maintenance"
formula is usually best. Consult your breeder and veterinarian for advice.
One other thing worth mentioning here is how long to feed puppy food. Some
research indicates that feeding puppy food for too long can increase the incidence of hip
dysplasia in dogs that are susceptible to it. Some breeders start feeding adult food very
soon. Even though the Siberian is not fully mature until 18 months, most people gradually
switch to adult dog food at the 8-10 month time frame. Again, this is something to discuss
with your breeder and veterinarian.
Housing
Siberian Huskies are happiest when they can share in
family activities. The best arrangement is one in which the dog can come in and out of the
house of its own free-will, through a dog door. If a dog door is not possible, then
training the dog to go to an outside door to be let out is also very easy to do. Outside,
the dog should have a large, fenced yard. The fence should be strong and at least 6 feet
tall. It is also a good idea to bury wire in the ground to discourage digging out.
Siberians are notorious diggers. It is usually best to set up a sand box somewhere in a
shaded part of the yard and encourage digging there, if possible. Siberians should not be
allowed to roam around the neighborhood. If one chooses to kennel a Siberian, the kennel
should be chain link, with a concrete run, and should be 6 to 7 ft wide and 10 to 15 ft
long. It should be at least 6 ft high with chain link across the top of the kennel. It
should be in a shaded location and have an insulated dog house with a door for shelter
from the elements.
Because the Siberian is an arctic dog, it can remain outside in very cold
weather. However, it should be provided with shelter from the elements in the form of a
good sturdy house. The house should have a flat roof, as Siberians love to lay on top of
their houses and observe the world. A good insulated house with nice straw bedding is
perfect for Siberians that spend most of their time outside. Heating the dog house is
usually not necessary.
Training
Training Siberian Huskies can be a challenge. They are
an extremely intelligent, energetic, and stubborn breed, and one must be ready for the
unexpected. Training should start when the dog is young. You should work to establish the
rules of the house early, and make sure that the puppy knows that you are in charge. For
example, if you do not want the dog on the bed as an adult, do not allow it as a puppy and
never give in, even once, or the dog will think that all rules are flexible. The rule of
thumb is that if you train a dog to do something, expect him to do it. Therefore, if the
puppy learns that certain things are allowed, it will be difficult to train them not to do
them as adults.
Since the dog is pack-oriented, it important to establish yourself as the
head of the pack, or alpha, very early. Once you do this, the dog will respect you and
training will be much easier. It is very important to understand the distinction between
establishing yourself as alpha and bullying the dog into submission. These are not the
same thing! The former is simply a communication that the dog needs and expects, while the
latter is very negative and detrimental to the dog's well-being. By establishing yourself
as the leader of the pack early, your dog will learn to respect you and look to you for
guidance and will know where the boundaries for acceptable behavior lie. It is best to
enroll in a puppy training class (or puppy kindergarten training as they are commonly
known) soon after your dog is home and has all of its vaccinations. This training is good
for the dog and for you as the owner, as it will help you understand your new puppy and
establish you as alpha very early in the puppy's life, which is important with this breed.
Once you have completed the puppy class, and have been working with the dog for a few
months, a basic obedience class is in order.
Obedience training this breed can be very interesting and extremely
challenging. Many owners will complain that their dogs act perfectly in class, but will
not obey at home. This breed is intelligent enough to differentiate situations very well,
and will apply different rules of behavior for different situations. You must stay on top
of the dog and maintain control, which is easier to do while the dog is of manageable size
than with a stubborn, energetic adult that has been allowed to get away with undesirable
behavior for a long time.
It is very important to remember that the Siberian Husky is a working
breed. His heritage has endowed him with the desire to run and his conformation has given
him the ability to enjoy it effortlessly. Because of this, it is important that no
Siberian ever be allowed unrestrained freedom. Instead, for his own protection, he should
be confined and under control at all times. Since he is a working dog, he must be given
something to do. Exercise may be obtained in the leash, at play, and best of all, through mushing. Siberians make wonderful hiking companions, and with a dog backpack, can carry
food and water. Above all, if you feel that it is inconvenient or cruel to keep a dog
confined and under control like this, then the Siberian Husky is not the breed for you.
Medical Problems
The Siberian Husky is a remarkably healthy breed. When
well cared for, the Siberian is relatively "maintenance free", outside of normal
checkups and vaccinations.
Hip Dysplasia
The incidence of hip dysplasia in Siberians is fairly
low. However, breeding Siberians should, among other things, be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals) certified prior to breeding. OFA certification cannot be granted prior to 24
months of age. Conscientious efforts of breeders have kept the incidence of this condition
low in the Siberian.
Eye Problems
According to CERF, the incidence of cataracts in the
breed checked by ACVO veterinarians is around 15-18%. With the typical cataract, the dogs
vision is not usually substantially affected, and they lead a full, happy, albeit it
neutered, life. However, a more aggressive cataract also exists, which progresses quickly
and may cause blindness by 2 to 3 years of age.
Corneal dystrophy is also present in the breed. This disease causes
diffuse and progressive vision loss in mid to older age. It is often not present or
detectable until age 4 to 6 years, at which time the dog could easily have produced a few
litters and perpetuated the problem.
Glaucoma is also present in the Siberian, particularly in some specific
racing lines. Glaucoma causes the animal significant pain and vision loss usually before
it is detected by the owner.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal atrophy
(CPRA) have appeared in a number of breeds, including Siberians. These problems are
genetically caused. Careful screening of potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the
incidence of these problem in the breed, and the current incidence of PRA is relatively
low.
Medical Problems
The
Siberian Husky is a remarkably healthy breed. When well cared for, the
Siberian is relatively "maintenance free", outside of normal checkups and
vaccinations.
Hip Dysplasia
The incidence of hip dysplasia in Siberians is fairly
low. However, breeding Siberians should, among other things, be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals) certified prior to breeding. OFA certification cannot be granted prior to 24
months of age. Conscientious efforts of breeders have kept the incidence of this condition
low in the Siberian.
Eye Problems
According to CERF, the incidence of cataracts in the
breed checked by ACVO veterinarians is around 15-18%. With the typical cataract, the dogs
vision is not usually substantially affected, and they lead a full, happy, albeit it
neutered, life. However, a more aggressive cataract also exists, which progresses quickly
and may cause blindness by 2 to 3 years of age.
Corneal dystrophy is also present in the breed. This disease causes
diffuse and progressive vision loss in mid to older age. It is often not present or
detectable until age 4 to 6 years, at which time the dog could easily have produced a few
litters and perpetuated the problem.
Glaucoma is also present in the Siberian, particularly in some specific
racing lines. Glaucoma causes the animal significant pain and vision loss usually before
it is detected by the owner.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal atrophy
(CPRA) have appeared in a number of breeds, including Siberians. These problems are
genetically caused. Careful screening of potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the
incidence of these problem in the breed, and the current incidence of PRA is relatively
low.
Questions Most Asked
Are Siberian Huskies part wolf?
No. The Siberian Husky is a domesticated pure bred dog
and has been for many centuries. They are sometimes mistaken for wolves, and they are
sometimes used in movies to depict wolves, but they are most certainly not wolves or part
wolf.
Why are some Siberian noses
partially pink and partially black?
This is called a "snow nose", and is fairly
common in the breed. A snow nose is a reddish or pink marking on a black or liver colored
nose. Snow nose can disappear over warmer months and reappear over the winter months.
There is nothing wrong with a snow nose, and it is perfectly acceptable in the breed.
Can Siberians have different
colored eyes?
Yes. This is fairly common in the breed. One eye may be
blue while the other is brown.
Is there something wrong with an eye that is
both brown and blue?
No. This is called a "pinto eye", a "parti eye", or a
"split eye." It is also fairly common in the breed. One or both eyes may be all
blue with a brown pie shaped wedge, or all brown with a blue wedge. At first glance, it
may appear that there is something wrong with the eye but there is not. It is simply a
matter if pigmentation. This too is perfectly acceptable in the breed.
I've heard that Siberians are mischievous.
Is this true?
Yes and no. Siberians are very intelligent dogs. They
will often do things that surprise their owners. They can get into things that one might
think are impossible. When Siberians are bored, they can become quite mischievous,
inventive, and destructive. This is typical of working dogs. This is why it is so
important to include the Siberian in family activities and give him plenty of attention
and exercise.
I've heard that Siberians are high-strung.
Is this true?
Yes and no. Siberians are a very energetic breed. As a
working dog, they need something to do, some way of challenging their intelligence and an
outlet for their energy. If they are not provided one, they will find one for themselves.
I've heard Siberians are dumb. Is that
true?
No! Siberian Huskies are extremely intelligent working
dogs. People often mistake the fact that they can be difficult to train as a sign of
stupidity. One must keep the Siberian interested and challenge his intelligence in order
to properly train him. A Siberian will probably know what you want him to do, he just may
not want to do it!
Just how cold can a Siberian Husky live in?
Siberian Huskies can work and live in temperatures as
low as -75 degrees Fahrenheit.
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