Siberian Husky Information & Characteristics

Siberian Huskies are one of the most sought-after dog breeds. Their appearance on the big screen has greatly contributed to many people wanting to have a Siberian Husky puppy or adult dog of their own. Plus, Siberian Huskies are extremely affectionate and loyal, making them great domestic companions.

The Siberian Husky dog breed is one of the few breeds that continues to serve the purpose it was bred for - sled pulling. Besides being excellent sled pullers, Siberian Husky dogs are also amazing companions. However, it is important to note that these medium-sized dogs are not well-suited to living life in an apartment. Because of their high energy levels, they need a lot of space to roam freely. It would be better if they were adopted into a house that also has a lot of outdoor space for them to roam. Furthermore, this is a breed that thrives in cool to cold weather and does not do well in a hot climate.

Key specifications of a Siberian Husky dogs

If you are planning on adopting a Siberian Husky, it helps to know what to expect beforehand.  Here is some basic information about the breed, such as a Siberian Husky’s lifespan, height, weight, and type of coat.

Physical appearance of Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with double coats, having an outer layer of straight, medium-length hair. These dogs are extremely beautiful creatures, and their striking appearance has made them extremely popular among dog lovers. The color of their fur can be either of the following: 

• A combination of white and tan
• A combination of white and grey
• A combination of white and black

Along with these coat colors, purebred Siberian Huskies have the following physical traits:

• Triangular ears that are always pointed upright
• Striking eyes, which are either blue or brown in color

Siberian Husky personality traits

Siberian Husky dogs are known to be gentle, friendly, and highly affectionate towards their adoptive families. They are also very playful and happy, and you will notice that they are almost always cheerful and high on energy. Besides their owners, Siberian Huskies also get along well with children and other pets in the house. Siberian Huskies rarely bark and mostly use howling to communicate. They do have moderate drooling tendencies, mostly when they are feeling hungry, anxious, or hot.

Do Siberian Huskies need training?

If you are planning on getting a Siberian Husky, you will have to be prepared to put in effort for training. The dogs of this breed do require training for obedience and manners. However, a Siberian Husky’s temperament makes it quite difficult to train. To train this dog breed properly, you need to be patient and assertive while also maintaining positive reinforcement. You can use dog treats for reward-based training.

How  to care for a Siberian Husky?

To care for the health of a Siberian Husky dog, here are some things you would need to take a note of.

• Health issues

  A few common health issues that you would need to get your Siberian Husky checked up for are hip dysplasia and eye diseases. While this breed is generally healthy, regular check-ups and visits to the vet are still a must.

• Grooming

  Siberian Huskies are known to be immaculately clean; hence, they won’t be needing too many baths. They shed their undercoats about once or twice a year, and the shedding lasts for about three weeks. During this time, you will need to brush their coat regularly.

• Physical activity

  These dogs are extremely energetic and need a lot of physical activity to let off their energy. Regular walks and time in the outdoors can surely help. However, it is very important to remember that Siberian Huskies have a tendency to run off. They may not realize that they can get lost due to what they feel is a fun and energetic activity. So, it is essential that you always keep your pet leashed in the outdoors. Additionally, if you plan to let them roam around in your garden, ensure that you have a high fence and a properly locked gate.

• Nutritional requirements

  Siberian Huskies require protein-rich diet in order to keep up with their high energy levels. So, if you do adopt a dog from this breed, do make sure to choose the right kind of dog food. However, do not overfeed your dog as doing so can lead to obesity. You can also consult your vet and ask them to prepare a Siberian Husky food chart.

A brief history of Siberian Huskies

The Siberian Husky dog breed is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Their last known history says that they were bred by a nomadic tribe of Siberia, called Chukchi. The Siberian Huskies served the Chukchi tribespeople as companion dogs and sled pullers. In the early 1900s, the breed was brought all the way to Alaska for sled pulling. Here, they also trained the dogs for competing in sled races, a practice that continues even today. The most prominent race that these dogs contested in was the All-Alaska Sweepstakes. You can see them compete even today in the American Dog Derby, which happens to be the oldest dogsled race in the USA. 

Want to learn more about different dog breeds? Head over to our breeds category page for more information.