<C>Height:</C> 21 to 23 1/2 inches (male); 20 to 22 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 45 to 60 pounds (male); 35 to 50 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> Very popular.
<b>History:</> Used for centuries by the Chukchi people in Siberia to pull sleds and herd reindeer, the Siberian Husky is a very light-weight sled dog with great stamina and resistance to the elements. The Siberian was brought to North America by fur traders in the 1900's for use in sled racing where it handily beat all previously existing breeds. Even today the Siberian is preferred over the Malamute for arctic races because of his great speed. In 1925 there was a diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska and many dog teams relayed the precious medicine to the stricken city. This event focused national attention on the Siberian Husky, and helped popularize the breed. The Siberian Husky was also used on Admiral Byrd's Antarctic Expeditions. An excellent pack animal, the Siberian gets along well with his comrades. The breed has now become very popular as a companion dog.
<b>Description:</> The Siberian Husky is a beautiful medium sized arctic breed with blue or brown eyes (or one of each), and triangular, furry, prick ears. His soft, thick double coat protects him from extreme cold, down to -58 to -76 degrees F. The furry tail curls over his back when he is running or alert. The Siberian Husky is very agile and moves easily, gracefully and effortlessly. He should not look heavy. The coat comes in many colors including various shades of gray and silver, sand, red, and black-and-white, often with striking markings on the head.
<b>Notes:</> The coat doesn't need much care except during the twice yearly shedding season, when the shedding hair needs to be combed out. Beware of eye problems (including PRA, juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and crystalline corneal opacities) and zinc responsive dermatitis (a skin condition which improves by giving zinc supplements). Hip dysplasia is not prevalent in the breed, but OFA and CERF on both parents is recommended as a precaution. Does best on high protein-high fat dog food, especially those with fish meal such as Gereen.
Prefers a cold climate and the out of doors. Needs a lot of exercise. Likes to roam--it's not safe to let this breed off lead except in a thoroughly enclosed area. May chase cats or livestock. Easily bored and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time. Has been known to dig the stuffing out of the family sofa in an attempt to build a nest! Can be difficult to housebreak. Likes to howl.
<b>Personality:</> Gentle and playful but willful and mischievous; a puppy at heart. Clever, sociable and loving. Easy going and docile. Good with children. Friendly with strangers- -not a watchdog. Patient, consistent training is needed with this willful, but highly intelligent, breed. This dog will take advantage if he can!
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to howl.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Fluffy coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers cool climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> sledding, carting, and racing.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> SIBERIAN HUSKY
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
