Despite being a medium sized dog the Siberian Husky is quick and light on its feet and moves in a graceful manner. Huskies are alert, inquisitive and adaptable, traits which enable their amazing escape artist ability.
QUICK FACTS
Height: 50cms – 58.5cms at the shoulder
Weight: 15kgs – 27kgs
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Country of Origin: North-Eastern Asia
Breed Type: Working Dogs
Nickname: Husky
BREED CHARACTERISTICS AND SUITABILITY
Exercise Needs
Trainability
Health and Grooming
All Around Friendliness
Adapability
Information reference dogtime.com
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HISTORY
The Siberian Husky was originally bred as an endurance sled dog by the Chukchi people of North-eastern Asia. In 1909 large amounts of this breed were brought to Alaska for long distance races.
PERSONALITY TRAITS AND BEHAVIOUR
Family: Suitable companion for people of all ages, provided you can offer them the time, training and companionship they need. They can make great family dogs as they are pack orientated.
Personality: Beautiful and charming, yet can be unruly and quirky so do you research to ensure you will be able to care for this breeds needs. This dog will make your life an adventure, not always a good one as their high-energy can be destructive especially when bored.
Temperament: Delightful and loving temperament, affectionate, but not fawning. Will usually greet everyone warmly with no fear or suspicion of strangers, as such they don’t make great watch dogs.
Trainability: Intelligent breed but strong-minded nature which can make training a challenge. This pack dog needs an owner who is a clear leader of the pack.
Sociability (other pets): Friendly towards other dogs of similar size. Not as comfortable with small animals such as cats, rabbits and birds – they have an instinct to chase them.
Barking: Low tendency. They do love to howl and ‘talk’.
GROOMING
Grooming Needs: By nature a meticulously clean breed, which makes them easy to care for. Brushing is recommend at least once a week, daily during shedding season. Should never be clipped, even through the summer months.
Coat Type: Medium length double coat
Moulting: Minimal shed of their coat all year round with heavy shed once a year. More shedding in warmer climates.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL NEEDS
Exercise Needs: Regular walking on the leash or running in large secure off leash enclosures. Breed not recommended for apartment living. Sufficient exercise required for proper development, wellbeing and stimulation
Diet: Bred to need very little food to survive, do not require high level of calories daily. Chewing and digging it not uncommon.
Average Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Special Considerations: A bored, unexercised or lonely husky who is not correctly physically and mentally stimulated can become destructive, noisy or attempt to escape for ‘fun’ or to find company. Enrichment toys and activities, plus regular exercise are recommended, as well as a dog sitter and walker if you’re away for longer periods of time. Read more on “How long can you leave your dog alone?”
TALENTS
Husky still enjoy using the skills it was originally bred for, in harness, most capably carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances.
They are also escape artists and have been known to jump fences, break tie-out chains, slip collars and find any way to escape, pet sitting or doggy day care is recommended if Huskies are left alone for long periods of time.
PAWESOME FACTS
DID YOU KNOW?
- Huskies are not great watchdogs as they don’t bark and are unsuspicious of strangers.
- Huskies don’t get fatigued as they can regulate their metabolism.
- During WWII the army employed the pups as search and rescue dogs. They are also used for transportation, freighting and communication
- These heroic pups saved an entire town. In the midst of a diphtheria outbreak in 1925, teams of Huskies raced through a treacherous snowstorm to deliver medicinal serum to Nome, Alaska before the disease could spread further and devastate the town.
- A huskies howl can be heard up to 16 kilometres away and they are particularly talkative.
THE REAL FURBABIES OF AUSTRALIA
Starring Dawn and Reign
Natilie from Perth, Western Australia shares how from a dark, lonely time light will allows follow and for Natilie and her family that light came in the form of Dawn who was then followed by Reign.
Despite being the same breed Huskies personalities while vary from one dog to the next. “Dawn is very placid, well behaved, fussy with food, friendly to all, super clean, independent and quiet. She likes being within your proximity but does not show any affection. Reign is vocal, energetic, curious, friendly, affectionate, messy, strong appetite… loves giving kisses and cuddles.”
Natailie’s girls didn’t come without their share of unexpected challenges, “The amount of shedding still surprises us. It just comes from nowhere and doesn’t seem to end.”
And then there is the stubbornness. Natailie shares, “If they don’t want to do something, they really wont and no amount of roast chicken will persuade.”
You definitely need to be prepared for the care and attention Huskies demand. “The breed is definitely hard to own and without proper socialisation and training, they’re a nightmare…but these two have honestly added so much value to our lives,” Natailie says.
Starring Kal and Harley Quinn
Jess from Cheltenham, Victoria didn’t know what she was getting herself into when her partner wanted a husky for it’s gorgeous looks and active lifestyle.
Jess confesses, “I learned pretty quick I would have to read up or I would have no idea of how to take care of her.”
Understanding their companionship and exercise needs is paramount. Jess explains, “Huskies have to be exercised every day or they start digging holes, escaping or ripping up your things. I will hook mine up to my bike and go for a ride to tire them out.”
Jess says they are the ‘class clowns of the dog world’ but has a few recommendations for prospective owners: do your research, buy from a good breeder and buy a DYSON VACCUUM!
Starring Misty and Storm
Beck from Bathurst, New South Wales has two Huskies who are full of personality and humor, and are the light of her life.
The laughs are a plenty when Storm is around. Beck shares, “There’s never a day he doesn’t make me laugh with his well-timed husky noises! We often have little conversations and arguments, and he’s not opposed to dobbing in Misty when she’s dug a hole, or when Dad didn’t walk them.”
He is also the perfect example of how Huskies are good with children. “He has a special spot for babies and kids. Often when we’re walking and pass kids he will make me stop so he can get a pat… [and] he does love my 4-year-old niece and will do things for her that he would never do for us,” Beck says.
Huskies thrive on companionship and Misty is no exception. Beck explains their special bond, “When I’m feeling sick or sad she’s always there to sit with me and listen or cuddle. She seeks out human contact and loves a pat… [she] will follow you around the house or yard just because she loves being in your presence.”
Find local Vets, store your Pet’s Health, etc, download PetCloud today.
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