Siberian Husky

Breed Profile

The Siberian Husky breed was originally developed as an endurance sled dog in northeastern Asia. In 1909, a large number of dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races and the Alaskan dog drivers quickly recognized the abilities of these huskies from Siberia.

The Siberian Husky is a medium sized, strong, graceful, and tenacious sled dog. He is handsome, energetic, dignified, alert, eager to please, and very adaptable. Quick, light on his feet and graceful in action, he is extremely intelligent, independent, and can be very stubborn. He is, however, affectionate, gentle and friendly. The Siberian’s friendly nature makes him an unlikely candidate as a watchdog, however, his appearance is often seen as a deterrent to intruders.

The Siberian has a strong predatory instinct and care must be taken around small animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, and cats, which may be viewed as prey. Another characteristic of note for the breed is his desire to run. This characteristics is part of his heritage and it is important to realize that the Siberian is not a dog who can be left unrestrained as he will run if the opportunity is there for him to do so.

The Siberian does not typically bark. He does talk in a soft “woo woo” sound and also howls quite well. Owners of multiple Siberians report frequent howling, starting and stopping simultaneously. This is typical behaviour of the pack oriented breed that he is.

The Siberian Husky has a thick, soft, double coat usually medium in length. The coat can be any colour with the most common being various shades of wolf and silver greys, tan, and black with white points. Siberians also have a large variety of markings, especially on the head. The eyes are shades of brown or blue in colour, one of each colour or parti-coloured — all are equally acceptable to the breed standards.

Note: In recent years, the popularity of the breed has increased dramatically. Unfortunately, with this popularity comes the issue of irresponsible breeders attempting to cash in. If you are considering a Siberian Husky puppy, be especially selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page. There are three Arctic breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club — The Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed — There are also various cross-breeds known as “Alaskan Huskies”. The Siberian Husky is the only recognized breed for which the terrm “Husky” has become part of the breed’s name.

Health Issues

The Siberian Husky breed is generally very healthy. However, like all breeds, certain hereditary disorders have been found in the breed, including some eye problems, such as juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and PRA as well as reported cases of Hip Dysplasia. Additional information on these and other dog health related issues can be found in the Health and Nutrition section as well as at: Your Siberian Husky: Its Hips and Its Eyes.

If you are considering the adoption of a Siberian Husky puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. The SHCA recommends and the SHCC Code of Conduct requires that all breeding stock be x-rayed clear of hip dysplasia before breeding and that all breeding stock be certified clear of hereditary eye defects annually by a certifed Veterinary Opthamologist. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Siberian Husky — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Your Siberian Husky: Its Hips and Its Eyes
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• So… You Want a Siberian Husky — From the Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
• Everything Husky — Your source for information and links on Mushing, Skijoring, Pulking, Dog-packing, Siberians, Malamutes, Samoyeds, working mutts, and anything else you can think of in the realm of Northern breed dogs or dog-powered recreation or competition.
• The Racing Siberian Husky Online
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.