Siberian
Husky
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 Description:
The Siberian Husky descends from the Chukchi sled
dog, which was bred in the Soviet Arctic for over
3000 years before it was introduced to North America.
The nomadic tribes that bred the dogs used them
to pull sleds and herd reindeer. Like all sled
dogs, the breed is able to work hard for long
periods of time with little food. In the late
1800s, a fur trader named Olaf Swenson brought
the first Chukchi's to North America and began
a successful breeding program. The dogs soon gained
popularity as excellent participants in the growing
sport of sled-racing. The most famous team driver
of the time was a Norwegian, Leonhard Seppala,
who won the All-Alaska Sweepstakes three years
in a row. He later moved to the States and contributed
a great deal to the breeding programs of Siberian
Huskies on this continent. The breed was officially
recognized and renamed the Siberian Husky in 1939.
Since then, the popular breed has worked its way
into the hearts of many families as a devoted
pet. The Siberian Husky needs plenty of room to
run and exercise.
Height: The
height of a Siberian Husky is 21 - 23.5"
(53.3 - 53.3cm) for dogs, 20 - 22" (50.8
- 50.8cm) for bitches.
Weight: The
Siberian Husky weighs 45 - 60 lbs (20.1 - 20.1
kg) for dogs, 34 - 50 lbs (15.2 - 15.2 kg) for
bitches.
Coat Type: The
Siberian Husky's heavy double coat consists of
a soft, dense downy undercoat and a short to medium-length,
straight and soft outercoat.
Color: The colors
of the Siberian Husky's coat ranges from shades
of white to wolf-gray to sable to black. A prominent
feature is the cap and mask markings on the faces
of many of the Siberians. Regular, thorough brushing
is needed, particularly during shedding season.
Temperament:
The Siberian Husky's character consists of a good
disposition, a gentle manner and an independent
attitude.
Health Problems:
Epilepsy is highly suspected to have a genetic
component in the Siberian Husky breed. The life
expectancy of a Siberian Husky is 12 - 15 years.
Special Interest:
In the winter of 1925, a team of Siberian Huskies,
driven by Leonhard Seppala, delivered life-saving
serum to Nome, Alaska which was threatened with
a diptheria epidemic. A commemorative statue of
the lead dog, Balto, now stands in Central Park,
New York.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
FCI: Group 5 Section 1 Nordic Sledge Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
NZKC: Utility
UKC: Northern Breeds
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