Siberian Husky

                                                       Siberian Husky

AKA:Arctic Husky
Origin:Russia
Size:Medium
Ease of Training:Low
Grooming:Low/Medium
Shedding:High
Exercise needed:Daily walks and runs
Energy level:High
Protection:Low
Good with children:Yes
Health clearances:OFA, CERF/SHOR
Popularity:25/155

Siberian Husky Temperament

A gentle and sweet natured dog, the Siberian Husky is a breed that makes for a great family dog. He has a dependable nature, and is loving and affectionate, enjoying attention and interaction from his family. This is a dog that will not fare well with those that cannot dedicate time and attention to him, as neglect will lead to boredom and destructive behavior such as chewing. The Siberian Husky is very energetic and does need plenty of exercise, so he will not be the right choice for those with little time to engage in exercise and activity. Fast, agile, and playful, these dogs make excellent hiking or jogging companions. A good amount of exercise is necessary for this breed, and you will need to provide a safe and secure exercise and play area for times that he is not on the leash - as these dogs are adept as escaping.

The Siberian Husky is a hardworking dog, and is able to haul heavy loads over long distances. He loves to dig wholes in your yard. He may bark and howl from time to time, but is generally pretty quite. He will bark to raise an alarm however, and this makes him an effective watchdog. These dogs must be raised with children in order to get along with them. They tend to be sociable and friendly around strangers. When it comes to animals, the Siberian Husky will usually get along okay with other dogs but is not to be trusted around cats and smaller animals, as he does have a high prey instinct. Although intelligent and quick to learn, the Siberian Husky can be a challenge to train, and is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership who can establish themselves as pack leader.

Siberian Husky Appearance

The Siberian Husky is a handsome looking dog, and has a sturdy and athletic build. Medium in size, this hardy and robust dog has an eager expression, and his small, erect ears also lend him an alert appearance. He has a double coat, which is made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a straight, smooth outer coat. The coloring of the Siberian Husky can vary, and includes silver, black, red, or gray, with white markings, although some can also be solid white. The eyes of the Siberian Husky can be blue, brown, parti-color, or mixed. These dogs weigh in at around 35-50 pounds for females and 45-60 pounds for males. In terms of height the Siberian Husky stands at 20-21 inches for females, and 21-24 inches for males.

Siberian Husky Grooming

The Siberian Husky does need a moderate amount of grooming, and you will need to brush his coat on a twice weekly basis. However, during heavier periods of shedding this will need to be increased to daily. The Siberian Husky is a heavy shedder, and this means that he is not the ideal choice for those suffering from allergies.

Siberian Husky Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Siberian Husky is around 12-14 years. There are a number of health problems associated with this breed, and this includes PRA, cataracts, glaucoma, HD, and thyroid problems. The parents of the Siberian Husky puppy should have OFA certificates as well as either CERF or SHOR certificates.

Siberian Husky History

Originating from Russia, the Siberian Husky has a history that dates back thousands of years. Bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds for tribes, the breed was introduced in Alaska in the 1900s, and was registered with the AKC in 1930.