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Siberian Husky Dog Breed Profile
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Originating in Siberia, the Husky was used by the Chukchi people to pull sleds and herd Reindeer. They were taken to Alaska in 1909 then to North America by the fur traders of Malamute. The Siberian Husky proved invaluable in the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Alaska.
Through howling blizzards and temperatures below zero the dog teams relayed medicine for Nenana, covering 650 miles to the stricken people
in the town of Nome.
Husky, Sibe, Artic Husky. |
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Breed Profile |
Siberia
Sled pulling, herding, watchdog.
Working
Dog, 53cm – 60cm. Bitch, 51cm – 56cm
Dog, 20.5kg – 27kg. Bitch, 16kg – 22.5kg
12-15 years
The Siberian Husky is strong, agile and full of energy. They need a long daily walk but should remain on lead near wildlife. Husky’s have a strong prey drive combined with speed and agility and some will chase and kill any small animals including cats. The sport of dog sledding is an excellent outlet for their abundant energy. Husky’s have a natural tendency to dig so require a large secure garden with strong fencing that is firmly anchored under the ground. It is their instinctive nature to dig a hole to sleep in and they will dig huge craters in even the most well-kept garden. They are also superb escape artists and are best not left alone in the garden. It is far wiser to either secure them in a purpose built kennel. Care must be taken not to exercise these dogs in warm weather as they can withstand temperatures of minus 50 – 60 degrees C hence are susceptible to the heat.
The Siberian Husky requires less food per pound than other similar sized breeds. Their diet should be high in fats and protein and must be of high quality. Active working dogs require more protein. In the Artic, working sled dogs can burn up to 11,000 calories a day. As well as whale, walrus and seal meat, fish is a natural part of their diet. Needless to say, these dogs thrive on a natural home prepared diet including oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring.
As a breed these true working dogs are remarkably healthy with few genetic defects. They are at risk from inherited eye defects namely cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. This can be avoided by only purchasing puppies from a reputable breeder whose stock has been tested.
This medium-sized working dog reflects a balance of power, speed and endurance. The head is slightly rounded at the top with a finely chiselled fox-like appearance. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be any shade of blue or brown, one of each colour (bi-eyed) or parti-coloured. The erect, triangular ears are set high on the head. The body is straight and compact showing strength and power with a deeply-set chest and well-sprung ribs. The tail is well covered with hair and is foxbrush shaped, being carried in a graceful sickle curve over the back. The feet are large (snow shoe) with plenty of hair between the toes to give grip on ice. The medium length double coat has a straight outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. The coat colours are all colours and markings including white. It is common to see a variety of markings on the head and striking patterns on the body which are not found on any other breed. Amongst the colours is the “Agouti and white” colouring which is also referred to as the coyote colour.
Siberian Husky K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:
These striking dogs are gentle, playful and full of mischief.
They are intelligent but also self-willed and can prove to be a
challenge to train.
Obedience training is not their forte so they do require an owner
with a good knowledge of dog training in general and one that can give a command and see that it is followed through every single time.
It takes a lot of patience and consistency to train the Artic breeds including an understanding of the dog’s history and character.
Possibly not for the average owner, these exceptionally beautiful animals can be dedicated companions in the right hands. |
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