Siberian Husky

Size: Medium to Large
Other Names: Siberian, Sibe, Husky, Huskies, Chukcha, Chuksha, Keshia, Sibirsky Haski
Country of Origin: Russia (Siberia)
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

Height:

Male: 21-23½ inches; Female: 20-22 inches

Weight:

Male: 45-60 pounds; Female: 35-50 pounds

Color(s):

All colors from black to white; the most common colors are black and white, gray and white, copper-red and white, and pure white, though many individuals have blondish, or piebald spotting

Coat:

Thick double coat, woolly dense undercoat and longer soft outer coat

Description:

The Siberian Husky, a working dog breed, is an active, energetic and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic and were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia.  The Siberian Husky was imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush, and spread from there into the United States and Canada, initially as a sled dog.  It rapidly acquired the status of a family pet and a show-dog.  The Siberian Husky’s coat protects the dogs effectively against harsh Arctic winters, and also reflects the heat in the summer.  Huskies are able to withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperament:

Siberian Huskies are well-suited as companions and sled dogs, but they are unsuitable as guard dogs.  Huskies demonstrate a strong sense of gentleness and devotion.  However, Siberian Huskies are a very stubborn and dominant breed of dog.  Huskies are known to howl, sing and talk, rather than bark.

Training:

A fifteen-minute daily obedience training class will serve well for Siberian Huskies.  Siberians need consistent training, and do well with a "nothing in life is free" training program.  Huskies are extremely intelligent, and after learning a new skill, will often decide when to show off this skill when asked to perform it.

Care & Grooming:

As a working breed, Siberian Huskies are a high-energy dog requiring lots of exercise.

Shedding:

Seasonal and heavy; the northern coat blows once or twice a year.

Health:

Siberian Huskies may develop hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and zinc-responsive skin disease.  They do poorly in prolonged heat without shade and water.

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Litter Size:

4–6 puppies