Description

The name Siberian Husky instantly conjures up the image of the powerful, wooly and strongly built up breed that somewhat resembles a wolf. This middle sized Spitz group dog originated in the eastern parts of Siberia and were mainly bred by the Chukchi belonging to north-east part of Asia.

Husky has a number of distinctive traits that distinguishes it from many other breeds. Generally, these dogs come with white in the paws, face markings, tail tip and on legs. Though the main color among Siberian Husky is a combination of black and white, there can be other color combinations as well like copper red with white, white and grey or pure white. According to the standard described by the American Kennel Club, the eyes of this breed are almond in shape, slightly oblique and come in various colors or color combinations. Eyes of Siberian Husky can be blue, ice blue, dark brown or in combination where both the eyes are half brown or half blue, or even where one is blue while the other is brown. This breed can have snow nose or winter nose. The color pattern is something like this – tan when the dog is black, black nose when the dog is of grey color, liver in color when the dog is copper red colored and the like.

Coat

Since it was primarily a denizen of extreme cold places, Siberian Huskies have a very dense coat. This coat has two layers. The first layer is a thick undercoat, which is then covered by a longer and dense top coat. These coats make the dogs capable of even bearing with a temperature of minus fifty degrees to that of minus sixty degrees centigrade. The color of the coat can vary from Agouti to Piebald to Irish coat patterns. Agouti refers to coloring with brindle, while piebald refers to white with different color patches. Irish coat refers to the traditional coloring of the coat. Another important trait that is observed in Siberian Huskies is that while growing up, they may loose the face markings gradually that they had during their puppyhood.

History

According to a recent DNA test, Siberian Huskies belong to the breed that is one of the oldest on this planet. The term ‘Husky’ has nothing to do with something fat or overweight but rather has come from ‘Eskie’ - a derogatory form, which was used to indicate the Inuit people and their group, whereas the ‘Siberian’ part of their name has many definitions, the most welcomed one is where it refers to the land where they originated. Siberian Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people from Asia who used to live in the northeast part of Siberia. These dogs, direct descendant from the Eskimo dog, once used to roam over the entire area of the Northern Hemisphere including Siberia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Baffin Island and some other places. Siberian Husky has not only assisted the people to live through the hardships of extreme weather but also helped them to thrive. This breed is a special name when associated with the famous “All Alaska Sweepstakes” race which covers the long distance of 408 miles. During 1908 at the time of the Gold Rush, they were imported to help people. This dog breed is associated with many other excellent feats and performances.

It was in 1930 when the Siberian Husky got recognition from the American Kennel Club.

Temperament

The temperament of a Siberian Husky can be said to be exemplary. This is one of the most intelligent breeds, which is also adorned with other excellent traits of behavior. Siberian Huskies are alert, assertive, cautious, active and never show overly aggressive traits. They can prove to be a great family companion as they bond very well with children and love to mingle with people. However, in mature dogs, a certain level of reserved nature is also noticeable. Sometimes you have to be worthy enough for their attention, though nothing passes from their notice. These dogs generally like to think independently, which can make them stubborn at times. However, with necessary training, this nature can be overcome.

Other wonderful traits of Siberian Huskies include their inborn curiosity, eagerness to know and the ability to track things. This is why they have been taken as a companion and guide dog in many expeditions. However, their disposition is somewhat free and they are not generally suspicious of strangers. This makes them not so good with the task of playing a watchdog. Moreover, though they mingle well with almost every member of the family, they are generally one-man dogs and bond very well with a particular member of the family. In general, this breed is very quiet by nature and seldom barks or howls.

Health

Siberian Huskies can lead a long life with proper care. This may range from twelve to fifteen years. However, genetic health hazards are sometimes noticed in this breed along with other illnesses. Some of these include corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, seizures and the like. Though hip dysplasia is not that much common in this breed, there is possibility that a Siberian Husky may get affected by this health problem.

Other problems can occur in Huskies who are specifically used for sleds. This includes bronchitis, gastric problems, gastric erosions etc. However, proper medical care and treatment can help them in getting rid of these diseases.

Grooming

Siberian Huskies need very little grooming. They have an inborn nature to keep themselves clear and clean. That is why even if a Husky gets soiled, it will clear itself out. This breed cleans itself like a cat does. Therefore, these dogs require very little effort on the owner’s part to keep them clean. Owners can bathe the dog once a year, depending on the climate they are in. Another important thing to remember with the Huskies is that they shed their inner-coat twice a year. It is a complete shedding procedure and can stretch for three long weeks. During this time, the hair may come out in a lump and can make the situation messy. Otherwise, all through the year, there is not much shedding.

Regular brushing will keep their coat well and the dead hair away. Apart from brushing the coat, you need to keep careful watch over their nails and paws to maintain good health. Checking eyes and ears at regular intervals is also required for a well groomed Siberian Husky.

Exercise

Siberian Huskies are one of the very active breeds and love to be on the go. Both physical and mental stimulations are important for them. These dogs have a very good capacity for running. Naturally, if this craving is fulfilled, the dog feels happy both physically and mentally.

A regular workout is necessary for a Siberian Husky. Mushing is a good way to keep them active and alert. Mushing is nothing but training them to draw a sled for either keeping them in shape or for the sake of transpiration. Naturally this activity calls for an area with enough snowfall. However, dry-place mushing, known as carting, can be also used to offer some exercise to this breed.

This dog also likes hiking. Though regular hiking may not sound to be an easy way to give adequate exercise to your Siberian Husky, you may try out this option sometimes. These dogs can also prove to be a very good companion for hiking.

Training

Like any other breeds, proper training for a Siberian Husky is a must to groom the dog well. Training can turn out to be a tricky affair if you don’t understand the basic characteristic of this breed. Since Siberian Huskies are pack animals, they look for an alpha body in the pack. When you are making it a pet at home, you or someone from the family has to acquire this alpha position to make the dog obey the commands.

Siberian Huskies are very intelligent, alert but can be stubborn at times. So, you have to be patient while training it and not bully it, which can have negative effect on the overall behavior of the dog. Since these dogs are intelligent, they can catch up with the training session easily. However, you should be careful for they may show stubbornness sometimes.

It has been noticed that while they show good behavior in the class, they my turn out to be quite messy and disobedient at home. This is because they can differentiate between situations very easily and act accordingly. It is here that you need to establish yourself as the leader and the same should be done at an early stage of the puppyhood so that you pet can get adapted to the idea.

Good communication in a positive way is always required to maintain a Husky and train it properly. Another important part of training for a Siberian Husky is ‘socialization’. Since it prefers to live in groups, proper socialization will bring mental relief for it. Huskies thrive in good company of both humans and other animals. That is why regular socialization will keep its behavior normal and balanced. Providing all these requisite elements in the training session will result in a well mannered and balanced pet and your pet will prove to be a well behaved life time companion for you and your family.