Dog Breed of the Week: Siberian Husky

I chose the Siberian Husky as the breed of the week in honor of Bear-Bear, the Husky fatally shot in a Maryland dog park last week. My heart goes out to all of those who knew and loved Bear-Bear.

Huskies are often thought of as sled dogs, and this is actually how they originated. But today's Husky is so much more than this. Overall, this breed absolutely loves to work, can sustain colder temperatures, and is quite skilled at companionship.

Huskies can make wonderful pets for the right families. They will thrive in households where they can get plenty of exercise and attention. The Huskies I have known have typically been enthusiastic dogs that shared close bonds with their humans. They also like to share hair, so be prepared for shedding (hint: try the FURminator). The Husky does not need to live in a cold climate, but be sure to avoid extremely hot temperatures. It's fair to say that most Huskies really enjoy air conditioning in the summer. In addition, I have heard several accounts of Huskies that adore water. Does yours?

Are you a Siberian Husky fan? Want to share your story and pictures? Tell us more about your Husky!

Photo © Matthew Wilsterman

_{About the Photo: This is Max, a 4 year old Siberian Husky. The photo was taken in June 2008. We rescued Max in June of 2006. When we adopted him, he was 40 pounds, very underweight and had minimal muscle tone. He was constantly crated at his former home and could hardly climb a flight of stairs. Now Max is almost 70 pounds, strong as an ox, and one of the best dogs we have ever owned. We love him very much and couldn't picture our lives without him!   - Matthew}