The Siberian Husky is considered to be one the of the fourteen most ancient dog breeds in the world. This breed, which is part of the larger "Spitz" dog family, has ancestry that dates back five thousand years. These dogs, along with the Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed are directly descended from the Eskimo dog and were used throughout history as sled dogs. Like other members of the Spitz group, Siberian Huskies have physical characteristics adapted to living in a harsh climate. They have two coats of fur a soft, dense undercoat that is waterproof and provides insulation and a longer, coarser topcoat that provides additional production from the elements. Siberian Huskies also have the triangular, erect ears, curled, furry tail and distinctive markings common to the Spitz family.
Siberian Husky breeders follow the breed standard set by the American Kennel Club. Siberian Huskies used for competition must meet these criteria. Some of the required characteristics include brown or blue eyes (or one of each color), distinctive facial markings including masks or spectacle patterns not seen in other breeds, and a well-furred tail carried in a "sickle" curve over the back when alert and trailing when at rest.
Other characteristics required by the American Kennel Club include a height of twenty-one to twenty-three and one half inches for males and twenty to twenty-one inches tall for females, a weight of forty-five to sixty pounds for males) and thirty-five to fifty pounds for females, a scissors-bite (upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth), a smooth gait, a friendly, alert and mischievous expression and an outgoing personality. The AKC does not disqualify the Siberian Husky for certain traits that would disqualify other breeds. These include bi-colored eyes, and "snow-nose" or a hyper-pigmentation of the nose in which part is black and part is flesh-colored. The reason the AKC does not disqualify the husky is that coloring is not seen as being important in pulling a sled.
Siberian Husky breeders try to retain both the attractive and utilitarian characteristics of the breed. Because of the breed's natural tendency to be extremely active, huskies are not recommended for everyone. Breeders will tell you that there are high numbers of Siberian Huskies sitting in shelters and rescue centers because owners did not research the breed and could not handle their dogs once grown into adulthood. The most common, problematic behavioral traits of huskies are a tendency to run or escape, excessive howling, hyperactivity, inability to be left alone, stubbornness and shedding.
Finding good
Siberian Husky breeders should begin in a northern climate. This breed is made for cold weather and potential owners and breeders should not reside in hot climates. Huskies can withstand negative fifty-degree temperatures and can suffer heatstroke in high temperatures. Word of mouth, Internet searches, local veterinarians, and shelters are all good starting points for locating good, local Siberian Husky breeders. It is never acceptable to buy a dog of any breed from a pet store. A medium to large dog like the Siberian Husky should not be caged or treated as merchandise that is shipped and sold to just anyone.
Good Siberian Husky breeders will have a list of questions for potential buyers to answer. They will want to ensure the owner is knowledgeable of how to care for Siberian Huskies and they will offer to provide specific Siberian Husky information. Breeders may also run or be affiliated with Siberian Husky rescue centers and they may refer buyers there to buy, foster, or adopt purebred Huskies rescued from inadequate living conditions.
Siberian Husky breeders can educate potential owners on adequate training and care of huskies. Information about Siberian Husky breeders and other general
Siberian Husky information is provided in this article.