1. Home & Garden
About.com
Dogs

Siberian Husky

From , former About.com Guide



A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Y
Shelters & Rescues • Clubs • Photo Gallery
The [breed] at a Glance:
Height .............. 22 - 26 inches
Weight .............. 45 - 60 pounds
Colors .............. White with many possible colors, but most commonly grey, black, and red
Ears ................ Medium-sized prick ears
Tail ................ Long, curled and feathered
Coat ................ Thick, dense and coarse
Grooming............. Regular brushing
Temperament ......... Affectionate, tolerant, intelligent, alert, loyal, courageous and inquisitive
History:
The Siberian Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi people of Northern Siberia for sled-pulling and reindeer herding. The first large groups of Siberian huskies were imported to North America and entered into the long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races, and their abilities were quickly noted by Alaskan dog drivers.
During a Diptheria epidemic in 1925, teams of Siberian Huskies relayed life-saving serum from the city of Nenena. Due to these heroic efforts, Siberian Huskies and their drivers earned national prominence. Leonard Seppala, one of these drivers, brought his team of Huskies to the United States on a personal tour. Competing in sled dog races in New England, he once again proved the superiority of the Siberian Husky over native breeds.

AKC recognition was granted in 1930, and the Siberian Husky Club of America was created in 1938.
About the Siberian Husky:
A medium-sized, thickly coated dog, the Siberian Husky is a powerful pulling machine. His appearance is not overly stocky, but he is extremely powerful, and has incredible stamina. Because of his heritage and abilities, a Siberian Husky should never be trusted off-leash. They can be gone in a matter of seconds. Huskies stand approximately 24 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.
Siberian Huskies come in a wide variety of coat colours, as evidenced by this Quick Reference Guide, much more than the expected black or grey and white. Their eyes are very striking, and can be blue, brown, or one blue and one brown. A thick layer of outer guard hairs and a thicker layer of downy, insulating fur underneath protects these dogs from the Northern winter conditions they are bred for.
Huskies go through a coat "blow" twice a year, where the fur sheds in large clumps and lasts about two weeks. Brushing during this period is essential, with minimal grooming the remainder of the months. Blowing coat is subject to climactic conditions, warmer regions may cause the year-round shedding that is typical in shorter haired breeds.

By nature, Siberian Huskies are affectionate, but not clingy, and very tolerant of small children. He is alert and outgoing, but not posessive and territorial. His intelligence make him an ideal working partner and his desire to please makes him an excellent pet.
Official Breed Standards:
American Kennel Club
English Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
United Kennel Club

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.