Breed Group: Working Group
Shoulder Height: 20-24 in.
Weight: 35-60 lb.
Life Span: 12-14 years
Colors: Black, white, brown, red
Interesting Facts
- Siberian Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi Inuit tribe in northern Alaska as sled pullers. This service has been immortalized by the annual Iditarod sled race.
- The breed are famed for their ability to run long distances in virtually any weather conditions.
- Siberian Huskies were regarded as heroes during the Alaska and Yukon Gold Rush.
Overview
Adored and respected everywhere for their sheer athleticism, beauty, and courage, the Siberian Husky is quite possibly one of the most popular working breeds in the world.
Their athletic background means that they require a lot of outside time. Regular walking is a must. They are highly sociable and playful, and enjoy being in the company of other dogs and people.
Huskies are hugely energetic and need a great deal of exercise. Their recall is not always great because they are so keen to run; consistent and correct training is therefore vital. Some people advocate never letting them off the lead, but this will mean they become bored, frustrated and bursting with energy! This is a breed designed to do a huge amount of physical work, so it is essential that they stay fit.
Their double coat does make them ill-suited to very warm environments. They also require very regular grooming and will shed a great deal of hair!
Health Facts
Despite being a larger breed, Siberian Huskies are extremely healthy dogs and do not suffer from too many physical maladies.
- They rank nearly at the bottom of all breeds for instances of hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Defects of the eye like glaucoma occur in isolated instances.
- The most common sources of illness in Huskies are genetic and defined exclusively by their family history.
- If Huskies are used for sled racing, gastric disease and bronchitis can occur.
Notable Animals
- The Siberian Huskies Balto and Togo are responsible for the delivery of antitoxin serum to Nome during its diphtheria outbreak in 1925, which that inspired the Iditarod sled race.
- Huskies are popular dog mascots for universities with the biggest ones being Northern Illinois University, the University of Washington, and the University of Connecticut.
Photo ©iStockphoto.com/format35, ©iStockphoto.com/castenoid
