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SIBERIAN HUSKY — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
U.S.A. |
| Height: |
Males — 21-23.5 inches at the withers
Females — 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) |
| Weight: |
Males — 45 to 60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Females — 34 to 50 lbs. (15-23 kg) |
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The Siberian Husky breed was originally developed as an endurance sled dog in northeastern Asia. In 1909, a large number of dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races and the Alaskan dog drivers quickly recognized the abilities of these huskies from Siberia.
The Siberian Husky is a medium sized, strong, graceful, and tenacious sled dog. He is handsome, energetic, dignified, alert, eager to please, and very adaptable. Quick, light on his feet and graceful in action, he is extremely intelligent, independent, and can be very stubborn. He is, however, affectionate, gentle and friendly. The Siberian's friendly nature makes him an unlikely candidate as a watchdog, however, his appearance is often seen as a deterrent to intruders.
The Siberian has a strong predatory instinct and care must be taken around small animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and cats, which may be viewed as prey. Another characteristic of note for the breed is his desire to run. This characteristics is part of his heritage and it is important to realize that the Siberian is not a dog who can be left unrestrained as he will run if the opportunity is there for him to do so.
The Siberian does not typically bark. He does talk in a soft "woo woo" sound and also howls quite well. Owners of multiple Siberians report frequent howling, starting and stopping simultaneously. This is typical behaviour of the pack oriented breed that he is.
The Siberian Husky has a thick, soft, double coat usually medium in length. The coat can be any colour with the most common being various shades of wolf and silver greys, tan, and black with white points. Siberians also have a large variety of markings, especially on the head. The eyes are shades of brown or blue in colour, one of each colour or parti-coloured — all are equally acceptable to the breed standards.
In recent years, the popularity of the breed has increased dramatically. Unfortunately, with this popularity comes the issue of irresponsible breeders attempting to cash in. If you are considering a Siberian Husky puppy, be especially selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page. There are three Arctic breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club — The Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed — There are also various cross-breeds known as "Alaskan Huskies". The Siberian Husky is the only recognized breed for which the terrm "Husky" has become part of the breed's name.
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For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE
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Health Issues:
The Siberian Husky breed is generally very healthy. However, like all breeds, certain hereditary disorders have been found in the breed, including some eye problems, such as juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and PRA as well as reported cases of Hip Dysplasia. Additional information on these and other dog health related issues can be found in the Health and Nutrition section as well as at: Your Siberian Husky: Its Hips and Its Eyes.
If you are considering the adoption of a Siberian Husky puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. The SHCA recommends and the SHCC Code of Conduct requires that all breeding stock be x-rayed clear of hip dysplasia before breeding and that all breeding stock be certified clear of hereditary eye defects annually by a certifed Veterinary Opthamologist. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard - Revised 1 July 2008
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Breed Standard No. 270/ 24. 01. 2000 / GB
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AKC Siberian Husky Video
24 Min. Video Edition, Published by the American Kennel Club
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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You be the Judge - The Siberian Husky
by Robert Cole
International judge Robert Cole's expert perspective on some of the important elements of judging the Siberian Husky.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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The Siberian Husky
by Joan Brearley
A coffeetable book that's loaded with color photos! Includes history of the breed, famous dogs, showing and judging, the dog show world, obedience, racing, today's racing dog, the breed as a pack dog, more.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
| For a wide selection of books on the Siberian Husky, please see the Siberian Husky Books & Merchandise section. |
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Grooming Information:
- Grooming — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- How to Train Sleddogs — by J. Jeffrey Bragg of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog Project. Indepth article including equipment required; information for the novice on building a team; puppy training; harness breaking; lead dog training; training in the fall and winter; and more.
- Training — For information on training your dog, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- So... You Want a Siberian Husky — From the Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
- Everything Husky — Your source for information and links on Mushing, Skijoring, Pulking, Dog-packing, Siberians, Malamutes, Samoyeds, working mutts, and anything else you can think of in the realm of Northern breed dogs or dog-powered recreation or competition.
- The Racing Siberian Husky Online
- The Seppala Siberian Sleddog Project — Breed Development Project — The project seeks to protect and preserve the Leonhard Seppala sleddog. Of interest to Siberian Husky owners where they can learn about today's version of the original Siberian Sleddog.
- Learning More About
Siberian Husky Bloodlines — Includes information pages on 29 bloodlines of Seppalas and Racing Siberian Huskies — who the breeders were, where and when, their foundation stock, the nature of their breeding, and from one to five or six sample pedigrees for each.
- A History Of The Siberian Husky
- Tips on Siberian Husky Puppies
- Clubs, Sports and Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on various dog sports and activities that you may be interested in getting involved in with your Siberian, including dog sledding and skijoring, as well as a list of non-breed specific dog clubs and associations across Canada. (For a list of breed clubs, see the Siberian Husky Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
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