Overview
Group: Working Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No. 14 of 195
Height: Male – 21-23.5 inches; Female – 20-22 inches
Weight: Male – 45-60 lbs; Female – 35-50 lbs
Life Span: 12-14 years
Temperament: Outgoing; Loyal; Playful and Mischievous
During the eight-season run of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, the American Kennel Club and irate dog lovers condemned fans who purchased Siberian Huskies (because of the dog’s resemblance to the show’s dire wolves), only to abandon them later in shelters.
Indeed, such irresponsibility and abandonment of a dog as noble as the Siberian Husky deserves condemnation since you cannot find a more loyal, devoted, and enduring breed.
History
The origins of the Siberian Husky can be traced back to the semi-nomadic Chukchi people of Northeast Asia. The Siberian’s ancestors were already sled dogs then, with formidable endurance against cold climates. As climates changed, the Chukchi further developed their dogs to be able to carry loads over great distances in sub-zero temperatures, while expending minimal energy.
Because the Chukchi were isolated people, they were able to maintain the purity of their dog’s bloodlines. Ultimately, these dogs became the Siberian Huskies that we know today.
Siberians gained fame and renown throughout the world when they started winning sled races in the early 1900s. However, the tale that is told most often is that of the “Great Race of Mercy” in 1925 which saw legendary musher Leonhard Seppala and three of his Siberians – Togo, Balto, and Fritz – undergo a rigorous run to deliver vaccines to Nome, Alaska during a diphtheria outbreak. Although Balto was the published “hero” of the run, he and his musher Gunnar Kaasen only travelled the last leg of 55 miles. Seppala, Togo and his half-brother Fritz travelled 264 miles, which included direct passage through the iced-up Norton Sound. Their story was immortalized in the recently shown Disney Plus movie, Togo.
General Appearance
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog with a lean, compact, and graceful body that is built for speed, stamina, and endurance. Its head is described as fox- or wolf-like, with expressive almond-shaped eyes which are either blue or brown (or one eye brown and one eye blue), and high-set, erect, triangular ears. It has an arched neck and a strong, deep chest which gives the dog a proud carriage when standing erect. The Siberian’s double coat is medium-length, with the outer coat straight and lying smooth and the dense, soft undercoat with a length that supports the outer coat. The AKC accepts all colors, ranging from black to pure white.
The Siberian is a versatile dog that is friendly and gentle. A pack dog, it views its human family as pack members he must watch over and protect. This makes the Siberian a loving and devoted companion. Please note though that Siberians commonly think of smaller animals as prey, so be watchful if you have small-sized pets at home.
Nutrition
Siberians need to be fed a well-balanced diet, whether it is in the form of commercially manufactured dog food or home prepared. Protein requirements need to be adjusted depending upon the dog’s activity levels. If the dog is working in harness during the winter, its protein needs to be increased to 32 percent. In summer, you can reduce the protein requirement to 20 percent. Always monitor your Siberian in order to adjust the volume of its meals. Consult with your veterinarian on what to give your dog and how much. Never free-feed your dog as this may lead to overweightedness or obesity.
Grooming
Siberians are naturally self-cleaning, have very little dog odor, and will only need baths a few times in a year, particularly if it is participating in conformation dog shows. Make sure that you brush your dog’s coat weekly with a pin brush or metal comb to remove dead or loose hairs. Because Siberians are active dogs, always trim their nails so that it won’t injure their feet and cause pain.
Exercise
Active and energetic, Siberians need a lot of exercise. You can run with your dog while keeping them on a leash or let them play in a securely fenced yard. By exercising them regularly, you not only burn off their excess energy which may cause both physical and mental problems, but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. For more fun during exercise, have your Siberian interact with other dogs when taking them out.
Training
Siberians need to undergo basic obedience training and socialization as early as puppyhood. Because they have the tendency to run off in pursuit of prey, training should be done in enclosed areas and the Siberian be taught basic commands, such as “stop” and “heel”. Training a dog for harness and sled require lots of time, patience, and dedication. If you want to succeed at this endeavor, the key here is to make training sessions fun and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Health
Siberian Huskies, in general, are very healthy dogs. But they are still prone to diseases that are common in all dogs. These include hip dysplasia and juvenile cataracts. You should also monitor their diet as some dogs may have Zinc Responsive Dermatosis, a skin condition due to inadequate absorption of zinc in their food.
Siberians who will be part of breeding programs need to be examined annually starting at 12 months of age. This strict measure is done to ensure the overall health and well-being of the breed.
Costs
On average, Siberian puppies cost $700, with championship line dogs going as high as $1,400 to $6,000. Upkeep costs for the first year is around $2,000 going down to $1,000 in succeeding years.
Its resemblance to dire wolves aside, Siberian Huskies are noble dogs whose endurance and loyalty to its owner are legendary, making them worthy of having as companions.
SOURCES:
1) Siberian Husky https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
2) How Game of Thrones has Impacted and Hurt Siberian Huskies https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/how-game-of-thrones-has-impacted-and-hurt-siberian-huskies/
3) Balto’s True Story https://www.baltostruestory.net/
4) Siberian Husky Diet https://www.huskyrescue.org.za/siberian-husky-diet/
5) Zinc Responsive Dermatosis in Dogs https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/zinc-responsive-dermatosis-in-dogs
6) Siberian Husky Puppies for Sale https://www.nextdaypets.com/Siberian-Husky.htm
