Known as one of the dog breeds that closely resembles their ancestors the wolves, the Siberian Husky dates back as far as 4,000 years ago when they were used as working dogs. Today the Husky is known for their energetic behavior and independent personality. Keep reading to learn more about this highly intelligent breed.
Siberian Husky Breed Guide:
Breed Origin
The Siberian Husky was first bred as sled dogs by the Chukchi, a semi-nomadic indigenous group of people native to the Chukchi Peninsula in Siberia. The Chukchi needed hunting companions who could travel long distances in the snow, and thus the Siberian Husky was born. The Husky was later brought over to Alaska by fur traders, and in the 20th century become popular for dog racing. Most notably, a pack of Siberian Huskies were hailed as heroes after the “serum run” of 1925, when a sled dog team made a thousand-mile journey to deliver life-saving medicine to the children of Nome, Alaska. The Balto Statue in Central of a Siberian Husky was even created to memorialize that pack sled dogs.
Physical Characteristics
Siberian Huskies have very distinct features as they so closely resemble wolves. Huskies average at about 20-24 inches in height, and 35-60 pounds in weight. They have a thick doublecoat, which helps keep them warm during extremely cold temperatures. The Husky’s face is usually white and framed with black markings. Most Siberian Huskies are black and white, but they are also known to come in brown or red fur in place of the black. One of the most beautiful physical qualities of the Husky are their eyes, which are commonly ice blue. Their eyes can also be brown, or both brown and ice blue. This genetic phenomenon, known as heterochromia, is common in Huskies and some other dog breeds.
Temperament
Tips For Raising A Siberian Husky
Training
The Husky’s intelligence and energy-level can be a double-edged sword when training. Huskies are known for being difficult to train. The reason for this is that they were not bred to work closely with humans, rather to perform a task as a pack. Unfortunately, many Huskies are surrendered to shelters and because their owners cannot handle them. Professional training in a Husky’s early development is highly recommended.
Grooming
The Siberian Husky sheds its doublecoat every Spring and Fall, and Huskies shed A LOT, so you should brush your Husky frequently during this time to prevent excessive fur buildup in your home. Despite their fur being a little high-maintenance, Huskies are fairly clean dog and groom themselves in a similar way to the way cats groom themselves.
Exercise
Written by Vincent M.
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