Siberian husky

Siberian husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized polar dog that belongs to the spitz dog group and has been a part of human practices for centuries.

For generations, the breed's ancestors got used both as loyal companions and sled dogs by the Chukchi population in eastern Siberia. They were used due to their kindness, robustness, strength, and speed.

Later these dogs were imported to Alaska to be used for the same purposes. As time went by, eventually, they got bred into what we know today as the Siberian husky.

Read also our article about Alaskan malamute.

Siberian Huskies have kept many of their ancestors' characteristics, such as their ability to withstand freezing climates. They also have incredible endurance.

Loves people

Most Siberian Huskies love all people, including children, which is a natural result of their long-lasting relationship with humans and their pack mentality.

Some of the Huskies may act reserved towards strangers, but it rarely takes them long before accepting new people as a part of the pack.

Whether a Siberian Husky is reserved or tends to shy away from new people depends on both genes and upbringing. Early socialization will usually help the dog adapt to social settings.

They do not have a guarding instinct.

Siberian Husky is independent and a little stubborn

Siberian Huskies are loving and loyal to their family. Still, it is not necessarily the dog to compete within obedience competition.

Independence and self-will are two of their characteristics, so it can be challenging to train them. If they have made their minds up, they tend to stick with it; something people should be aware of when considering getting a Siberian Husky.

However, like most dogs, Huskies benefit from mental and physical challenges, whether agility, track work, searching, or hunting. In other words, their brain and body need a lot of stimulation.

Not suitable for everyone

Although Huskies are working dogs, they are also suitable as family dogs. The family must ensure that exercise is a part of their daily routine.

It is essential to know that not everyone can handle Huskies.

As a rule of thumb, the Siberian Husky is recommended for people who have previous experience with dogs and know how to set clear boundaries.

It is equally essential that the owners are consistent in their upbringing. Huskies are skilled actors who like to obey commands at dog courses but tend to "forget" everything when they return home.

With enough (and proper) training, Huskies can become exemplary companions! The most important thing to keep in mind is that they need lots of social contact, love, and physical and activity.

Master of running and sled pulling

The Siberian Husky is a real workhorse with a high energetic drive, especially when it comes to running. This drive is why many people use them for sledding - many Siberian Huskies have completed several of the world's toughest dog races.

The Husky's primary purpose is to run and pull, making it essential for the Husky to have an outlet for its excessive energy. If the dog isn't allowed this outlet, the breed will become restless and behave accordingly.

Strong instincts

Due to their hunting instincts, Siberian huskies must get to use their energy in a safe place. Preferably, they must be kept on a leash because this breed is known to run away when let loose.

When they smell something interesting, they run after it, whether a squirrel, deer, sheep, or cat. You can not necessarily trust that the dog will return to command, even if you have trained for this for many years.

Siberian huskies are more than happy to go for walks in nature. Still, they should also have the opportunity to run and move freely at home, for example, in a fenced garden.

Just remember to make the fences high enough, as the Huskies can jump a lot higher than expected.

They are also excellent diggers, so do not rule out the possibility that your Husky can get out of the garden through holes under the fence.

A Siberian Husky can be used for many different activities, such as agility, track work, or hunting. The robust bone structure and general strength mean that the dog can easily carry a hoof or pull a sled.

Siberian huskies are intelligent dogs and need challenges that stimulate their brains.

Little barking - a lot of howling

Yes, we certainly have a strong voice living inside us, but we may not use the voice exactly like other dogs.

The Siberian Husky is not a "barking" breed– meaning they are made to be, not watchdogs. If someone comes to their house, chances are they can be quiet like mice.

But what they can do, is howl—no wonder the Husky has been confused for wolves, both in appearance and vocal characteristics. The howling is most prominent when we are bored or sad (because we are home alone, for example) or excited because we're about to go for a walk.

Our tendency to howl, combined with our enormous need for activity, means that we do not fit particularly well as apartment dogs.

If you have several huskies of the same type, you can expect a proper howling orchestra at times.

Relationship with other animals

It's vital for many owners that the dog gets along with other pets, a common attribute to the Husky. However, it is more likely to happen if they are introduced to other pets when they are still puppies.

However, there is no guarantee they will be kind to other animals. Despite everything, Huskies are hunting dogs from Siberia, where they lived in harsh conditions - often with little food.

Therefore, they developed a strong hunting instinct, which is still a prominent feature and is clearly shown through their urge to hunt squirrels, hares, and cats.

The latter can be a challenge, but there are examples of huskies that tolerate cats as well. Still, those individuals have often grown up with cats from puppy age.

Lots of grooming

Huskies shed a lot, particularly during seasonal changes. However, some individuals shed regularly throughout the year, while others only shed 1-2 times a year. Despite excessive shedding, the coat itself is easy to care for.

Siberian huskies are healthy dogs.

This breed generally has good health because we are bred for functionality and not appearance. Some diseases can still occur. It is primarily related to hereditary eye diseases and hip dysplasia.

Huskies got a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

PS: Like most polar dogs, they are built to withstand extreme cold. Even if the temperature creeps down to 30-40 minus Celcius. You do not need to bring an extra sleeping bag when camping.

Size / Appearance

Siberian Husky are medium-sized dogs.

Height, females: 51-56cm

Weight, females: Approx. 17 kg

Height, males: 53-60cm

Weight, males: 20-23 kg