In 1925 Siberian Huskies achieved their highest acclaim. Husky teams raced 340 miles with life-saving serum for diphtheria-stricken citizens of Nome in Alaska and were credited with saving the town. As a result, a statue stands in their honor in Central Park.
Siberian Husky
Loyal, outgoing, super intelligent, affectionate, playful, and mischievous. Ready to take on the challenge of the stunning wolf-like escape artist? Please welcome the Siberian Husky!
Country of Origin
Russia
Breed Group
Working dogs
Height
Male 21-23.5 In
Female 20-22 In
Weight
Male 45-60 Ib
Female 35-50 Ib
Life Span
12-15 years
In a Nutshell
The Siberian Husky or Sibe, is a unique and independent dog, but not for the faint-hearted or those looking for a lap dog, an attention-craver, or a guard dog. They were bred as remarkable sled dogs, so they are athletic and powerful. A sedentary life with no exercise will result in unwanted behavior, especially escape attempts (invest in high fencing that sinks into the ground to avoid tunneling).
With their awe-inspiring talents and show-stopper looks, Sibes have long captured the imaginations of the masses, including artists, writers, and film producers. These dogs are not over eager to please, which makes training them difficult and early obedience training a must. However, their ability to learn is incredible. Overall, lovers of the spirited Sibe embrace their delightful natures. When properly cared for and trained, they make excellent family companions.
Life With a Siberian Husky
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
The Sibe is a medium-sized, compact sled dog with great endurance. They were bred to work in packs, dragging light loads at relative speeds over immense frozen areas. Sibes are dignified, graceful, friendly, and meticulous. They are renowned for their almond-shaped eyes, which are blue or brown, sometimes one of each.
Their beautiful, thick coat comes in various colors, from pure white to black, with striking facial and body markings, including coppers and reds. They have a clever, sociable expression but are also mischievous, which is a strong character trait. Born as pack dogs, they love family life and usually get on well with other dogs. However, their energy makes chasing small animals irresistible, so a secure running space is essential.
Overall, they are naturally clean, with minimal doggy odor. Sadly, because many people fall in love with the wild nature of the breed, they aren’t aware of their complex traits. Hence, many Sibes end up in shelters. Siberian Huskies need at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise to prevent boredom but should not be exercised in hot weather. In addition, their long and silky coat requires constant brushing, especially when it comes to grass awns which are very popular during the summer in the Mid-south.
A tip from a vet
Siberian Huskies need at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise to prevent boredom but should not be exercised in hot weather. In addition, their long and silky coat requires constant brushing, especially when it comes to grass awns which are very popular during the summer in the Mid-south.
A tip from a trainer
Siberian Huskies are not recommended for new or timid owners. They need a firm owner who can maintain a dominant position at home. They need obedience training early on, which can be difficult. They cannot be allowed to run off a leash during walks as they run away, get lost, and chase small animals. They need to work to be happy, so they are the perfect companion if you are keen on outdoor sports like hiking.
What about your Siberian Husky?
Did You Know
Siberian Huskies love to run! They can run long distances without feeling the need to rest.
They’re brilliant and can sense changes in your body language.
Sibes prefer to howl than bark, so they won’t alert you if someone strange is on your property. The inside joke is that Subs would rather help than threaten a burglar.
In The News
Famous Siberian Husky Owners
Rita Ora, Jared Leto, Ben Stiller, Valerie Anne Poxleitner, Russell Westbrook, Miley Cyrus
The History Behind the Breed
The Chukchi, a group of Siberian nomads, are thought to have given rise to the Siberian Husky. Although little is known about the breed’s past, DNA studies have shown that it is one of the oldest dog breeds. We do know that the dogs served as quick means of transportation for the Chukchi and that they interacted with them as a family pet. For example, huskies frequently shared beds with the kids and kept them warm and cozy.
During the gold rush, Siberian Huskies were brought to Alaska in 1908 and utilized as sled dogs. They participated in the 408-mile All-Alaska Sweepstakes, a dogsled race, and are still active participants in the sweepstakes today.
The last Siberian Husky was reportedly shipped from Siberia in 1930, the year the Soviet authorities closed the country’s borders. However, in North America, the breed maintained its popularity. Despite significantly diverging from the Chukchi Sled Dog that served as its Siberian ancestor, they retain many of the breed’s magnificent traits.
If a Siberian Husky Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
The Siberian Husky may suffer from health problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, cataract, and corneal dystrophy. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid, hip, and eye exams on your dog.
Common Health Problems
What about your Siberian Husky?