Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is hardy and fierce, yet gentle and friendly. They are cheerful and willful, and always a puppy at heart. They are devoted to their owner, yet do not display possessive tendencies as do some guard dogs. Siberian Huskies were originally bred as sled dogs. They are prideful dogs who are also intelligent and independent. Because of their affectionate nature, they do well in a multi-dog household as well as a home with children.
While a willing worker, they have a mind of their own, and may take advantage if allowed. Huskies can be quite stubborn. They are not extremely eager to please people so training can be quite difficult. Obedience training is definitely recommended but Huskies have a strange tendency to know the difference between class and home – acting perfectly obedient at class then conveniently forgetting everything they learned at home.
Siberian Huskies are well-known escape artists. They will wander off every chance they get so a securely enclosed yard – a high fence that is buried several feet in the ground – is necessary for a Husky. Huskies are not big barkers, but they do enjoy howling – which makes them unstable watchdogs. They do not like to be left alone, which may lead them to destroy their surroundings.
Major Health Concerns: As a breed, the Siberian Husky has very few health problems. They may suffer from cataracts or corneal abnormalities. They are also prone to hip dysplasia.
Interesting Fact: The most common coats in Husky’s are black and white but they also come in copper-red and white, grey and white, pure white. The have a wolf-like appearance.
Siberian Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people — who were part of a hunter-gatherer culture who relied upon their help to survive in such a cold climate. The United Kennel Club in the United States cites an origin close to the Kolyma River Basin in North part of Siberia. It is an active, energetic, resilient breed, whose ancestors lived in the freezing and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic.
William Goosak, who was a Russian fur trader, introduced them to Nome, Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush,they were used as sled dogs. The people of Nome nick named the Siberian Huskies , “Siberian Rats” due to their smaller size and weighing 40 to 50 pounds when compared to the Malamute dogs.
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