Dog class - Working
Average height - 20 to 24 inches
Average weight - 50 to 55 pounds
Size - Large
Average life span - 10 to 12 years

The Siberian Husky is a good-natured, playful, medium to large sized dog. Its thick, medium- length coat is normally grey-and-white, black-and-white, red-and-white, or solid white. With its pricked up ears, curled tailed, and free and independent spirit, this dog is an attractive, hearty breed.

Although adaptable and energetic, it is important to note that the Husky loves the outdoors in cold climates. This dog is a digger and a howler, and therefore requires ongoing exercise, obedience training, and supervision. It can be a good dog for a family with children and other pets, if trained properly.

The Siberian Husky was developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia as a sled dog, able to travel quickly with light loads for great distances. Beginning in 1913, Leonard Seppala raced and/or bred a number of Siberians that won most of the racing titles in Alaska. In 1925, Seppala and his dogs covered 340 miles of tough terrain in a blizzard to get a badly needed diphtheria serum from Nenana to Nome. The other teams that assisted in the 658 mile trek completed on average only 53 miles each. In honor of Seppala and his dog's incredible efforts, the Diphtheria Serum Run is commemorated every year with the Iditarod Sled Race in Alaska.

The Siberian loves to roam, and must be leashed or fenced when outdoors. In addition, this breed loves to burrow, an instinct that comes from its need to create its own warm sleeping spot in the cold, snowy Alaskan terrain. Long, leashed walks and designated digging spaces would make ideal, fun activities.

The Husky requires little clipping or trimming. It is a very social dog, good with other pets, strangers, and children. It doesn't make for a good watch dog, but it can be wonderfully social. It has an independent spirit, and is relatively free from the usual "doggy" odors.

Some genetic health issues to watch out for when looking for a Husky include hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, corneal disorders, thyroid deficiency, and skin disorders related to zinc deficiencies. To ensure that your Siberian has good hips, both parents should have a certificate from the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). In addition, to ensure healthy eyes, your dog (and its parents) should be regularly examined by a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology.

Because the Husky is extremely hard to train, it is recommended for experienced owners only. It sheds a lot, and can become bored and destructive if not supervised. This breed loves to chew and dig, and its roaming instinct will take over if it is not properly leashed. This dog is also very difficult to housebreak. In addition, lots of early and continual obedience training is required. Finally, be on the lookout for bad breeders, or else you'll wind up with a tall, bony, hyperactive dog.

This breed loves to dig and howl!

Further Siberian Husky Dog Resources