A portrait of a smiling Siberian Husky.

Siberian Husky

Height
20 - 23"
Weight
35 - 60 lbs
Type
Working
Life Expectancy
12 - 14 years
Area of Origin
Siberia
The Siberian Husky is a working breed from Northeast Asia. They are pack dogs that love spending time with housemates and family. Adaptable to both city and country life, this breed is the perfect companion for an active lifestyle. The Siberian Husky has wild and beautiful markings, as well as several hilarious personality quirks. They are known for "singing" and "howling" instead of barking. Colder weather suits them best, and you can often find a Husky lounging underneath a pile of snow. Huskies are curious and notorious escape artists, as they can scale a 6 foot tall fence with ease!
Energy Level
5
Playfulness
4
Friendliness to dogs
4
Friendliness to strangers
3
exercise requirements
5
affection level
4
friendliness to other pets
3
watchfulness
3
Grooming Requirements
3
Vocality
3

Where Are Siberian Huskies From?

The Siberian Husky was developed centuries ago by the Chukchi people, who used the breed to transport goods and act as companion animals. Due to a climate change in their homeland, the Chukchi expanded their hunting territories, which precipitated a change in the Siberian breed. They evolved to excel at pulling sleds over very long distances without tiring.

The Siberian was first seen in Alaska in 1909, where a team competed in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race. The breed was noted for their strength and unparalleled endurance, showing great success as working dogs in search and rescue endeavors and as sled dogs.

Caring for a Siberian Husky

What Kind of Diet Does a Siberian Husky Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Siberian Husky Need?

The Siberian requires a nutrient-rich diet to ensure a healthy coat and benefit their active lifestyle.

How Much Grooming Does a Siberian Husky Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Siberian Husky Need?

Siberians are very easy to maintain, requiring few baths and occasional brushing to keep the coat and skin healthy. They shed their undercoats twice a year, which necessitates a thorough raking to remove the dead hair.

An important note about grooming: make sure that your Husky is completely dry after bathing, as a damp undercoat can develop hot spots.

Are Siberian Huskies Healthy Dogs?

Are Siberian Huskies Healthy Dogs?

Siberian Huskies are relatively healthy. The most notable concerns are juvenile cataracts and other eye issues, making an annual screening by an ophthalmologist ideal. The Husky lifespan ranges from 12 – 14 years.

Huskies are predisposed to: gastric dilatation volvulus, juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, pannus, laryngeal paralysis, degenerative myelopathy, hypertension, zinc responsive dermatosis, and perianal gland adenoma.

Do You Need to Train a Siberian Husky?

Do You Need to Train a Siberian Husky?

Siberians require basic obedience training. Those in need of a sled dog will have to seek specialized instruction. They are very social and will become destructive if left alone – so enjoy each other’s company! When walking with your Husky, be sure to keep them on a leash to prevent wandering.

How Much Exercise Does a Husky Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Husky Need?

Siberians are incredibly energetic and active dogs who need regular exercise to stay happy. They love participating in any number of activities, including agility, rally, obedience, and long hikes with their families. Dogs who live in a more urban setting also thrive in playgroups or daycare.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Siberian Husky?

How Big Do Huskies Get?
The average height of a Husky is 21 – 23″ for males and 20 – 22″ for females. They generally weigh 35 – 60 pounds. They are medium-sized, strong, and agile. They have a friendly and mischievous expression.
What Color Eyes Do Huskies Have?
Husky eyes are almond shaped, and can come in brown, blue, or one of each color. Parti-colored eyes have patches of both blue and brown. The ears are of moderate size, erect, and triangular, despite having rounded tips. The head is proportionate to the body and slightly rounded.
Are Huskies Strong?
The body of the Siberian is fairly compact and strong, but not bulky. Their chests are deep, but not very wide, and the back is straight from the shoulders to the rump.
Do Siberian Huskies Have Curled Tails?
Husky tails are furry and curled over the back when alert.
Siberian Husky Front Legs
Forelimbs are straight, and elbows are held close to the chest. The feet are oval shaped, but compact, with furry toes and thick pads to protect against cold and dangerous terrain.
What Type of Coat Do Siberian Huskies Have?
Siberian Huskies have a double coat that is moderate in length. The outer coat is smooth and lies flat against the body. The undercoat is thick to protect against harsh climes. Their colors range from white to black with any number of marking patterns.
Siberian Husky Back Legs
The hindlimbs are powerful, muscular, and straight when viewed from behind. Any dewclaws on the hind feet are typically removed.
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Siberian Husky Facts

During a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, Siberian Huskies led "serum runs" to bring medication to small towns in Alaska.
Siberian Huskies served during World War II in the Search and Rescue unit of the U.S. Army.
The Siberian's name was nearly changed to the Chukchi Indian Dog in the 1990s.
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Other Breeds to Explore

Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo
Finnish Spitz
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References

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