Siberian Huskies are famous worldwide.
They have wolf-like features that are VERY hard to miss and their overall appearance has a majestic look to it.
These dogs are tough and reliable and therefore have been used as working dogs throughout the years.
So hang on to your seat, because I’m going to take you down on this dog’s history and characteristics, to ensure that you learn all of the Siberian Husky breed info!
Quick Facts About The Siberian Husky
- “Wolf-like” appearance
- Cuddly
- Friendly
- Intelligent
If you’ve heard of Siberian Huskies, then you probably know that at their homeland, Siberia, they are used to pull sleds through snow and ice.
These tasks have made them tough and energetic, in order to survive the extremely harsh and cold Siberian Arctic.
But despite being working dogs, they make great pets and companions to humans, as they are very friendly and goofy, always looking to play around.
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Breed Information
The Siberian Husky is characterized by its independent thinking, rebellious behavior and overall stubbornness.
What this means is that they can and probably will be quite a challenge to train (as they do their own thinking and might challenge you for the position of alpha).
But worry not, these dogs CAN be tamed and trained!
Name
- Siberian Husky.
Other Names
- Chukchan
- Chuksha
- Husky
- Icee
- Sibe
History & Area Of Origin
The history of Siberian Huskies will forever be connected with the Chukchi people of Siberia.
These people were the first to use these dogs as working dogs, relying on them to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and work for many hours, out in the cold.
Then, later on, in the early 1900s, Americans started importing these dogs in order to place them in sledding competitions, where their fame began to spread to the rest of the world.
This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
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Size
Siberian Huskies are a breed with a proportional body build that grants them a great endurance (which is why they are great as working dogs).
They are very muscular and rarely become overweight.
All of the Husky’s body features are well defined, creating an ideal balance.
Height
Male: 21–23 inches (53–60 cm)
It’s a known fact that Huskies are big dogs, and therefore, their height would have to resemble just that.
A healthy male Siberian Husky is about 21 to 23 inches tall.
Female: 20–22 inches (50–56 cm)
As it is normal in many dog breeds, the females are smaller, and the Siberian Husky is somewhat smaller than the male Husky.
A healthy female will be about 20 to 22 inches tall.
Puppies: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm)
Siberian Huskies tend to grow very tall, very fast. This means that at only 3 months old, they reach a height of 5 to 6 inches.
You can easily notice their growth rate but don’t worry, it is absolutely normal.
Weight
Male: 44–61 pounds (20–28 kg)
Siberian Huskies are known to be quite lean for a dog their size, and so, a male Husky will weight only around 44 to 61 pounds.
Pay attention to your dog if you notice that it weighs much more than this.
It may be the start of obesity.
Female: 35–50 pounds (16–23 kg)
Female Huskies are also lean dogs, and they are quite lighter than the male Husky.
What that means is that a healthy female Siberian Husky will weigh around 35 to 50 pounds.
Puppies: 8–15 pounds (4–7 kg)
Once again, Siberian Huskies grow very fast and so, as expected, their weight accompanies that same growth.
That being said, a puppy will weight around 8 to 15 pounds at the age of 3 months.
What Group Does The Siberian Husky Belong To?
The Working Group is composed of strong, intelligent dogs that were bred to assist men in harsh works that demand a lot of endurance and overall strength.
They are great for pulling sleds, guarding properties, and even to assist men in important positions, such as police dogs and rescue dogs.
Why The Siberian Husky Belongs In This Group…
Siberian Huskies have a natural instinct to protect.
Not only that, but they also have an incredible amount of endurance that helps them survive and thrive in a harsh environment, such as the Siberian Arctic.
Plus, they make great companions to humans. And these are the reasons they belong to the Working Group..
About The Breed Purity
Siberian Huskies were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in the 1930s and have gained quite a lot of popularity since then.
That fame of theirs has earned them a place at the Top 14 AKC Breed Popularity list.
Purebred or Mixed?
Both the purebred and mixed Siberian Huskies are incredibly great pets.
The purebred Huskies have a limited range of coat colors, whereas mixed Huskies have a much wider color range, in both coat and eyes.
There are some well known mixed Huskies, such as Cusky (Husky and Corgi mix), Pitsky (Husky and Pitbull), among others.
Related Reading: Pitsky Mix Dog Breed Information
Behavior And Temperament
Huskies are intelligent dogs that like thinking their own way, rather than just blindly following someone else’s orders.
Unfortunately, that also means it will constantly be trying to test your limits and try to challenge you for the position of alpha.
They are very playful and energetic, so if you’re an active person, you two will get along just fine!
Plus, they are a very social breed, so they like being around other people and animals.
Alert
These dogs have a keen sense of hearing but they are not alert dogs at all.
They are playful and hardly ever pay attention to their surroundings, which basically means they were not bred to work as watchdogs.
Friendly
Wolves are pack animals, which means they have a natural instinct that creates a need to be a part of a pack.
Being descendants from wolves, it is safe to say that Siberian Huskies are naturally social.
They are very loving dogs that love to cuddle and snuggle with other people and animals, so they befriend other very easily.
Gentle
Siberian Huskies are a loving breed that loves to play and cuddle.
They have a natural instinct that leads them to want to create or be in a pack and they’ll treat their pack with all the care and affection of the world
That means they are incredibly gentle to those they like.
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Intelligent
These dogs are considered a very intelligent breed.
They can overcome any obstacle if they set their minds to it, which is one of the reasons they are adored as working dogs.
Their intelligence has saved many people, namely when it comes to pulling sleds through dangerous zones of Siberia.
But don’t be fooled, that same intelligence can sometimes make them stubborn and defiant.
Outgoing
Siberian Huskies are one of the most social dog breeds in the world.
They are incredibly outgoing and will welcome everyone with a wagging tail (even a stranger with potential ill intentions), so don’t go adopting a Husky as a guard dog.
Personality
If you’ve been paying attention so far, then you already know this, but Siberian Huskies are very outgoing dogs, who love company, whether it’s human or animal.
They have a passion for running and try to do so anytime they can.
They are incredibly good with children and love playing around with them.
But keep in mind that these are very energetic dogs and so, you’ll have to find a way to exercise them, so that they don’t start doing things that you don’t want them to do.
Coat Types
Considering they were bred to survive the Siberian harsh cold weather, these Huskies have a very dense, plush coat with a lot of undercoat.
Their outer coat is usually straight with a dense undercoat to support it.
They endure the cold very easily but have a hard time in warm weather environments.
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Coat Colors
The Siberian Huskies come in many colors, from white to black, and all the colors in between. The most common combinations are:
- Black and White
- Red and White
- Sable and White
There are also Huskies that are made of only one solid color, such as black, grey, red and white.
Eyes
Huskies have almond-shaped eyes that are proportionally spaced.
Their eye color can range anywhere between blue, brown, amber or even a combination.
Siberian Huskies are also known to sometimes breed puppies with two eye colors.
Nose
One particularity of the Siberian Huskies is that their noses’ color always depends on the color of their coat.
That means that a black, gray and tan Huskies will have a black nose, red Huskies will have a reddish nose and white Huskies will have a pink-streaked color.
Tail
Huskies always carry their tails over their backs in a slight, relaxed curve.
Much like other dog breed, the Siberian Husky wags its tail when happy and stiff when suspicious or angry.
They easily show their emotions through body language and the tail is an easy indicator of their emotions.
Litter Size: 4 – 8 number of Puppies
This breed is very special when it comes to breeding, as the litter size will depend on the female’s age, weight and health.
An overall standard and healthy Husky will produce about 4 to 8 puppies in a litter.
The ideal age to produce litter is 3 to 5 years old, when they are considered adults, though you still need to pay attention to your dog’s health (weight and overall health).
Life Span
A Siberian Husky can live up to 15 years, so that means your new companion will keep you company for a very long time!
Of course that your dog will only live that long if you take good care of it.
But given that you provide all the care it needs, you’ll likely have a long-lasting companion.
Care Requirements
Like I just mentioned, Siberian Huskies can live for a long time.
You should provide your Husky with good quality dog food, high in protein to help it develop and maintain its physique and also make sure that you don’t exercise or go for walks on very hot weather, as they are dogs bred for cold weather (so they don’t do well in warm environments).
Grooming Requirements
We’ve arrived at the hardest part of owning a Siberian Husky…
If you own a Husky, then you already know this, but if you don’t then prepare yourself: Huskies shed. A LOT.
They don’t shed twice a year like some dog breeds, they shed all years long.
That means a lot of hair will be flying around your house.
So if you don’t wish to brush your dog on a daily basis, then it might be a good idea to choose another dog.
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Exercise
Siberian Huskies were bred to handle heavy cargo, which consequently means that they developed a high level of energy.
Energy that needs to be spent in order for them to be happy.
So get your running shoes and prepare to walk or run with your Husky everyday, for at least an hour.
Health
If you’re looking for a generally healthy dog companion, then you’re in the right place! Siberian Huskies are famous for their health and long lifespan.
But like all dog breeds, this one has certain illnesses that it could inherit.
Do some research on this dog’s “common” diseases and try helping your dog to avoid these diseases.
For example, they are prone to hip dysplasias, so the trick would be to avoid getting your dog to jump often.
Health care requirements for Siberian Huskies
In order to prevent the diseases mentioned above, you should do regular testing for:
- Hip Scoring, to test your Husky’s probability of developing Hip Dysplasia.
- Eye Testing, as they have a proneness to develop eye problems.
Training
Siberian Huskies love having a human companion, but need a firm, steady training right from the start, as puppies.
They are very intelligent and therefore have also become a stubborn breed.
That being said, it is important for you to start training your dog as soon as possible, so that it won’t establish itself as the pack leader.
If it does, getting your Husky to obey you will become a much more difficult task.
Training care requirements for Siberian Huskies
To master this dog, you’ll absolutely need to do:
- Housetraining
- Obedience training
DO that and I’ll believe that you are up for the challenge of owning a Siberian Husky.
Physical Characteristics Of Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a very elegant-looking dog with a compact and strong body-build.
They have a unique look to them, that resembles the looks of wolves.
They are quick and love action!
They have a good proportionate muzzle with an incredibly strong jaw.
Their fur has interesting colors and happens to be very smooth to the touch.
They are a perfectly balanced, muscular dog breed.
Adaptability
Siberian Huskies adapt well to changes, but you should never forget that they are dogs that were bred to survive cold weather, so taking them to a tropical or warm environment might be hard for them.
They have two layers of fur that provide heat and so they overheat very quickly in warm weather.
Other Dog Friendly
If you are worried that your Husky will have a hard time befriending your other household pets, then rest easy, because these dogs are very social and outgoing.
They welcome other dogs with ease and will quickly make them a part of their pack.
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Shedding Level
Fur, fur, fur.
Get used to that word, because you’ll be seeing it EVERYWHERE!
Huskies shed a lot.
It’s a known fact, they have two layers of hair and they shed all year round.
So, if your planning on avoiding massive hair balls on your house floor, then get a brush and prepare for the action!
Affection Level
As pack animals, Siberian Huskies are a naturally affectionate breed.
They adore being around their pack and they bond with others very easily.
They will want to always be around their pack members and will show their affection through cuddles and licking.
Exercise Needs
Owning a Siberian Husky is no easy task.
But they can be quite easy to manage if you spend the necessary amount of time with them.
That means you’ll have to dedicate 1 to 2 hours to exercise your dog.
And I don’t just mean a few laps around the building, I mean some hardcore, vigorous training.
Do that and you’ll have a happy dog.
You can choose the activity, you just need to make sure that if satisfies the Husky’s exercise needs.
But keep in mind that you should not exercise your dog on a summer day when the sun is at its highest, or you’ll risk your dog overheating.
Social Needs
Siberian Huskies are a very social dog breed that simply loves being around other living beings.
They are not wary or suspicious of strangers, they generally like children and they love having another animal company.
So whichever your household may be like, they’ll fit right in.
Apartment Friendly
Despite being big dogs, Siberian Huskies adapt well to small living spaces.
They like sleeping and slouching in a place that they feel comfortable in.
But you need to know that, in order to keep them in an apartment, that you will need to take them out and let them exercise as much as needed to keep them from getting bored.
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Grooming
Have I already mentioned that Siberian Huskies are extremely energetic and need to be entertained at all times?
Well, grooming time is no different.
Either you find a way to keep them entertained while you groom them, or they’ll get bored and become restless, so my secret tip for you is: Chew toys!
Not only will it keep them entertained but also calm.
Stranger Friendly
These dogs might frighten strangers from their wolf-like appearance, but the truth is that their tough appearance is just that: appearance.
These dogs are incredibly friendly and sweet and so will welcome most strangers with a wagging tail.
If you are a person that likes having visitors over, then you don’t need to worry about your dog’s reaction.
Barking Tendencies
It’s not exactly news when I tell you that Huskies like talking.
They have become internet sensations due to their loud “talking”, jabbering and grumbling.
This breed loves voicing their thoughts, which means they’ll howl, whine, and moan whenever they feel like it.
Plus, they have a high pitch unique voice.
So, if you live in an apartment with thin walls, their habit of howling might become a problem with the neighbors.
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Health Issues
Siberian Huskies are healthy dogs, but are prone to some illnesses.
They have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia (which means that the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket and can be very painful to the dog), ectopy (an abnormality of the urethra) and even eye problems, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and corneal dystrophy.
This means it’s important for you to choose a good breeder, to ensure that your puppy won’t inherit bad health conditions.
Territorial
These dogs are very devoted to their guardians, but they are known to be great hosts who happen to be friendly.
That means that it is not very usual for a Siberian Husky to be very territorial.
They tend to welcome other people and animals into their homes with ease.
Cat Friendly
As animals that were bred to thrive in the harsh conditions of Siberia, they developed a strong prey drive that may lead them to chase smaller animals.
Cats are no exception to this, but don’t worry, they’ll easily befriend your house cat if you help your Husky to understand that the cat is a friend and not a source of entertainment or food.
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Intelligence
Huskies are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world, which is why they are often used as working dogs.
That also means that they are strong-willed with a stubbornness to them and so, will likely challenge you when you try to train them.
Trainability
Siberian Huskies are very independent and therefore very stubborn as well, so they are not exactly suited for first time owners.
This is a dog that needs to have rules input right from the start or they’ll start their ritual to become the pack leader, which can lead to certain undesirable behaviors.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you show your Husky that you are the alpha and need to be respected and obeyed.
Child Friendly
Huskies love children and interacting with them.
Of course that some sort of supervision is required, but they are a natural great pet for a household with children.
You should, however, expect them to treat your children as their children, as they have an instinct that leads them to protect the youngest in their “pack”.
Playfulness
Is the tough, wolf-like Siberian Husky a playful dog?
ABSOLUTELY YES!
These dogs love playing around with others, whether it’s human or animal.
They love all sorts of physical activities and will always try to get you to play with them, with a ball, stick or even just running around the house or park.
Plus, they spend some part of their energy while doing so, which is a good thing.
Watchdog Ability
Do Siberian Huskies make good watchdogs?
Well, if you’ve paid attention to what you’ve read so far, then you already know the answer to this: Huskies do NOT make good watchdogs.
They are way too friendly and will almost always greet intruders in a friendly manner, so if a watchdog is what you are looking for, then you are in the wrong place!
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Other Pets
Huskies love to hang out with other animals, but it’s easier for them to do so with other animals their own size.
This because some Huskies might have a stronger prey drive that will lead them to prey on smaller pets.
But if you DO have other small pets, then just supervise their first encounters and try to show your Siberian Husky that it should not harm your other pets.
Do that and your life will become much easier.
Feeding Siberian Huskies
These dogs are known to be light and easy eater for their size.
They were bred to withstand a long time of working with little to no food in their bellies and so they have a great endurance when it comes to eating.
However, you should keep in mind that active dogs need more food than couch-potatoes, so if you are keeping your dog busy at all times, you should feed them the proper amount of food.
Siberian Husky Puppies
Like all dog breeds, Siberian Husky Puppies need to be fed little and often.
They should be fed around 4 to 5 times a day to keep their energy up, but shouldn’t be fed too much, as their stomach can bloat and become uncomfortable for the little pup.
Siberian Husky Adults
An adult Husky should be fed twice a day, preferably when they wake up and then again before bedtime.
This will render them energy for the entire day and it will keep them satisfied, while not being overfed. They don’t tend to become overweight but it CAN happen sometimes.
Famous Siberians Huskies
Siberian Huskies are worldwide famous and have gained a spotlight of their own.
There are many famous Huskies around the world, such as:
#1 Balto
Balto is one of the most famous (if not the most famous one) Siberian Husky of the world.
He gained his fame in the movie “Great Race of Mercy”, where he was the alpha in a sled-carrying dog team that carried a lifesaving package of serum to a faraway town.
#2 Togo
Related to this story is a Siberian Husky named Togo, who is believed to be the real hero of the journey that was made to deliver serum to Nome.
He led the sled through the longest and most hardcore part of the journey.
Yet another famous husky in this special serum delivery team is Fritz, half-brother to Togo and co-leader of the pack.
#3 Droopy
Droopy is without question one of the bravest dogs in the world as he and his pack fell into a pit, where he managed to stay strong, always trying to escape that said pit.
He persevered in there until his rescuer, Mick Pawley, finally got to him and pulled him out of there.
#4 Charlie
Speaking of strong dogs, Charlie is a worldwide dog who got his own spotlight when he pulled a 1406kg sledge around, in 1963!
Isn’t that just incredible?
#5 Mishka
Then you have Mishka, a YouTube sensation dog that has conquered many hearts all over the world by doing her special thing: talking.
No, I don’t mean human talking, I mean her own special way of talking.
She loves making interesting noises and sounds and has actually learned how to mumble the words “I love you”.
The next one isn’t A dog, it’s a pack!
Eight Siberian Huskies have become famous for starring in the movie “Eight Below”.
#6 Maya, Old Jack, Shorty, Dewey, etc
The dog’s names are Maya (the alpha), Old Jack, Shorty, Dewey, Truman, Shadow, Buck, and Max.
These courageous dogs were forced to stay in Antarctica, chained to a pole, during a terrible winter storm.
They managed to escape the chains and some even survived an entire winter (which in Antarctica lasts for a LONG time) without their handler.
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How to Adopt A Siberian Husky
Before adopting a Siberian Husky puppy or pupper, you should make sure that you have what it takes to take care of one.
Owning a dog isn’t just playing with them for a few minutes and then ignoring their existence for the rest of the day.
It requires constant attention to:
- Feeding
- Grooming
- Exercising
- Health
Furthermore, you should pay attention to the place you are getting your Husky from, as there are careless breeders who don’t care whether a puppy is healthy or not, they only care about selling.
How Much Does a Siberian Husky Cost?
These smart, loyal dogs are on the Top Most Famous Dogs in the world and therefore are not very cheap to acquire.
Prices might range from:
-
Superior Pedigree Puppy:
A puppy that comes from a certified breeder and that has a good parentage can cost you somewhere between $1.400 and $6.000! But, despite being expensive, you can rest assured that they have been taken care of and fed properly and will likely not inherit illnesses from their parents.
-
Adoption:
Adopting a Siberian Husky will come at no price, but you will have to pay for registration, vaccinations and you will also have to spay or neuter your dog. On the good side, you’ll be providing a loving home to a dog who really needs one.
Breed Group
Working (AKC:1930)
Smart, intelligent, strong, and strong-willed.
These are the characteristics of the dogs in the Working Group.
They thrive in jobs that require a lot of physical and mental exercise, but they can also make great pets.
Northern Breeds (UKC:1938)
The United Kennel Club has established a standard in order to maintain the quality of this dog breed, always trying to eliminate inherited diseases and to improve their breed.
National Breed Clubs
- Siberian Husky Club of America
- Bay Area Siberian Husky Club
- Rocky Mountain Siberian Husky Club
- Seneca Siberian Husky Club
- Northern California Siberian Husky Club
Rescue Groups
- Bay Area Siberian Husky Club
- Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue
- Garden State Siberian Husky Club
- Half Moon Husky Rescue, Inc.
- MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue & Referral Service, Inc.
- Seneca Siberian Husky Club
- Siberian Husky Assist Rescue
- Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland
- Siberian Husky Rescue Site
Are You Up For The Challenge?
Siberian Huskies can be quite strong-willed, but they can also be the best friend you’ve ever had!
Don’t let the Husky’s wolf-life appearance scare you from getting one.
With proper research on the subject, I’m sure you’ll make the best companion for your Siberian Husky puppy or pupper.
So, tell me, are you ready to own one?
What have you learned from this article?
Did you know most of these facts or are you a Siberian Husky “virgin”?
Have you got what it takes to own a Siberian Husky?
Let me know in the comment section below, and don’t forget to share this article with friends and pet lovers!
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