Is a Siberian Husky right for you?
The origin of the Siberian Husky
dates back over 4,000 years ago. Huskies were the dog of the Chukchi tribe in northern Siberia for many centuries.
The Siberian Husky is NOT
a hybrid wolf, however, DNA research suggests they share some lineage with the Taimyr wolf. They have evolved separately from wolves for thousands of years.
According to a Landmark Study
on modern dog breed development, the Siberian Husky shares the most DNA with a common ancestor of the following breeds:
Greenland Sledge Dog
Alaskan Malamute
Chinook
Siberian Huskies were first brought to the Americas
(to Alaska, specifically) in the early 1900’s for use as sled dogs — and they made quite a name for themselves! Their ability to pull sleds quickly and efficiently made them the ideal animal for such a position. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
The Siberian Husky has a thick double coat
that comes in many shades of black, gray, agouti, sable, red, and white. White markings are usually present on the face, paws, legs and tip of the tail. According to breed standard, merle and brindle patterns are not allowable. They can have brown eyes or the brightest blue eyes but Heterochromia-or eyes of two different colors-is fairly common among Huskies.
The Siberian Husky is generally not a barking dog
but instead, tends to howl. Fences and barriers are usually ineffective at keeping these dogs “locked-up”. They are great at digging under or jumping over walls and fences. They will even chew through a barrier if they can!
Because of their Steady Temperament
Huskies are generally good with children. They are not a breed that, at the flip of a switch, may become aggressive.
Growing Up
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When Training a Husky Remember that
Siberian Huskies usually react well to the “pack” leader. As the dog’s owner you must insure that you become the leader. Training and rules must be consistent and firm but never harsh. Treating your dog with aggression will get you aggression or a broken spirit in return.
In the FastCAT Timed Running Trials
held by the AKC (100 yard race) the average running speed of a Siberian Husky was almost 24 mph. The fastest recorded speed was by a male dog named Kansa An Eagle Will Fly at 31.63 mph.
In the Landmark Book
entitled “The Intelligence of Dogs” by Stanley Coren, the Siberian Husky ranked 45th out of 130 different dog breeds in working/obedience intelligence. This means they will learn and obey new commands between 25 to 40 repetitions. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 5 or fewer repetitions while the least intelligent dogs will require 80-100 repetitions.
Siberian Husky Humor!
The CBARQ Research Study is a
massive undertaking at the University of Pennsylvania on the temperament of different dog breeds. There are over 60,000 dogs in the study and 350 breeds. According to this research, the Husky ranks high in energy level, 43 out of 124 dog breeds, and even higher, 34 out of 124 breeds, for prey drive.
In this Same Research
Huskies ranked high-22 out of 124 breeds-for non-social fears. This includes exposure to unfamiliar sounds, objects and situations. They also rank high-20 out of 124 breeds- for being prone to develop separation anxiety. They do not like being left alone for extended periods of time.
Huskies are Generally a Healthy breed
but, like all breeds, they do suffer from some health issues.
A few of them are:
Zinc Responsive Dermatosis
Corneal Dystrophy
Hereditary Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
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About the Siberian Husky Dog Breed Infographic
