Working Dog Group - Siberian Husky

Siberian husky is a name of a breed that is originally used for pulling sleds. Their name husky is actually derived from Esky- a short term used for the Eskimos and their dogs. These dogs were the only support system to the Eskimos as they were able to survive and explore unseen territories with the help of these dogs. They were perfectly suitable for the harsh weather conditions in the region of Siberia, where they constantly were required to be on the move. They have great endurance and can be perfect for traveling long distances in snow. They were famously used when there was a diphtheria epidemic and medicines were required to be given to people who were living at long distances from each other.

A Siberian husky can grow up to 20 to 23 inches. There is not a big difference in the height and weight of males and females. Both, the dogs and the bitches can weigh up to 35 pounds to 60 pounds approximately. They have a thick coat that can help them to survive in temperatures as low as -50 to -60 degrees C. They have feet that are shaped like snow shoes which make it easy for them to travel long distances in snow. These dogs come in all colors from brown, gray, red, white, black & white, red & white, silver, wolf gray, sable and white and many more colors. They can have eyes that are half blue and half brown or one eye can be brown and other – blue.

Though these dogs have a marked appearance of a wolf, the qualities are exactly otherwise. They are alert, sharp, agile and very amicable. They are also highly energetic and can make great companions. They are not typical watchdogs, as they love people and love to be around them. They are very friendly with children and love to play with them. They are the leaders of their own will, though not difficult to train, if a firm hand is used to discipline them. If these dogs are not trained with constant discipline, and firm set of rules marked out for them to follow, they can grow up to become strong, ill-behaved and obstinate dogs.

They love to exercise and are great jogging partners. These dogs though are not ideal guard dogs, can be alert and prevent thefts, as they howl incessantly when they are bored, which happens quite often. They cannot do well if they are left alone for long periods of time. These dogs are not used to living in hot temperatures as they have thick coats meant for cold weather conditions. They are light eaters and love to wander.

They should be taken for long walks quite often that will keep them active as they are prone to having gastric troubles. They are also prone to having corneal dystrophy. They are not meant to be living in apartments as genetically they are used to being in large spaces; therefore keep them in houses with a large backyard and a big fence. These dogs are very good hunters, hence make sure that you bury your fence deep inside the ground with a wire; else they can dig their way out of the fence and go hunting. It very important to keep the Siberian huskies in a controlled temperature conditions that are often cool. They shed their coats heavily twice a year, hence they should be groomed well.

The life expectancy of these dogs is 12 to 15 years which can make them great companions for kids during their growing years.