Alternate Names
Chukcha
Appearance
Body: Compact with a strong, straight back, deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and powerful, well laid back shoulders.
Coat: Long, smooth, dense, straight outer coat with a dense cashmere-like undercoat.
Color: All colors from black to solid white.
Ears: Medium size, triangular-shaped, set high and close, and held erect.
Eyes: Medium sized, almond-shaped, obliquely set (outside corners set higher than inside corners), brown, blue, or one of each.
Feet: Compact, oval, and well-padded.
Head: Wedge-shaped with a moderately round skull-tapering to the eyes, well-defined stop, medium length muzzle, and black, tan, flesh-colored, or liver nose.
Legs: Forelegs are straight, sturdy, and well-boned with elbows held close to the body. Hindquarters are strong with well-muscled upper thighs, well-angulated, powerful legs, well bent stifles, and well let down hocks.
Neck: Moderately long, strong, and arched.
Size:
Weight: 35 – 60 pounds
Height: 20 – 23.5 inches
Tail: Round and fox-like, carried up over the back in a sickle curve when active and running, carried down when resting.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Not recommended with cats and other small animals
AKC Standard says, “The Siberian Husky is naturally friendly and gentle in temperament. He possesses at times an independent nature, and although very alert, in many cases he lacks the aggressive or protective tendencies of a watchdog.”
An attractive dog with bold markings, the Siberian Husky is well known for being the champion of sled-racing. He has the strength and endurance to travel long distances at fast speeds while pulling a sled and a light amount of supplies behind him through the snow and harsh winter weather conditions.
The Siberian is not meant to be left isolated in the back yard or cooped up in a house for days. He requires vigorous daily exercise with an athletically active owner who has the time and the desire to spend with him.
Though friendly with people and other dogs, cats and other small animals are at risk from the Siberian. He will quickly prey on cats, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and other small unsuspecting creatures.
Without proper constraints such as a lead or securely fenced in yard he will be gone. He is bred to run with tireless effort for long distances and could be miles away in a very short amount of time.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Working Group
Bred to pull sleds and as companion dogs
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise. Best suited for an athletic-type owner who loves outdoor activities.
Grooming: He is a clean, odor-free dog but his coat is dense and should be brushed out two to three times weekly. He will loose hair year round but will shed profusely in the spring and fall.
Health
Life Expectancy: 11 – 13 Years
Possible Problems:
Cataracts
Corneal Dystrophy – usual seen in young adult female dogs though some males are affected
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – can cause blindness
Hip Dysplasia – degenerative joint disease where the hip no longer fits properly in its socket.
Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes
OFA – for the hips
Country of Origin
Russia – Siberia