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So you want a Siberian Husky?
Are you interested in buying a Siberian Husky? Then, you've already heard how marvelous they are. We think you should also be told that they do have their shortcomings, and may not make the ideal pet for everyone who is attracted to them.
Siberians are a gregarious lot and need the company of other dogs or of people at all times. If you work all day, or have room for only one dog . . . don't buy a Siberian.
While capable of strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is also very friendly with strangers. So, if you want the fierce loyalty of a one-man dog . . . don't buy a Siberian.
The Siberian Husky is not a watch dog, although those ignorant of his true nature may be frightened by his appearance. If you want a dog with aggressive guard-dog instincts . . . don't buy a Siberian.
At least once a year Siberians shed their coats. If you like fur all over the house and in the very air you breathe, then fine. If, however, you value neatness at all times, then . . . don't buy a Siberian.
Siberian Huskies have a natural proclivity for digging holes in backyards. If you take great pride in your landscaping efforts . . . don't buy a Siberian.
Of all the shortcomings to be found in Siberians, the most dangerous to the pet owner is their tremendous desire to RUN. But the very first dash that a puppy makes across the road could be his last run, anywhere. A Siberian, for his own protection, should be kept confined or under control at all times. If you are one of those people who think it is cruel to kennel a dog, or keep him confined in his own backyard . . . don't buy a Siberian.
We just happen to believe that any dog is better off in a proper kennel than running loose all over the countryside. Yes, a kennel dog is missing a lot in life: the chance to be hit by a car; the fun of being dirty, full of burrs, and loaded with worms; the opportunity of being attacked by other dogs; the joy of being sick on garbage infested with disease; the pleasure of being tormented by mean kids; the thrill of being shot in a farmyard; and finally the great comfort of never knowing where he belongs or how to behave. We don't want to see any Siberian become a TRAMP.
If you have read this far, honestly feel that you qualify on all counts, and are still determined to own a Siberian, then we take great pleasure in welcoming you to the fold. Join the rest of us in the smug complacency of knowing that we own the most beautiful, the smartest, the most nearly ideal dog in the world . . . the SIBERIAN HUSKY!
About the Breed
Siberian Huskies are a very intelligent breed, they are stubborn and will get bored easily. They will test you a lot during your lives together but there are several instinctual aspects of them that once you understand will be very helpful in creating a bond together that will be unlike anything you have experienced before.
Siberians are pack dogs; they have been bred for decades with 2 main temperament traits a) to respect the pack and work as a team b) be a loving and devoting companion for humans c) and run; run run.
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Pack order for a Siberian is very important and crucial for harmonious life. Your most important role is to establish your place as pack leader – this is done with a firm yet kind hand. Encourage and support and use the tone of your voice when disciplining your puppy. Abuse of any kind is animal abuse which is a criminal offence.
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It is important for your puppy to feel they are part of your family (pack) so in order to do this one has to allow them into your home and let them interact with your family in all aspects of life – social, watching tv, cooking, eating etc.
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When exercising with your puppy remember that until the age of 18 months your puppy’s bones and muscles are still developing so therefore any hard and strenuous exercise is discouraged that would include, running on the streets for a long distance, pulling anything heavy etc. Free exercise is the best for your puppy, however saying this it needs to be in a secure fenced area where the dog is not able to get out. Siberians are such instinctual runners (remember they were bred to pull a sled and at times ignore the musher where their instincts knew better) it would not take much for something to pique their interest and they’ll take off. It is not unusual for a Siberian to run more than 100 kms before realising it is lost. Do not take the chance, when you and your dog are outside your property ensure he / she is either on a harness or collar and kept on lead at all times unless in a secured area.
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Siberians are NOT guard dogs in the slightest, they should not show ANY aggression to humans and if they do there is serious temperament issues.
Siberians are known escape artists, it is absolutely essential that your property is secure and "husky proof" that means high walls or fences (min 6ft, 8 ft is ideal) - it is not uncommon for a Siberian to climb a fence to get over, dig under a fence, climb a tree close to boundary wall / fence to get over, climb a steep incline. Their natural desire to run is something that was bred for since the inception of the breed and you are not going to deter them.
ALso property must include a secure space away from your gate where a Siberian can be kept, access to an open gate whilst you are driving in or out would prove and easy opportunity for your Siberian to hit the trail and not give it a second thought.
If you are wanting a breed that you can enjoy going on beach walks with and they follow your every command, think again. These excursions are great for a Siberian but they MUST be kept on lead, walks in a dog park or similar can be done off lead as long as you have inspected the area and ensure there are no exits or openings or gates that are not closed.
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Bored / frustrated
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Hot and looking for a cool place to sleep
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Looking for earthworms 😊
What I have found is that generally your dog will choose a place they are wanting to make their den and if left alone they will dig to a suitable depth in order to be able to lay in the cool soil. Like any breed puppies are naughty and mischievous by nature so some time & patience will go along way in teaching them what behaviour is acceptable and which is not. Remember to just use the tone of your voice to distinguish between the 2. Allowing your puppy inside at its will, will also limit the amount of damage your garden suffers.
Grooming: Siberians are a double coated breed which will shed 365 days a year, more so during their shedding season which generally is when temperatures rise although I have found a definite link with their hormones too as to when they shed especially in females. If you are wanting your Siberians coat to remain in top notch condition it would require at least a bath every month (I suggest every 2 weeks) using a quality shampoo and conditioner such as Plush Puppy, Isle of Dogs, Wampum, and Pure Paws. If you use a cheap product (and human shampoo) it will cause a skin irritation and may result in hair loss, dandruff etc. (remember your dogs skin PH is different to that of humans). Weekly brushing is also best, preferably 2 x a week using either a comb, slicker brush and / or rake. The breed is a very clean breed and you will find they repel dirt and water really well; they also do not have that odour that some dogs tend to have.
Health wise: Siberians are an extremely healthy breed and seldom show any signs of illness – hereditary issues in the breed include eye issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, cornea dystrophy, there is also evidence of hip and elbow dysplasia but to a lower extent and there are cases of epilepsy. Cancer in older dogs is also common.
Digging: Siberians are natural landscapers and dig for several reasons:
Health
Grooming
Escape Artists - NB!!!
History of the breed
The Siberian Husky arrived in North America in the fall of 1908 without fanfare. Most other dogs had taken the more conventional route to our shores across the Atlantic Ocean from countries where they had become well established breeds. This unknown breed of Northern dog, however, sneaked through a remote back door to America quietly and unobtrusively at a point where the peninsulas of Asia and America almost meet. Imported to Nome, Alaska by the Russian fur trader William Goosak, the team of Siberians was to be entered in the 1909 All Alaska Sweepstakes race of 408 miles with its $10,000 first prize. No one was impressed with Goosak's little dogs, weighing only 40 to 52 pounds, much smaller compared to their longer legged, heavier competitors. The people of Nome referred to the imports as "Siberian Rats." Siberian Huskies have taken top honours in many races in the ensuing years, but their first race run on American soil will always remain, by far, their most important. Goosak persuaded Louis Thurstrop, a Danish sailor, to drive his team. This team, even though the odds were 100 to 1 against it in the betting, made a tremendous showing and nearly won the race, placing third. Rumour ran rampant in Nome that gamblers had paid off the driver before he reached the finish in order to save them from ruin. It was said that had Thurstrop won, it would have broken the Bank of Nome. On the strength of their showing of speed and, particularly, endurance under the most trying conditions, Fox Maule Ramsay, a young Scotsman then in Nome and a competitor himself in the 1909 race, went to Siberia in the summer of 1909. Travelling up the Anadyr River to the trading settlement of Markovo, Ramsay procured around 60 of the best specimens of the breed he could find. He entered three teams of Siberians in the 1910 All Alaska Sweepstakes race, one for each of his uncles and one he drove himself. The team entered in the name of Col. Charles Ramsay and driven by John "Iron Man" Johnson, a Swedish Finn, came in first with an elapsed time of 74 hours, 14 minutes, 37 seconds, the best ever time for the 408 mile race held annually through 1917. Fox Ramsay came in second. The third Siberian team, entered for Col. Stuart and driven by Charles Johnson, placed 4th. (The 75th anniversary All Alaska Sweepstakes race was held in 1983, following the same trail and rules as the original race. The winner was 5 time Iditarod champion Rick Swenson. His time was over 10 hours slower than Iron Man Johnson's 1910 winning time.) The Siberians attained enormous popularity as racing dogs and the amusement prior to the 1910 race turned to admiration. Although Ramsay's dogs and their progeny went on to win many races through the years, it was Goosak's team of stoic little aliens who set the stage for the importation of the greatest of northern racing breeds, the Siberian dog, later to be known as the Siberian Husky. In 1913, Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who was the first man to reach the South Pole, began planning an expedition to the North Pole for 1914. His friend, Jafet Lindberg, also a Norwegian, and co-owner of the largest mining company in Nome, offered to buy and train the dogs for Amundsen. From all over the Seward Peninsula, the best Siberians were selected and purchased. This group of sled dogs was turned over to Leonhard Seppala, an employee of Lindberg's and a fellow Norwegian, to be trained for the upcoming expedition. In 1914 Amundsen gave up his North Pole trek due to the start of World War I. Seppala, with the encouragement of the Pioneer Mining Company, continued to train the Siberians, entering them in the last four Sweepstakes races, winning the last three - 1915, 1916, and 1917. The United States entry in World War I ended the great race series. In January 1925, Nome was gripped in a spreading diphtheria epidemic. The closest life-saving serum was over 600 miles away, so a dog team relay was formed to hasten its arrival. Seppala left Nome eastbound with 20 Siberians to meet the serum in Nulato, over 300 miles away on the Yukon River. Due to increased urgency for the medicine, the dog team relay continued west beyond Nulato and Seppala met a team carrying the serum package on the eastern shore of Norton Sound. In spite of already having run all day, and in the midst of a blizzard, Seppala turned his tired team around and, with his great leader Togo, made the perilous run back across the Sound to Golovin. A team led by Balto, and driven by Gunnar Kaasen, completed the last leg of the relay. A statue of Balto stands in New York's Central Park, honouring all of the sled dogs of the Serum Run. As a result of his heroism in the Serum Run, Leonhard Seppala was invited to tour several cities in the lower 48 in the fall of 1926. Leaving Nome with over 40 Siberian Huskies, including Togo, Seppala travelled from west to east, stopping in Seattle, Kansas City, Dayton, Detroit, and Providence, before finally visiting New York City. There, at Madison Square Garden, Togo was presented a medal by the explorer Roald Amundsen, for his role in the serum relay. After his tour, in December 1926, Seppala went to New England and was hosted by Arthur Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire. Walden, a former Klondike gold seeker, had been winning many of the races in the up and growing New England/Eastern Canada sled dog races with his line of sled dogs based on Chinook, his large, yellow, mixed breed dog. Seppala entered his Siberians in a race at Poland Spring, Maine in January 1927. In a repeat of the breed's introduction in Nome, the New Englanders looked upon the Siberians with pity. Once again, they were dwarfed by the huge New England dogs, and it came as a surprise to all except Seppala when the Siberians easily won their first race outside Alaska, beating Walden's team by over seven minutes over the 25 mile course. Two weeks later, Seppala won the more prestigious New England Point to Point 3 day race near Laconia. It was apparent that the Siberians were superior to the local racing dogs, and many mushers were anxious to acquire them. Seppala, in partnership with Elizabeth Ricker, a New England musher and afficionado of the Siberian, established a kennel at Poland Spring, Maine. Seppala came from Alaska each fall to New England and raced the Siberians, amassing more wins and records across the area than any other musher. His last year of racing in the lower 48, 1932, included the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, where sled dog racing was staged as a demonstration sport. The Seppala/Ricker kennel closed in 1931 after many mushers had acquired Siberians from it, and Seppala returned to Alaska for good in 1932, leaving his remaining Siberians with Harry Wheeler, owner of the Gray Rocks Inn in St. Jovite, Quebec. Wheeler established his famous kennel, with the suffix "of Seppala," and provided many more fine Siberians to mushers and kennels during the 1930's. Wheeler himself continued to race the Siberians and win several big races, including Laconia and Québec City. All the registered dogs of today can trace their ancestry to the dogs from the Seppala-Ricker kennel or Harry Wheeler's kennel. The dogs that Goosak brought to Nome in 1908 varied considerably in phenotype. Some were long and leggy, others shorter coupled and heavier boned, some marked symmetrically, some not. Indigenous Siberian breeders used performance as the only criterion-aesthetics did not enter the picture. Seppala, although obviously concerned with function, had already begun breeding with an eye to greater uniformity. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930, and the first standard was published in the AKC Gazette in April 1932. The degree to which the basic tenets of the original 1930 Standard have survived five revisions indicates the kind of in-depth study that went into its composition. Of the many early foundation kennels in New England, Eva "Short" Seeley's Chinook Kennel and Lorna Demidoff's Monadnock Kennel were the most successful in demonstrating the concept of a dual-purpose Siberian, one who could win in the show ring as well as on the trail. Too often today, one hears the argument of show dogs versus sled dogs and forgets that not only did Chinook and Monadnock produce the foundation stock for almost every show kennel in the country after World War II, but they also fielded some of the top racing teams of their day and the teams they drove contained many bench show champions, many of them outstanding leaders. (Most Siberian sled dogs were used by the Army during World War II for arctic search and rescue. After a half decade hiatus for the War and the end of the depression, the breed became ever more popular and the interest in sled dog racing spread.) There was no one actually breeding pure Siberians in Alaska in 1946 when Natalie Jubin arrived with two AKC registered Siberians bred by Eva "Short" Seeley of Chinook Kennels in New Hampshire. One of these, Chinook's Alladin of Alyeska, became the foundation stud of today's oldest Siberian kennel--Alaskan Kennels, owned by Earl and Natalie Norris. An Alladin grandson, Ch. Bonzo of Anadyr, CD, became the first Siberian Husky to win Best In Show at an AKC all breed show (1955). Bonzo was the Norris's main leader from 1954 to 1960. Another Alladin grandson, Ch. Tyndrum's Olso, CD led Kit MacInnes to both the Women's Alaskan and the Women's North American championships, and a 2nd at the open Rondy. Both dogs are prominently featured in Alaska and in sled dog books for their racing and leadership qualities more than their other achievements. This dual-purpose concept was successfully continued into the 1960s and 1970s by Charlie and Carolyn Posey's Yeso Pac Kennel. Earl and Natalie continue to field an all-Siberian team for the Iditarod, as they have done in almost every Iditarod Trail sled dog race since its inception in 1973. Earl himself raced in 1985 and 1986 and Martin Buser ran Anadyr dogs in 1980 and 1981. Taken from shca.org
Breed Standard of the Siberian Husky
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. GENERAL APPEARANCE The Siberian Husky is a medium sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact and well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. He performs his original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight. IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS In profile, the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the rear point of the croup is slightly longer than the height of the body from the ground to the top of the withers. - The distance from the tip of the nose to the stop is equal to the distance from the stop to the occiput. BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker. HEAD CRANIAL REGION Skull: Of medium size and in proportion to the body; slightly rounded on top and tapering from the widest point to the eyes. Stop: Well defined. FACIAL REGION Nose: Black in grey, tan or black dogs; liver in copper dogs; may be flesh-coloured in pure white dogs. The pink streaked « snow nose » is acceptable. Muzzle: Of medium length and of medium width, tapering gradually to the nose, with the tip neither pointed nor square. The bridge of the nose is straight from the stop to the tip. Lips: Well pigmented and close fitting. Jaws/Teeth: Closing in a scissor bite. Eyes: Almond shaped, moderately spaced and set a trifle obliquely. Eyes may be brown or blue in colour; one of each or particoloured are acceptable. Expression: Keen, but friendly, interested and even mischievous. Ears: Of medium size, triangular in shape, close fitting and set high on the head. They are thick, well furred, slightly arched at the back, and strongly erect, with slightly rounded tips pointing straight up. NECK Medium in length, arched and carried proudly erect when dog is standing. When moving at a trot, the neck is extended so that the head is carried slightly forward. BODY Back: Straight and strong, with a level top line from withers to croup. Of medium length, neither cobby nor slack from excessive length. Loin: Taut and lean, narrower than the rib cage, and with a slight tuck-up. Croup: Slopes away from the spine at an angle, but never so steeply as to restrict the rearward thrust of the hind legs. Chest: Deep and strong, but not too broad, with the deepest point being just behind and level with the elbows. The ribs are well sprung from the spine but flattened on the sides to allow for freedom of action. TAIL The well furred tail of fox-brush shape is set on just below the level of the top line, and is usually carried over the back in a graceful sickle curve when the dog is at attention. When carried up, the tail does not curl to either side of the body, nor does it snap flat against the back. A trailing tail is normal for the dog when in repose. Hair on the tail is of medium length and approximately the same length on top, sides and bottom, giving the appearance of a round brush. LIMBS FOREQUARTERS When standing and viewed from the front, the legs are moderately spaced, parallel and straight. Bone is substantial but never heavy. Length of the leg from the elbow to ground is slightly more than the distance from the elbow to the top of withers. Dewclaws on forelegs may be removed. Shoulders and arm: The shoulder blade is well laid back. The upper arm angles slightly backward from point of shoulder to elbow, and is never perpendicular to the ground. The muscles and ligaments holding the shoulder to the rib cage are firm and well developed. Elbows: Close to the body and turned neither in nor out. Pastern joint: Strong, but flexible. Pasterns: Viewed from the side, pasterns are slightly slanted. HINDQUARTERS When standing and viewed from the rear, the hind legs are moderately spaced and parallel. Dewclaws, if any, are to be removed. Upper thigh: Well-muscled and powerful. Stifle: Well bent. Hock joint: Well defined and set low to ground. FEET Oval in shape but not long. The paws are medium in size, compact and well furred between the toes and pads. The pads are tough and thickly cushioned. The paws neither turn in nor out when the dog is in natural stance. GAIT / MOVEMENT The Siberian Husky’s characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. He is quick and light on his feet, and when in the show ring should be gaited on a loose lead at a moderately fast trot, exhibiting good reach in the forequarters and good drive in the hindquarters. When viewed from the front to rear while moving at a walk the Siberian Husky does not single-track, but as the speed increases the legs gradually angle inward until the pads are falling on a line directly under the longitudinal centre of the body. As the pad marks converge, the forelegs and hind legs are carried straightforward, with neither elbows nor stifles turned in or out. Each hind leg moves in the path of the foreleg on the same side. While the dog is gaiting, the top line remains firm and level. COAT HAIR The coat of the Siberian Husky is double and medium in length, giving a well furred appearance, but is never so long as to obscure the clean-cut outline of the dog. The undercoat is soft and dense and of sufficient length to support the outer coat. The guard hairs of the outer coat are straight and somewhat smooth lying, never harsh nor standing straight off from the body. It should be noted that the absence of the undercoat during the shedding season is normal. Trimming of whiskers and fur between the toes and around the feet to present a neater appearance is permissible. Trimming the fur on any other part of the dog is not to be condoned and should be severely penalized. COLOUR All colours from black to pure white are allowed. A variety of markings on the head is common, including many striking patterns not found in other breeds. SIZE AND WEIGHT Height at withers: Dogs: 21 to 23, 5 inches (53,5 - 60 cm). Females: 20 to 22 inches (50,5 - 56 cm). Weight: Dogs: 45 to 60 pounds (20,5 - 28 kg). Females: 35 to 50 pounds (15,5 - 23 kg). Weight is in proportion to height. The measurements mentioned above represent the extreme height and weight limits with no preference given to either extreme. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight should be penalized. SUMMARY The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian Husky are medium size, moderate bone, well balanced proportions, ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance. In addition to the faults already noted, the obvious structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Siberian Husky as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned herein. FAULTS Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. • Skull: Head clumsy or heavy; head too finely chiselled. • Stop: Insufficient. • Muzzle: Either too snipy or too coarse; too short or too long. • Jaws/Teeth: Any bite other than scissor bite. • Eyes: Set too obliquely; set too close together. • Ears: Too large in proportion to the head; too wide set; not strongly erect. • Neck: Too short and thick; too long. • Back: Weak or slack back; roached back; sloping top line. • Chest: Too broad; « barrel ribs »; ribs too flat or weak. • Tail: A snapped or tightly curled tail; highly plumed tail; tail set too low or too high. • Shoulders: Straight shoulders; loose shoulders. • Forequarters: Weak pasterns; too heavy bone; too narrow or too wide in the front; out at the elbows. • Hindquarters: Straight stifles, cow-hocks, too narrow or too wide in the rear. • Feet: Soft or splayed toes; paws too large and clumsy; paws too small and delicate; toeing in or out. • Gait/Movement: Short, prancing or choppy gait, lumbering or rolling gait; crossing or crabbing. • Hair: Long, rough, or shaggy coat; texture too harsh or too silky; trimming of the coat, except as permitted above. DISQUALIFYING FAULTS Aggressive or overly shy dogs. Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified. Dogs over 23,5 inches (60 cm) and bitches over 22 inches (56 cm). N.B. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.
If after reading this , you still feel a Siberian Husky is the perfect fit for you and your family click here to complete our Puppy Questionare
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