Siberian Husky Dog Breed
Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, working dogs. The Siberian Husky comes in all colors 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. Color choices include Black and White, which ranges from light (dilute) to dark (jet), Red and White, which ranges from light (peach or orange) to dark (chocolate or brown), Gray and White, which ranges from light (silver) to dark (wolf-gray), Sable and White (which is red-orange with black tips)
Many centuries ago, this breed was developed by an inland, semi-nomadic tribe, the Chukchi, living in the Siberian arctic, North Eastern Russia. The women did selective breeding using only the best specimens. Because of natural isolation, the breed bred true. They needed to be family dogs, friendly with people, especially children, but capable of pulling a moderately loaded sled over incredible distances to ocean hunting grounds and back on little food.
The Siberian Husky’s ancestor was developed by the Chukchi, a tribe of native people in the eastern Siberian Arctic, a continent away from the Samoyed people who created their own working breed for the cold, harsh climate in which they lived. The Siberian’s thick, luxurious double coat, pleasant personality, and love of action make him well-suited for the climate of deep, penetrating cold and perpetual night of Arctic winters and for his labor as draft dog, guardian, and family companion.
The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is by nature fastidiously clean and is typically free from body odor and parasites. Siberian s clean themselves like cats. In fact, a Siberian that becomes soiled with mud will clean himself up. Therefore, bathing requirements are minimal. In fact, most owners bathe their dogs once per year or less. Twice a year, Siberians “blow” their undercoats, that is, they shed their undercoats completely. It is a very intense shedding period that can last three weeks or more from start to finish.
They are a medium size dog ranging from 20 to 24 inches tall. Huskies weigh from 35 to 60 pounds. Female huskies are a lot smaller than their male counterparts. Siberian huskies are quite wolf like, with striking blue or brown almond shaped eyes. They have prick ears and a wolf-like face. Huskies have athletic bodies, and a high maintenance coat that needs regular brushing as it sheds a lot. Siberian husky coats are made from two layers. Coats are very thick, and the dense undercoat provides them with a lot of insulation against the cold.
