Siberian Husky: temperament, size, care and health

About the Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a compact, athletic northern dog built for pulling light loads over long distances at a steady trot. Adults stand roughly 20 to 23.5 inches tall and carry a thick coat, erect triangular ears and a brush-like tail that curls over the back. Eyes may be brown, blue, or one of each, and coat colors and face masks vary widely, from black and white to red, gray and pure white.

The breed was developed by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia to haul sleds across snowy land with little food. Owners now keep Huskies for their looks, their friendliness and their stamina, and many take part in sled-dog sports, canicross or long hikes.

Temperament and family life

Huskies are social, playful and often mischievous. They tend to greet strangers warmly, so they are poor guard dogs, and they usually get along with other dogs, particularly in a pack setting. They are independent thinkers and may ignore commands when something more interesting appears.

The breed has a strong prey drive and may chase and kill cats, rabbits or poultry, so shared homes with small animals need careful management. They are good with children in general, though a young Husky is bouncy. They can be vocal, but more with howls and chatter than sharp barking. Boredom and isolation lead to destruction, and Huskies are well known for digging under fences and escaping.

Exercise and training

This is a breed that needs a great deal of exercise: a couple of hours of running, pulling or vigorous play a day suits many adults. A short walk around the block will not satisfy one. Sports such as skijoring, bikejoring and canicross let a Husky burn off energy in line with its breeding. Hot weather limits work, so exercise early or late in summer.

Training takes persistence and humor. The breed does not seek to please in the way retrievers do, and recall is unreliable, so a Husky should be kept on a lead or in a securely enclosed area. A tall, buried fence helps. Reward-based methods and short sessions work better than repetition, and early obedience classes help set habits.

Grooming and shedding

The Husky coat sheds heavily, and twice a year the undercoat blows out in clouds over a couple of weeks. Brush two or three times a week and daily during shedding with an undercoat rake. Never shave the coat, as it insulates against heat as well as cold. Baths are rarely needed, since the coat has little doggy odor and sheds dirt.

Trim nails, check the paws for ice or debris, and keep the ears clean. Expect fur on everything you own.

Health

The Husky is generally a hardy breed, often living 12 to 14 years. Eye conditions are the main concern, including juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy, so breeders usually screen eyes yearly. Hip dysplasia occurs but is less common than in larger breeds, and underactive thyroid is seen. Overheating is a hazard in warm weather. This overview is general information only, and a veterinarian is the one to consult about a particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the Chukchi in far eastern Siberia, who bred dogs that could pull sleds a long way on little food and also live in family homes. Dogs reached Alaska in the early twentieth century during the gold rush era and quickly gained a reputation in sled races. Siberian Huskies drew wide attention during the 1925 serum run to Nome, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1930.

Is the Siberian Husky right for you?

A Husky fits an active owner in a cool climate who has a secure yard, time for hours of exercise and a sense of humor about shedding and escapes. It is a poor match for people who want an obedient off-leash dog, who live with cats or rabbits, or who work long hours. The larger Alaskan Malamute pulls heavier loads, while the Samoyed is a white, friendly relative with a thicker coat. The Chinook is a calmer sled-dog option.