Choosing to add a furry friend to your growing household is a long-term commitment, and picking a breed that fits your lifestyle presents the key to a happy home. With over 160 American Kennel Club-recognized breeds, that decision can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help you meet the breed that’s right for you. If you’re looking for an athletic and kind dog to live with you in a cooler climate, learn everything you need to know about the Siberian Husky.
- Intelligent
- Gentle
- Friendly
- High endurance
- Working dog
Overview
As the name implies, the Siberian Husky is native to Siberia. Bred as a watchdog meant to herd reindeer and pull sleighs, the dog was later traded to Alaska. A breed that has a lot of stamina and enjoys working, the Siberian Husky is made to endure the coldest of weather conditions. Used in the 408-mile All Alaska Sweepstakes, the dog later gained popularity during a diphtheria breakout, pulling sleds filled with medicine to the sick. Besides performing well in sled-pulling, the Siberian Husky enjoys racing and carting.
Breed standards
- AKC group: Working
- UKC group: Standard
- Average lifespan: 12 – 14 years
- Average size: 35 – 60 pounds
- Coat appearance: Thick and dense, can withstand -58 to -76 degrees F
- Coloration: Black to pure white, variety of markings
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Other identifiers: Strong, compact body; head proportionate to body; erect, triangular ears; oval-shaped eyes vary between blue, hazel and brown depending on coat color; nose is black or pinkish depending on coat color; curved tail; snowshoe paws have hair in between pads for protection from cold
- Possible alterations: May have a long-haired, wooly coat; some dogs have one blue eye and one brown
Is this breed right for you?
Sweet by nature and friendly to all people, the Siberian Husky isn’t much of a watchdog, but he is a gentle soul. Requiring cool weather due to his winter coat, it’s best that he does not live in warm climates. Shedding only twice a year, the Siberian Husky makes for a good inside dog. He requires a good amount of physical activity and does best with a larger fenced-in yard. Doing best with specialized training, he requires a master that is firm with him. Needing a lot of attention and socialization, a lonely Siberian Husky is known to howl and become destructive. Avoid any such issues by partaking in physical activity prior to leaving him alone. Excelling with other Siberian Huskies around, he can learn to enjoy other breeds if he is raised with them.
A dream day in the life of a Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky loves to wake up at the crack of dawn ready for action. Bred to work, he’s ready to pull sleighs and tromp in the snow for hours on end. Needing only a moderate amount of food, he’ll continue engaging in play or running with his master until the day has ended. Visiting with neighbors and anyone who comes to the house, the Siberian Husky enjoys socialization. Ending his day cuddled at the foot of the bed, he’ll be happy to have spent his day with his master.
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