The Siberian Husky is a gorgeous dog. My experience with this breed has made me very biased. They do have their faults, mainly lots of hair and a tendency to escape. They love to run!
One of my brothers is a long-time Husky owner and has experienced the loss of a beloved dog early on due to their desire to run. I was there, we saw them slip under a garage door that was slightly open to venting out the Texas heat.
We immediately followed, but they didn’t listen or even turn to look at us. We searched by car and on foot for hours. People we encountered said ‘they went that way” or ‘we just saw them in our yard”. His male dog was found a week later and the next town over…crazy!
I understand his love and devotion to the breed. They attract a lot of attention because of their beauty and loveable personality and yet they’re not overly needy. They rarely need a bath and are fairly quiet. Personally, I find it very stressful having to worry about them getting loose and running away.
History
The Siberian Husky is the fastest, most enduring and most versatile of all purebred sled dogs. They are a purebred dog, no wolf blood. The breed was originally developed by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia as an endurance sled dog.
In 1909, the first large numbers of Chukchi dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races. The Alaskan dog drivers quickly recognized the ability of these huskies from Siberia.
Look
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on their feet and graceful in action. Their body is moderately compact and well furred, with erect ears and a brush tail.
They are bred for speed and endurance and are somewhat smaller than most people imagine, usually weighing about 40-50 pounds.
Siberian Huskies come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, including white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common color being black and white, then the less common copper-red and white, grey and white and pure white.
Their coat consists of two layers, an undercoat and a topcoat. Huskyhouse.org describes the shedding process “All Siberian Huskies shed. Most Huskies will blow there undercoat twice a year (usually before a big season change). Some will only blow their undercoat once a year. Since Siberians shed constantly, bathing is very minimal (as when they shed the dirt falls off as well).” Brush your Siberian every few days during the “blowing of their coat” and weekly thereafter to lessen the hair floating around your home.
The American Kennel Club describes the Siberian Husky’s eyes as “almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely.” Their eye colors can be pale blue, dark blue, amber, green, or brown.”
Some can have one eye brown and the other blue, or one or both eyes may be partly colored, or half brown and half blue. Eye health concerns to be aware of are hereditary or juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy and can occur in any eye color.
Personality
Most Huskies are extremely affectionate, but also independent and stubborn. They require a fenced yard because of their strong desire to run and generally do not come when called. You will see this comment on every website related to the Siberian Husky!
For their protection, they should be confined or under control at all times. They are generally not an off-leash type of dog. Sufficient exercise for proper development and well-being can be obtained on a leash, in large enclosures and daily walks.
The Siberian Husky Club of America warns-“Predatory instincts in the Siberian Husky are strong.” Be aware that small animals in and around your home, such as squirrels, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and Cats are all potential victims. “They are swift, cunning, and patient in their hunting skills.”
The Siberian Husky is excellent with children, but not a watch dog. They love friends and strangers alike. They are great travel companions and crate train well. Be diligent about their escape artist skills… I have known several who can open doors with a levered door handle. Take it from me, chasing down your brothers dogs in a hotel is embarrassing.
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