First and foremost, the Siberian husky is not a wolf nor any part wolf.
Description
The Siberian is a purebred domesticated dog and has been for many centuries. The Siberian originated in Russia where they were bred and raised by the Chukchi people for thousands of years. There they were used as sled dogs. Eventually some were imported into the United States in 1909 by a fur trader. Almost immediately they started winning races in Alaska. The Siberian husky can be any color from solid black to solid white and come in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common are red & white, gray & white, and black & white and the less common are the agouti & white, sable & white, and Piebald or Pinto. They may have blue, brown, bi-eyed (one blue and one brown etc.), green, amber or parti eyes (one or two eyes containing two different colors, brown, with blue specks). The Siberian husky is the smallest of the working groups, but they are a powerhouse in a small package. Sledding and pulling comes from deep within. They were born and bred to pull sleds, but they can also be wonderful companions. They can withstand low temperatures, although they do need a good doghouse to get in during cold months. They can also adjust to warm weather as long as they have plenty of shade (preferably a doghouse to get in) and plenty of fresh water. The Siberian husky is naturally friendly and gentle in temperament. They are pack dogs and enjoy the company of both humans and other dogs. They are usually quiet, though they do "talk" and can howl very well. They are friendly with strangers and do not have guard dog instincts. The Siberian husky is a medium size dog with females weighing between 35-50 pounds and males weighing between 45-60 pounds.
Grooming
The Siberian husky by nature is clean and typically free from body odor and parasites. Siberians clean themselves like cats. They shed usually twice a year and shedding last for three or more weeks. The Siberian has a double coat; an undercoat that consist of soft, dense hairs, and an outer coat consisting of guard hairs. They require minimum grooming except when shedding and should be brushed daily during this time to prevent the hair from matting. They only need to be bathed once or twice a year.
Training
The Siberian husky is not a breed to be trusted off leash. Even the well-trained Siberians tend to wonder, or bolt off after something they find interesting. It is highly recommended that you begin obedience training at an early age. They are highly intelligent, but can become bored easily. With young pups the training lessons should be short and fun.
Owning a Dog
When you decide to become a pet owner please be sure that you know the responsibilities, time, love, and money that is required. Bringing an animal, of any kind, into your home is a lifetime commitment. They are not something that should be purchased on a whim and tossed away when they begin to grow up. They are living, breathing creatures, just like you and me, with feelings. They are not a piece of trash to be thrown away. Without regular exercise, and human companionship Siberians can become problems. They will begin to howl, chew, dig, and all sorts of things to lessen their boredom. There is a lot of time, love, and effort that goes into insuring that your new family member stays healthy and happy. Just remember that dogs are a reflection of their owners.
The Siberian husky is not a breed that is suitable for everyone. They are high-energy, and very athletic and need plenty of exercise. Be sure to research the breed and understand the husky traits, both good and bad, before you take responsibility of ownership.
1. They love to dig and will dig holes anywhere.
2. They can be very good escape artist and are capable of jumping a 4-foot or taller fences.
3. They are prong to howling and can do it very well.
4. The have a strong prey drive. They will chase and possibly kill small animals (cats, squirrels, rabbits, opossums, etc.). They will also chase, kill, or attack many farm animals (goats, sheep, cattle, horse, etc.).
5. They love to run and do it very well and they are fast.
6. They have a desire to roam and should be kenneled or leashed at all times.
7. They shed their coats (aka blowing their coats) twice a year and this leaves a lot of hair everywhere.
Unless you want your Siberian stolen, shot, hit by a car, or anything else, be sure that you have the proper enclosure to keep them safe.
