Origin: Russia
Origin of Name: The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working sled dog breed.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medium | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The Siberian Husky's compact body, well-blurred coat, erect ears, and thick, sickle-shaped tail immediately suggest the northern heritage of the breed. The ancestors of the breed were originally bred in Northeast Asia by Chuchi people and were kept as Companion Dogs for their families as well as endurance sled dogs.
When the changing climatic conditions forced semi-nomadic chuchis to expand or destroy their hunting grounds, they were able to carry light loads over vast expanses of frozen wastelands in sub-zero temperatures with minimal expense. Sledge rose to the challenge by developing a dog. Energy. The Chucchi, isolated from the rest of the world, were able to maintain the purity of their sled teams for several generations. The dogs he developed were the direct precursors of today's Siberian Huskies.
He gained public attention in the early 1900s when Siberians began winning sled races, but he made headlines in 1925, when a great Musher Leonhard Seppala led the Siberian Huskies relay in just five and a half days Used to run a life-saving serum. Nome, Alaska, where the diphtheria epidemic spread. The thrilling ""Serum Run"", breathlessly reported in newspapers around the world, gave Siberians a popularity that has not diminished to date. Balto, who was Cepala's dominant dog in the final leg of the journey, is one of the most revered hero dogs in canine history; He has a statue in New York City's Central Park.
Mushar still carries packs of sledging sledges throughout North America for fun and games. The less adventurous devotees of the breed simply enjoy the company of this sociable, gentle companion.
Siberian Huskies are considered a "natural" breed. They are remarkably self-cleaning and often require only a few baths a year, unless the structure is shown at a dog show. Weekly brushing helps to keep the coat and skin in good condition. Siberians have a double coat — an undercoat, and guard hair. The undercoat is shed twice a year, and it is important to continuously "rake out" the old coat using a pin brush and a metal comb. To avoid any problem of the feet, pay full attention to the length of the nails and get them trimmed. Siberians competing in composition require slightly more selective grooming for the best presentation.
All breeds benefit from early socialization, basic obedience training, and learning good manners, and the Siberian Husky is no exception. For those owners who want to work their dogs in harness, training for this requires hours of dedication and patience. There are several good books available on training for the trail that provide advice and information on getting started. The best approach is to make all training exercises fun for both dog and handler. Siberians are very social, and regularly need the company of their people or other dogs; they are not suited to being left alone all day. Most importantly, Siberians have an overwhelming desire to run, and they should be on leash or in a securely fenced-in area at all times and never allowed off lead.
Siberians are active, athletic dogs that require a lot of exercise. They are a working breed and are happiest when they have a task to perform. Regular exercise is important both physically and mentally, and doing the activities together strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner. The Siberians were born to run and would do so on every occasion; It is important to keep the dog on a leash, in a harness, or in a fenced yard at all times. There are many AKC-sponsored activities that dogs and owners can enjoy - rally, agility and obedience are just a few. A busy and active Siberian is a happy and healthy Siberian. This breed is also very adaptable, and for those who live in a more urban setting, daily walks or dog sports groups can provide great exercise.
Feeding a high quality dog is essential for Siberian's healthy skin and coat. Adjustments in protein levels in food are required for Siberians working on the basis of their level of activity. In the summer months, a low protein level may be appropriate, around 20 percent, while in winter a dog working in harness may require 32 percent protein. Monitor each Siberian person, and adjust the amount and type of food as needed. Be careful not to overfeed. Monitor the weight of each dog, and be selective about the diet.
Fortunately, the Siberian Husky is a relatively healthy breed. Responsible breeders screened their breeding stock for health problems such as juvenile cataracts, and the breed's national parent club, the Siberian Husky Club of America, has given strict guidelines to help reduce reported cases. From the age of 12 months, all Siberians who will potentially be part of a breeding program must be examined by a canine ophthalmologist. The examination is then repeated on an annual basis. New screening and tests are constantly being developed to help breeders in the selection of potential dams and heads. Knowledgeable breeding practices ensure the future health of the breed. Owners of working Siberians need to closely monitor each dog to be able to identify that something is not right. Having a vet familiar with Working Dogs is an advantage.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: