AKA: Husky , Sibe

Description: The Siberian Husky has a sweet nature and is a breed that is suited for the whole family, but does not make a good guard dog. They are very friendly, and generally get along well with children and other dogs. Gentle in character with a determined look, they are very people oriented dogs. The Siberian Husky was developed constantly in the presence of children, allowing them to be very used to family. Males have a tendency to roam and need to be kept in a fenced in area. If they get out it may be impossible to catch them on foot, as Huskies have been known to be excellent escape artists. Siberian Huskies are long lived, active, and outgoing with friends and family. They tend to be independent, not being very obedient, but are not a one-person dog. They enjoy all types of people. A member of the Spitz family, the Siberian Husky is strong and has the ability to haul heavy loads over long distances and rough terrain. Siberian Huskies will happily pull a young child in a wagon or sled. They have strong legs and a sturdy build, but lean enough to be quick. They have great endurance, with their medium sized compact bodies. They have medium length, straight and thick fur and they can have many different colors in the eyes. They can be blue, brown, one of each or even parti-colored. The nose color depends on the coat color, which can be any color, most often with markings on the head with the underbelly and face a lighter color than the rest. Siberian Huskies are not only magnificent looking, but magnificent in personality as well. Their coat is medium and well-furred, the outer coat straight, thick,and smooth against body. The undercoat is soft and dense.

Temperament: Siberian Huskies are dependable, energetic, and friendly. They make lively, outgoing pets that generally like being around people. Although they are stubborn, independent and not very obedient, they enjoy being with the family the most. They are active, intelligent and not aggressive. They get along well with children and other dogs, however they should not be trusted with smaller animals. Arctic Huskies are very cleanly as well. They have been known to be excellent escape artists. They are great with children. enjoy other dogs, and may do better if there is more than one Husky. They do not get along well with cats or other small animals. Huskies are much too friendly to guard against anything. Siberian Huskies have a thick insulated coat and are not suited to live in hot climates. They will do well in a kennel or outside in a fenced yard. An owner of a Siberian Husky will need to spend considerable time exercising them and should not mind a dog who is a playful, challenging, and independent.

Activity: The Siberian Husky needs a lot exercise and they should not be exercised hard in warm weather, as their thick coat can make them prone to heatstroke. Daily walks and a large fenced yard will help keep the Siberian Husky in shape and prevent boredom and destructive behavior. The Arctic Husky makes a great cross-country skiing partner. A sled dog at heart, they need consistency and patience when training. They will obey if they see the point of the training. They can become easily bored, and therefore need new ways of learning.

Grooming: Brush their coat twice a week, paying special attention during shedding. Bathe the Siberian Husky only when necessary. Clip their nails regularly, as well as check the teeth.

Health Problems: Their life span is 10-14 years. Health problems they might encounter are: Hip dysplasia and some heritable eye problems such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy).

Breed Group: Northern, AKC Working

Color: All colors; markings on the head are common. The fur on the underbelly and face are usually lighter colored than the rest of the body.

Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)

Weight: Dogs 45-60 pounds (20½-27kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds (16-22½kg.)

Country Of Origin: Siberia (Russia)

Dynamics: This breed is gentle, friendly, high-energy also intelligent and playful.

Tags: Siberian Husky, Top 50 Dog Breeds

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm and is filed under Russian / Siberian / Scandinavian Dogs, Top 50 Dog Breeds, Working Dogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.