Siberian Husky
From a distance, the striking Siberian Husky can appear wolf-like, but get closer and you’ll encounter a friendly, playful dog who welcomes just about anyone. The Siberian Husky can live as long as 15 years and produces between 6 and 8 puppies per litter.
Origin
The Siberian Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi Tribe just off the eastern Siberian Peninsula. The Chukchi used Siberian Huskies for their survival. The hard working dogs were used to pull sleds and herd animals for long periods of time in the harsh winter climate. In the early 1900s, the Siberian Husky was brought to Alaska to compete in sledding challenges. Later, the dogs were instrumental in bringing much needed medicine to Alaskans suffering from diphtheria and also served as part of the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit in World War II.
Size
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that weighs between 35 and 70 pounds and stands between 20 and 23 inches tall.
Grooming Needs
Thanks to its Arctic heritage, the Siberian Husky has a heavy, silky undercoat and a long, slightly rough top coat. The dog sheds its coat at least once a year and their owners should be prepared for plenty of fur on their furniture and in their house or car. During their shedding season, the Siberian Husky needs to be brushed on a daily basis, preferably with a metal comb.
Outside of its shedding season, the Siberian Husky just needs a good weekly brushing to maintain its coat. They only need a bath when they get dirty.
Character
The Siberian Husky is a happy, energetic and mischievous dog.
Temperament
The Siberian Husky is a friendly dog that greets nearly everyone – including strangers – warmly. They do not make good guard dogs, but are devoted to their families. The Siberian Husky can be quite affectionate, but is fine spending some time alone as well.
The Siberian Husky is a pack dog by nature and gets along well with other dogs. However, they should be supervised around smaller pets. The Siberian Husky is known for being a skilled predator of small animals like rabbits and birds.
Training Needs
Stubborn and willful, the Siberian Husky can be difficult to train. The Siberian Husky’s owner should be willing and able to commit plenty of time to training their dog. The Siberian Husky needs a leader who shows consistency and strongly enforces rules. This breed likes to be part of a pack and the owner must demonstrate that they are the pack leader.
Activity Level
To keep their minds and bodies busy, the Siberian Husky requires plenty of activity and daily exercise. Without regular exercise, they tend to act out. This breed loves to go on long walks, jogs, hikes and even bike rides. The Siberian Husky is a fast runner who will quickly escape their owner if given the chance. They should always be kept in a fenced yard or on a leash.
