Siberian HuskyCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the Siberian Husky was created by the Chukchi people of the Chukotka Peninsula, in eastern Siberia, for sled pulling and companionship. The Russian fur trader William Goosak brought them to Nome, Alaska, during the Gold Rush, to work in the mining areas and on expeditions through otherwise impassable terrain.

In 1925, several sled dog teams carried diphtheria serum from Nenana to Nome, a distance of more than 600 miles. The last musher was Gunnar Kaasen, whose lead dog was called Balto, while the longest stretch was covered by Leonhard Seppala's team, led by Togo.

How the breed developed

• Centuries ago – Created by the Chukchi people in Siberia.
• Gold Rush – Brought to Nome, Alaska.
• 1925 – The “serum run” to Nome.
• 8 September 1966 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on its feet, with free and graceful movement. The AKC says the almond-shaped eyes may be brown or blue; odd eyes or parti-coloured eyes are also accepted.

General appearance

The coat is double and of medium length, well furred but never so long that it hides the outline of the dog. The undercoat is soft and dense, and the guard hairs are straight, smooth and lie flat.

The standard accepts black, grey, agouti, sable, red and white, solid or in several shades, with or without white markings, symmetrical or not. Merle and brindle patterns are not accepted.

The standard describes it as friendly and gentle, but alert and outgoing. It does not have the possessive instincts of a guard dog, is not overly suspicious of strangers and is not aggressive with other dogs. Its intelligence and eagerness to work make it a pleasant companion.

The AKC says it has an overwhelming desire to run, so it must be kept on a lead or in a securely fenced area. It is very sociable and needs the company of people or other dogs; it should not be left alone all day.

Tips for effective training

• Keep it on a lead. Its desire to run is overwhelming.
• Do not leave it alone all day. It needs company.
• Make training fun. That is what the AKC recommends.
• Check the fence. It may jump or dig.

Bred to pull a light sled over long distances, it needs a great deal of exercise every day: running, canicross, bikejoring or sled pulling. Without enough exercise it gets bored and becomes destructive.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a great deal of exercise.
• The fence must be high and secure.
• Avoid hard exercise in hot weather.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the husky is naturally very clean and needs only a few baths a year. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy, and twice a year, when it sheds its undercoat, it needs brushing much more often.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy and long-lived, active even in old age. Hip dysplasia and eye diseases are relatively rare. Watch for:

Other care

• Have its eyes checked by a vet.
• Brush it often during shedding.
• Keep it at the right weight.

The AKC says it stays in good condition on less food than other breeds of the same size. Dogs that pull sleds in winter may need up to 32% protein, and about 20% in summer.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Do not overfeed it.
• Adjust the protein to its workload.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Odd eyes. It may have one blue eye and one brown.
• The Chukchi dog. Created by the Chukchi people of Siberia.
• No odour. The AKC says it is naturally clean and odourless.
• It eats little. It stays in condition on less food than other breeds.
• Not a guard dog. The standard says it has no guarding instinct.

Balto (1995)

The animated film “Balto” tells the story of the 1925 serum run to Nome; Balto was Gunnar Kaasen's lead dog.

Togo (2019)

The film “Togo” tells the story of the same run from the perspective of Togo, Leonhard Seppala's lead dog.

Can it be let off the lead?

It is not recommended; the AKC says it has an overwhelming desire to run.

Is it a good guard dog?

No; the standard says it has no guarding instinct.

What colour are its eyes?

Brown, blue, one of each or parti-coloured.

Can it live in a flat?

Only with a great deal of daily exercise.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.