Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Russia/1800s

This is the speed demon of the sled dog world. This working animal of the Chukchi people of northeast Siberia caused a sensation when it was introduced to Alaska for the All Alaska Sweepstakes in 1909. They revolutionized racing, as nothing finished even close to them. Today the racing sled dogs of Alaska owe much to their Siberian Husky blood. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903. Very popular as a companion animal.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Arctic Husky

AKC Group: Working

Breed Club: Siberian Husky Club of America

Rescue Club: Siberian Husky Club of America Rescue

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Body Type:

  • A medium sized sled dog of the Spitz family. Compact and muscular with a wolflike expression
  • Height: 20-23 1/2 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 35-60 pounds
  • The tail, bushy and foxlike, is carried over the back. It is never altered The ears are erect and are not altered. In line with what you would expect from a Northern dog, the ears are small and heavily furred
  • Eyes may be brown or blue, or dog may have one of each color

Personality:

  • Intelligent and eager to please. This is not the typical sled dog personality
  • Siberians are softer and more responsive
  • Friendly by nature towards humans but really stubborn
  • Prefers to be outdoors
  • High energy

Coat:

  • Thick double coat of short to medium length. The outer coat is coarse and the undercoat is oily and woolly
  • All colors are permitted from black to white with many having striking face markings
  • Sheds heavily in the spring. At other times grooming is moderate

Health Concerns:

  • Usually very hardy
  • Possible hip dysplasia
  • Laryngeal diseases
  • Serious eye problems
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Communal howling is a hallmark of the breed
  • Much gentler and much less quarrelsome with other dogs than the other Northern breeds
  • Registered under the name Arctic Husky by the United Kennel Club
  • Very popular; in the top twenty of AKC registrations for 1995