Siberian Husky breed Information

Siberian Husky: The Ultimate Breed Guide 2020

Are you looking for a playful companion? Maybe you are interested in buying or adopting a Siberian Husky. Is a Siberian Husky the right breed for you? Worry no more because we have come up with a comprehensive guide that details everything you need to know before you get one of these amazing dogs. This guide explains the characteristics, vital stats, fun facts, history, average size, personality, and general health of a Siberian Husky.

So let’s dive right in.

Characteristics Of Siberian Husky Dog Breed

The Siberian husky is a graceful, athletic dog with high endurance and an eagerness to work. This friendly dog breed, which originated in Northeast Asia as a sled dog, has a vivacious and mischievous personality. Though these are high-energy and sometimes intense dogs, huskies can be affectionate and gentle when given proper care. They were brought to America through Alaska.

If you have an active household and plenty of time to dedicate to your dog, then this might be the dog for you. With proper care and attention, the Siberian husky can make a wonderful companion. This breed can also get along well with children as long as the dog is properly trained and socialized.

We have listed below Siberian Husky dog breed characteristics. This list is meant to be a general guideline for Siberian Husky’s characteristics. Let’s have a look at them:

1. Adaptability

Siberian Huskies are not that good at adapting to some environments. They have an average of 3 out of 5 stars adaptability level. Nevertheless, this should not scare you since they can adapt to any situation if trained early.

This factors contributing to moderate adaptability score are:

Siberian Huskies are not good apartment dwellers. They need regular exercise and a fenced yard to run and play. They are very active when indoors and so for apartment living, they score 2 out of 5 stars.
When it comes to novice owners, a Siberian Husky scores 1 out of 5 stars. This shows they are moderately suitable for first-time parents.
This breed is a little more sensitive than other breeds. They do not like irregular daily routines and a chaotic household. Punishments and negative reinforcements affect them emotionally. This breed has a high sensitivity level of 4 out of 5 stars.
Siberian Huskies are at their best when the owners are around. They share a bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. They have a very low tolerance for being alone. They score 1 out of 5 stars for being suited to be alone.
They originated in a sub-zero climate and can adapt well to cold weather. This breed has a 5 out of 5 stars tolerance to cold weather and prefers very cold weather.
They have a moderate tolerance for hot weather. Although they prefer cold weather, they are not that vulnerable to overheating. This breed has a 3 out of 5 stars tolerance to hot weather.

2. All-Around Friendliness

Siberian Huskies are among the most friendly dog breeds. They are playful and have the ability to form solid-bonds and prove to be excellent companions. They have 5 out of 5 stars all around friendliness.

The reasons for their outstanding all-around friendliness are:

Siberian Huskies are loving and affectionate dogs and shower the whole family with love and loyalty. Hence they hold 5 stars out of 5.
Siberian Huskies are very gentle and friendly with children and possess 5 out of 5 stars for being kid-friendly. This breed is a good choice if you have children at home.
It is a dog-friendly breed and holds 5 out of 5 stars rating. If you already have another pet dog, the Siberian Husky can be a great choice.
Siberians are stranger-friendly dogs and possess 5 out of 5 stars for being less aggressive to strangers. They won’t bother your guests with continuous bark.

3. Health And Grooming Needs

Siberian Huskies are known to be generally healthy dogs but they require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. They are rated at 3 stars out 5 for health and grooming needs.

The reasons that contribute to this score are:

Siberian Huskies shed twice a year and hold 4 out of 5 stars for the amount of shedding. If you are intolerant of dog hair in your house, then this breed is not for you.
Siberian Huskies have moderate drooling potential and hold a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Although Siberian Huskies are clean dogs, they require regular grooming to stay healthy and clean. They hold 2 out of 5 stars for ease of grooming.
It is a healthy breed and possesses 4 out of 5 stars when it comes to its health.
It has a low potential to gain weight with 2 out of 5 stars.
Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog and holds 3 out of 5 stars.

4. Trainability

Siberian Huskies should be trained gently, but with determination. They have good training experience of 4 out of 5 stars.

Let's have a look at the factors for good trainability score:

For ease of training, Siberian Huskies hold 2 out of 5 stars. They sometimes tend to be stubborn and independent that makes training difficult. Hitting or yelling at them will only have negative effects.
Siberian Huskies are smart dogs and have moderate intelligence and concentration level. They score 3 out of 5 stars in intelligence level.
Siberian Huskies have a high tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people. They have a 4 out of 5 stars potential for mouthiness.
They have a moderate inborn desire to chase and catch something. They hold a 3 out of 5 stars rating for prey drive.
Siberian Huskies have 5 out of 5 stars barking potential. They enjoy howling which is sometimes annoying for neighbors.
Siberian Huskies are known as escape artists and have been known to wander away. They can jump fences, break tie-out chains, slip collars, and find any other way to escape. They have 5 out of 5 stars for wanderlust potential.

5. Physical Needs

The Siberian Husky is a playful and high energy dog and has high physical needs of 5 out of 5 stars.

The reasons for high physical needs are discussed below:

Siberian Huskies have a high energy level rated at 5 out of 5 stars. They become bored and mischievous without physical activities.
They are moderately vigorous dogs and possess 3 out of 5 stars intensity levels.
Siberian Huskies need regular exercise and physical activities. They are rated at 5 out of 5 stars for exercise needs.
They are highly playful and have a playfulness potential of 5 out of 5 stars.

After having a look at the breed characteristics, Siberian Huskies sound like a great choice to buy or adopt.

Vital Stats About Siberian Husky Dogs

Stats	Description
Dog Breed Group/Purpose	Working, Northern
Grooming Needs	Moderate
Coat Length	Medium
Average Height	Males: 53 - 60 cm Females: 51 - 56 cm
Weight Range	Males: 20 - 27 kg Females: 16 - 22½ kg
Energy Level	Average
Exercise requirements	More than 40 minutes per day
Tendency to Bark	Moderate
Tendency to Dig	Moderate
Tendency to Drool	Low
Life Expectancy	12 to 15 years
Litter Size	Average 4 - 8 puppies

Other Fun Facts About Siberian Huskies

Let’s have a look at some fun facts about Siberian Husky:

Huskies have a lot of energy and they make excellent jogging partners.
Siberian huskies are incredibly friendly and they make amazing family members.
Siberian Huskies have been featured on the silver screen starring main roles.
Huskies were bred to run for long distances with minimal food supplies. Their bodies have evolved to regulate their metabolisms for performance.
Siberian Huskies can have colorful coats. There are tons of variations out there and their coat colors can be black, agouti, gray, red, sable, and white.
Although Siberian Huskies are an overall healthy breed, their beautiful eyes are prone to many problems.
Siberian Husky's howl can be heard from a whopping 10 miles away!
Siberian Huskies can have blue eyes, brown eyes, eyes that are a little of both, or one of each color.
Siberian Huskies were once war dogs. During World War II, Huskies were used by the US Army to transport provisions, medicine, and mail.
Originated in subzero climates, Siberian Huskies are always ready for severe winter weather.
Siberian Huskies are not great watchdogs. They are unsuspicious and friendly to strangers, including burglars. The fact is that they tend to love everybody.

History/Origin Of Siberian Husky Dogs

The Siberian Huskies have originated in Northern Asia. For centuries, they were used by the Chukchi Tribe, off the eastern Siberian peninsula to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and as a watchdog. The Chukchi people used the dogs as fast transportation and that they interacted with the Chukchi as a family dog. Siberian Huskies often slept with the kids and provided warmth and comfort. They are among the oldest of the dog breeds and genetically, they are part of the Spitz family.

Siberians caught the eye of the public when they began winning sled races in the early 1900s. During the early 20th century, Alaskans grew interested in the breed and the Siberian Husky was imported to Alaska in 1908. Husky was used as sled dogs during the gold rush.

Siberian Huskies made headlines in 1925 when an epidemic of diphtheria had broken out in Nome, Alaska. A legendary musher, Leonhard Seppala, led a relay of Siberian Huskies 658 miles in only five and a half days to rush a lifesaving serum to Nome, Alaska. This exciting “serum run,” had become headline news in newspapers around the world. With this serum run to Nome, Siberians won a huge popularity that has not diminished to this day. Balto, who was lead sled dog on the final stretch of the journey, remains one of the most honored hero dogs in canine history. Balto received a statue for his glorious achievements in New York City’s Central Park in 1925.

Mushers in North America still keep packs of sledding Siberian Huskies for fun and sport. They still enjoy the company of this sociable and gentle companion. They have continued to work as sled dogs but now they are also referred to as incredible companion dogs. It earned recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1930, and later in England, Europe and Australia. They are the 12th most popular breed in the United States according to the AKC.

The great explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson, was the first person to dog sled in Australia. His team of Greenland Huskies were used during his expedition to Antarctica in 1911-1914. Sir Douglas Mawson trained his huskies in the mountains of New South Wales (NSW) in preparation for his long expedition.

During the 1980s, the Siberian Husky has had a tremendous rise in popularity in Australia. Dog sledding in Australia has gained much popularity as a sport over the past 25 years and the sledding community is growing each year. There are many different sled dog sport associations around the country and hold different sledding events.

What Is The Average Size Of A Siberian Husky

The Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a compact body. They are working dogs that are quick and light on their feet and free and graceful in action. They have a thick double-coat and distinctive color markings. Husky’s characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. Let’s have a look at Husky’s average height and weight.

Average Height:
- Males: 53 - 60 cm
- Females: 51 - 56 cm

Average Weight:
- Males: 20 - 27 kg
- Females: 16 - 22½ kg

If you are planning to buy or adopt a Siberian Husky, keep it in mind that this breed is not suitable for apartment living. This dog is highly energetic and needs a fenced yard for running and playing.

Personality Of Siberian Husky

The usual Siberian Huskies are very affectionate, playful, and curious. Despite the natural drive for prey, they are not aggressive at all. They are charming and intelligent but sometimes, they can also have mischievous and independent personality traits. They thrive on human companionship but need firm and gentle training right from puppyhood.

Siberian Huskies are pack dogs, and they need an owner who is the clear leader of the pack. They will do everything they can to gain their owner’s affection, trust, and counsel. This makes Husky’s training easier because they will give you respect. The Siberian Husky may test the limits of your position in the pack and tries to take control from time to time. It is important to assert yourself as the alpha of the house immediately by confirming the ground rules with clarity and consistency.

Siberian Huskies do not make good guard dogs because they become friends with everyone. They are quite social and like to show off their talents. Most Huskies are good with other dogs, especially ones they are raised with. They may chase cats and livestock because they have a high prey drive. When bored or not given adequate exercise or left alone, they can be destructive and mischievous.

These are dogs bred to run, and their love of running may overcome their love for their guardians at times. They tend not to be territorial and usually do not bark at other people. Siberian Huskies enjoy howling, which can be very frustrating for your neighbors.

Siberian Husky puppies need socialization and early exposure to many different people, sights, and sounds. This will ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Major Health Concerns Of Siberian Husky Dog Breed

The Siberian Husky is an overall healthy dog and has an average rating of 4 stars out 5 for being a healthy dog. There are some conditions that may affect this breed. These health concerns include eye issues like Cataracts, Corneal Dystrophy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia, and Hypothyroidism.

If you own or are planning to buy a Siberian Husky, you need to be aware of its health concerns. Let’s have a look into these health problems:

Cataracts

Eye defects in the Siberian Husky are serious and should not be understated or overlooked. A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. Cataracts can be hereditary or may result from disease, old age, and trauma to the eye. The dog's eyes may look cloudy or bluish-grey. A cataract can cause a mild decrease in eyesight to complete blindness in severe cases. This disease may affect vision in young adulthood.

Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy is a hereditary disease that affects the cornea or outer transparent portion of the eyeball of Siberian Huskies. Huskies with Corneal dystrophy may experience opaqueness or hazy vision. If your Husky is suffering from this disease, you will notice small white dots in his cornea. It is usually seen in young adults and it generally affects more females. Sadly, there is no therapy for this condition, but it does not seem to affect the vision.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

It is a genetic condition in which deterioration occurs in the health of the retina. It can eventually cause blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. The first sign of this disease is night blindness and affected Siberian Huskies tend to be nervous at night. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is detectable years before the Husky shows any signs of blindness. Dogs that develop PRA should not be used for breeding.

Hip Dysplasia

The Siberian Husky has a high incidence of hip dysplasia, an inherited cause of hindlimb lameness. Some Huskies show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can also be triggered by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet. It can range from mild to severe and a veterinarian can diagnose it using radiography. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.

How To Take Care Of Siberian Husky Dogs

Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a dense, double hair coat that makes the breed able to withstand very low temperatures. Being a friendly and affectionate dog, he can happily live with the family but needs access to a fenced yard that will prevent him from escaping to chase passing cyclists, joggers, and cars.

Siberian Huskies are high endurance, energetic and working dogs. You should expect to participate in daily exercise sessions with your Siberian Huskies. They need to exercise and physical activities to stay healthy and happy. By exercising your Husky, you will prevent health risks and reduce behavioral problems through fun activities.

Exercising your Husky should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can meet their exercise requirements by:

Teaching new tricks
Walking
Fetching
Chasing
Playing with puzzle toys
Play tug of war
Hide-and-seek
Pulling carts
Dog sledding
Agility training
Obedience training
Hiking

This is an intelligent breed and can fairly understand your commands and learn by positive reinforcement techniques. You can praise them or give treats as a reward. This is a sensitive breed, so punishments and harsh words will make them stubborn and damage their temperament.

Ideal Diet For Siberian Huskies

Diet is a very important point that contributes to the overall health of your Siberian Husky. If you want your Siberian Husky to be in a good physical condition and full of energy, it is essential to feed him properly. Siberian huskies were bred to require less food than some similarly sized breeds.

A Siberian Husky puppy should be given food three times daily. As he gets older, he will stick to two meals a day. Feed your Siberian Husky at least two hours before they perform any exercise. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, gender, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Siberian Husky Age	Recommended cups per day
1 - 3 months	2 - 3 ¾ cups
3 - 5 months	3 ½ - 4 ½ cups
5 - 7 months	4 - 5 cups
7 - 12 months	4 - 5 cups

Your Siberian Huskies diet should be healthy and include all nutrients. If your dog is on commercial dog food, it must be safe, affordable, and made with high-quality ingredients. The Husky should perform well on high-quality dog food, either manufactured or prepared at home under supervision. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times for this active breed. Most commercial dog food products also provide detailed feeding guides on the food's packaging.

Best Dog Food For Siberian Husky

To keep your Siberian Huskies healthy and active, you should give them only dog foods tailored to meet their needs. Consider foods rich in proteins as it will help to maintain lean muscle mass. Never feed your Siberian Husky any dog food that does not meet international standards. You must know the best dry dog food for your Husky should be elaborated on the recommendations of veterinary dieticians.

Consider feeding your Siberian Huskies with the following dog food:

Coat Color And Grooming Needs For Siberian Husky

Unlike many breeds, the Siberian husky comes in a wide range of coat colors and patterns. His double coat features medium-length hair. The topcoat is straight and the undercoat feels soft and dense. The coat colors are White, Black, Tan, Sable, Agouti, Light Red, Red or Copper, Silver, Wolf Grey, and Grey. All coat colors can be accompanied by white.

Like most double-coated dogs, Siberian Huskies shed year-round with at least one heavy shed per year. It also depends upon the climate in which they live and how much coat they have. Siberian Huskies living in cooler temperatures tend to shed less than those who live in warmer climates.

Let’s have a look at Siberian Husky’s grooming needs:

Siberian Husky has a lot of hair and requires routine grooming. Thoroughly brush out your husky once or twice a week. This will help to remove dead hair and prevent mats or tangles. It will also save you from loose hair flying around your house.
Huskies are known as fastidious dogs who keep themselves clean and have little doggy odor. They just need a few baths in a year. When giving them a bath, use a good quality shampoo and conditioner.
Brush your Siberian Husky's teeth a couple of times a week to maintain good oral health. This will help to remove bacteria and tartar buildup. Teeth brushing is important if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Trim your Husky’s nails regularly, keeping them short to avoid splitting and discomfort. This will keep your legs from getting scratched when your dog enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Short and neatly trimmed nails keep the dog's feet in good condition.
Eyes should be clear with no redness or discharge.
Ears should smell good with no exceptional amount of wax.
When you groom your Husky, look inside his mouth and ears. Check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin.

Your regular grooming and careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards.

Tools used to groom Siberian Husky

When it comes to finding tools that can be used for grooming your Siberian Huskies, here is a list that can help:

Medium-size pin brush for long hair
Wire slicker brush for use on puppies and on areas of the body with shorter hair
Grooming rake for removing shedding hair
Grooming scissors for tidying up the coat
Mat comb for removing the occasional mat that forms behind the ears or in the areas where the legs join the body
Dog Nail clippers
Dog toothbrush
Set of dog clippers

How Do Siberian Huskies Relate With Children And Other Pets

Siberian Huskies have non-aggressive and loving nature and are incredibly affectionate when they are around kids. They prove to be great playmates for children, especially if they are raised with them. They enjoy being part of your family pack. Teach your kids how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and kids.

If you already have another pet dog, the Siberian Husky can be a great choice. They are bred to be pack animals and tend to be friendly with any animals they meet. Take your Husky for a long walk before introducing him to your other pets. This will reduce his energy level and encourage a calm meeting. If you want your Siberian Husky to get along well with other pets you must start early and reward them for appropriate behavior.

Australian Based Breed Organizations For Siberian Husky

Choosing a breeder should be as important as the puppy. If you are in Australia and would want to adopt a Siberian Husky dog breed, get in touch with any of the following breed organizations.

Snofall Siberians - Siberian Husky Breeder - South East Melbourne, VIC.

Snofall Siberians - Siberian Husky Breeder - South East Melbourne, VIC

Clamiko - Siberian Husky Breeder, Mackay - QLD.

Clamiko - Siberian Husky Breeder, Mackay - QLD

MydnytBlue Kennels - German Shepherd & Siberian Husky Breeder - Brisbane, QLD.

MydnytBlue Kennels - German Shepherd & Siberian Husky Breeder - Brisbane, QLD.

Sibertac Kennel - Siberian Husky Breeder - Adelaide, SA.

Sibertac Kennel - Siberian Husky Breeder - Adelaide, SA

Kabanae - Siberian Husky Breeder - Westbury, TAS.

Kabanae - Siberian Husky Breeder - Westbury, TAS

Rescue Groups For Siberian Husky In Australia

Below are some of the rescue groups around Australia that you can contact.

Siberian Husky Club of NSW Inc.

Siberian Husky Club of NSW Inc.

Homes For Huskies Rescue, VIC

Homes For Huskies Rescue

Arctic Rescue Victoria Inc.

Arctic Rescue Victoria Inc.

Huskies for Adoption in Melbourne, Victoria

Huskies for Adoption in Melbourne, Victoria

Siberian Husky Club of Victoria

Siberian Husky Club of Victoria

Conclusion

The Siberian Husky is truly a wonderful breed but it simply cannot be for everyone. Before you adopt a Husky, it is important to take a look at your lifestyle and how accomodating it would be for a Siberian Husky’s needs. It is important to understand that as a dog owner you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet.

Bred as pack animals, Siberian Huskies crave and like companionship. They make great pets for families with children, due to their playful and loving nature. The breed is highly energetic and is likely to get bored, if not exercised properly. Grab your Siberian Husky today and fill your home with happiness caused by this affectionate and friendly dog breed.