Siberian Huskies
The Siberian husky is a beautiful animal, and because of their friendly personalities and adorable puppy look, it is easy to overlook their "quirks." While there are many awesome characteristics of Siberian huskies, there are many not-so-great things you NEED to know about the Siberian husky before you consider buying a puppy.
Please be aware that it is normal husky behavior to:
RUN AWAY
PULL WHEN ON A LEASH OR TETHER
JUMP UP ON PEOPLE
DIG HOLES
SHED EVERYWHERE
KILL SMALL ANIMALS
ESCAPE AND NOT BE CAUGHT
BE DIFFICULT TO POTTY TRAIN
NOT BE A GOOD GUARD DOG
If you have a problem with these traits, then you should not get a Siberian husky. Some of the behaviors can be curbed, but most huskies will do some if not all of these things, especially if they are not given a job, exercise, or much attention.
Please be aware that it is normal husky behavior to:
RUN AWAY
PULL WHEN ON A LEASH OR TETHER
JUMP UP ON PEOPLE
DIG HOLES
SHED EVERYWHERE
KILL SMALL ANIMALS
ESCAPE AND NOT BE CAUGHT
BE DIFFICULT TO POTTY TRAIN
NOT BE A GOOD GUARD DOG
If you have a problem with these traits, then you should not get a Siberian husky. Some of the behaviors can be curbed, but most huskies will do some if not all of these things, especially if they are not given a job, exercise, or much attention.
Here is an overview of the breed:
Siberian Husky Overview
The Siberian husky originated in northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. In 1909, large numbers of this breed arrived in Alaska to participate in sled racing. The Siberian husky's endurance, stamina, and strength quickly made them a popular breed in the Arctic region.
Character
The Siberian husky is a compact and strong working dog. They are able to withstand temperatures as low as 75 degrees below zero, so are best suited for cooler to cold climates. They display a measure of dignity and reserve. The Siberian husky is an amiable companion and willing worker.
Temperament
The Siberian husky has an affectionate, gentle, and friendly disposition. They are highly intelligent and have an independent spirit, which can sometimes be a challenge to their owner. They tend to do what they want to do, so the trick is to make them think what you want them to do is what they want to do. Praising good behavior is the best way to train these dogs. This versatile breed gets along very well with children and other medium sized dogs. However, their strong predatory instinct makes them dangerous to cats and other small pets if they are not accustomed to living with these animals and have not been raised with them. The Siberian husky thrives in a family environment, but does not become overly attached to one specific person. They will exhibit no fear or suspicion of strangers. They are not well suited for a two-career family, as they require attention, exercise, and companionship. They prefer to live with at least one other dog or in packs.
Coat and Grooming
The Siberian husky has a medium-length, double coat. The under coat is dense and soft in texture. The outer coat is longer and coarse with straight guard hairs. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors are black and white, gray and white, red and white, and pure white. The facial markings include masks and spectacles. The coat sheds heavily twice a year. During that time, they need to be brushed and combed daily. Using an undercoat rake and a Furminator with long teeth work best for grooming. The Siberian husky is, by nature, clean and free from body odor. Brushing weekly helps minimize excess loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo. Do not shave Siberians in the summer—their coats help keep them cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. It is extremely vital that they do not become overheated or overworked in the summer months. Plenty of water or a small pool and shade is necessary. The general rule for mushers that can also be applied to pet owners is that if the total temperature plus humidity totals over 120 degrees, the dogs should be walked or taken for a swim, but not run excessively. They should only be worked or taken for a run when the temperature is under 60 degrees regardless of the calculation above.
Training
The Siberian husky is highly intelligent but has a mind of its own. They will only obey a command if they see the point to it. They bore of the same trick over and over, especially if there is no reward. They respond best to patience, consistency, and fairness. They will quickly take advantage of an owner that doesn't show these things. They are notoriously difficult to housebreak, and the crate training method is recommended. They will do well with early obedience training and socialization classes. Most are natural pullers, but training them vocal commands can be helpful for walking, biking, or mushing.
Activity
The Siberian husky has an innate and deep desire to run. They do best with a large, securely fenced-in yard. If they are left alone for extended periods of time, they will become bored (which leads to digging and destruction). They make excellent walking, jogging, and biking companions, provided they are very securely leashed and the climate is not too hot. The husky is not recommended for apartment dwelling, unless they are exceedingly well trained and sufficiently exercised.
Health
Cases of hip dysplasia, ectopy (displacement of the urethra), and eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (primarily in male dogs), corneal dystrophy, and crystalline corneal opacities can occur. They are also sometimes prone to a skin issue known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which improves by giving zinc supplements. Their life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years.
“Types”
The Siberian husky has developed into two unofficial “types”: the show Siberian and the working Siberian. The show Siberian huskies are bred to fit the breed standard as laid out by a kennel club. Show huskies are bred for their beautiful color patterns, shape, body structure, and overall stunning and exotic appearance. The show Siberian is a wonderful type of husky, though they more often suffer from the few health problems listed above. They are also not as efficient in the working field as the working husky though they too love to pull. They are generally shorter, have a stockier looking build, have longer and plusher coats, and weigh less than the working Siberian.
The working Siberian huskies are huskies that are bred for intelligence, athletic ability, stamina, history in harness, and health. These are dogs were not bred for appearance, so even though they are pure bred huskies, many do not have the classic markings. Working huskies are still used all over the world for sledding and racing. They tend to be leaner, taller, and heavier and have shorter coats and darker markings on their faces.
The Siberian husky originated in northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. In 1909, large numbers of this breed arrived in Alaska to participate in sled racing. The Siberian husky's endurance, stamina, and strength quickly made them a popular breed in the Arctic region.
Character
The Siberian husky is a compact and strong working dog. They are able to withstand temperatures as low as 75 degrees below zero, so are best suited for cooler to cold climates. They display a measure of dignity and reserve. The Siberian husky is an amiable companion and willing worker.
Temperament
The Siberian husky has an affectionate, gentle, and friendly disposition. They are highly intelligent and have an independent spirit, which can sometimes be a challenge to their owner. They tend to do what they want to do, so the trick is to make them think what you want them to do is what they want to do. Praising good behavior is the best way to train these dogs. This versatile breed gets along very well with children and other medium sized dogs. However, their strong predatory instinct makes them dangerous to cats and other small pets if they are not accustomed to living with these animals and have not been raised with them. The Siberian husky thrives in a family environment, but does not become overly attached to one specific person. They will exhibit no fear or suspicion of strangers. They are not well suited for a two-career family, as they require attention, exercise, and companionship. They prefer to live with at least one other dog or in packs.
Coat and Grooming
The Siberian husky has a medium-length, double coat. The under coat is dense and soft in texture. The outer coat is longer and coarse with straight guard hairs. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors are black and white, gray and white, red and white, and pure white. The facial markings include masks and spectacles. The coat sheds heavily twice a year. During that time, they need to be brushed and combed daily. Using an undercoat rake and a Furminator with long teeth work best for grooming. The Siberian husky is, by nature, clean and free from body odor. Brushing weekly helps minimize excess loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo. Do not shave Siberians in the summer—their coats help keep them cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. It is extremely vital that they do not become overheated or overworked in the summer months. Plenty of water or a small pool and shade is necessary. The general rule for mushers that can also be applied to pet owners is that if the total temperature plus humidity totals over 120 degrees, the dogs should be walked or taken for a swim, but not run excessively. They should only be worked or taken for a run when the temperature is under 60 degrees regardless of the calculation above.
Training
The Siberian husky is highly intelligent but has a mind of its own. They will only obey a command if they see the point to it. They bore of the same trick over and over, especially if there is no reward. They respond best to patience, consistency, and fairness. They will quickly take advantage of an owner that doesn't show these things. They are notoriously difficult to housebreak, and the crate training method is recommended. They will do well with early obedience training and socialization classes. Most are natural pullers, but training them vocal commands can be helpful for walking, biking, or mushing.
Activity
The Siberian husky has an innate and deep desire to run. They do best with a large, securely fenced-in yard. If they are left alone for extended periods of time, they will become bored (which leads to digging and destruction). They make excellent walking, jogging, and biking companions, provided they are very securely leashed and the climate is not too hot. The husky is not recommended for apartment dwelling, unless they are exceedingly well trained and sufficiently exercised.
Health
Cases of hip dysplasia, ectopy (displacement of the urethra), and eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (primarily in male dogs), corneal dystrophy, and crystalline corneal opacities can occur. They are also sometimes prone to a skin issue known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which improves by giving zinc supplements. Their life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years.
“Types”
The Siberian husky has developed into two unofficial “types”: the show Siberian and the working Siberian. The show Siberian huskies are bred to fit the breed standard as laid out by a kennel club. Show huskies are bred for their beautiful color patterns, shape, body structure, and overall stunning and exotic appearance. The show Siberian is a wonderful type of husky, though they more often suffer from the few health problems listed above. They are also not as efficient in the working field as the working husky though they too love to pull. They are generally shorter, have a stockier looking build, have longer and plusher coats, and weigh less than the working Siberian.
The working Siberian huskies are huskies that are bred for intelligence, athletic ability, stamina, history in harness, and health. These are dogs were not bred for appearance, so even though they are pure bred huskies, many do not have the classic markings. Working huskies are still used all over the world for sledding and racing. They tend to be leaner, taller, and heavier and have shorter coats and darker markings on their faces.