|
Overview
Photo
Gallery
Videos
FAQ
Characteristics
Links
Contact
|
Description
Siberian Huskies are strong,
compact, working dogs. The Siberian Husky comes in all colours from
black to pure white. A variety of markings on the head is common,
including many striking patterns not found in other breeds. Colour
choices include Black and White, which ranges from light (dilute) to
dark (jet), Red and White, which ranges from light (peach or orange) to
dark (chocolate or brown), Gray and White, which ranges from light
(silver) to dark (wolf-gray), Sable and White (which is red-orange with
black tips), Agouti and White (which is sometimes referred to as the
coyote colour and contains a lot of dark gray coat), and White (not to
be confused with a Samoyed). Different coat markings are all accepted,
the most notable being a pie-bald. These coat markings are similar to
that of a pinto horse. The face mask and underbody are usually white,
and the remaining coat any colour. The eyes are almond shaped,
moderately spaced and set a trifle obliquely. It is a common
misconception that all Siberians have blue eyes. They can have eyes that
are blue, brown, amber, or any combination thereof including eyes which
are half blue and half brown, which is referred to as being parti-eyed.
Having one blue eye and one brown eye is referred to as being bi-eyed.
The large "snow shoe" feet have hair between the toes for gripping on
ice. Its ears are set high and erect, with a sickle shaped tail. The
Siberian Husky has a thick, wooly undercoat and a soft outer coat. It is
able to withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees to -76 degrees F (
-50 degrees to -60 degrees C).
|
Temperament
These dogs are gentle and playful, but willful and mischievous. This
cheerful dog is very fond of his or her family. A puppy at heart, they
are clever, sociable and loving, easy-going and docile. Though they do
generally have a lot of energy, especially as puppies. Good with
children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they
bark little and love everyone. Huskies are very intelligent and
trainable, but they have a mind of their own and will only obey a
command if they see the point. Training takes patience, consistency and
an understanding of the Arctic dog character. This dog will take
advantage if he can. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as
long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This
breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. They do not like to be left
alone, so if this is the breed for you, you may want to consider having
two. A lonely Husky can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is
a sled dog in heart and soul. They are good with other pets usually only
if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters
and need less food than you might expect. This breed likes to roam.
Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware
of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals. Although
there are 'exceptions to every rule', there are a number of breed
characteristics that are generally present among members of this arctic
breed. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, as even the top
breeders will tell you that they learn something new about their dogs
every day!
|
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches
(51-56cm.)
Weight: Dogs 45-60 pounds (20½-27kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds
(16-22½kg.)
|
Living Conditions
They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live
in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies
are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because
of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use
common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing
adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in
packs.
|
Exercise
Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, but should not be
excessively exercised in warm weather. They need a large yard with a
high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are
likely to dig their way out and go off hunting.
|
Life
Expectancy
About 12-15 years.
|
Grooming
The coat does not need much care except during the twice a year heavy
shedding season, when they have to be combed thoroughly with a metal
comb.
|
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC
|
|