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About Siberian Husky
Background
Siberia and Alaska are seperated by approximately 90 kilometres of Bering sea. The lives of the people and their ancestry are very similar. By the Neolithio Age 35000 to 2000 BC, dogs had become established with their own type and characteristics. Their coats were thick and woolly which protected them from the severe elements of that area and they were almost any colour. In addition to the thick coats these dogs had pointed faces and plumed type tail. At the basin of the Kolyma River at the foothills of the Cherski mountains, one of the tribes, the Chuckchi people, went on to develop the Siberian Husky. These dogs were developed to meet the requirements of their specific needs. The required specific confirmation of this dog was to provide speed and endurance over great distances, therefore kilo for kilo the Siberian Husky would be one of the strongest draft dogs.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Siberian Huskies live from 12 years plus.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
Siberians should be gentle, reliable and friendly. Their superb temperament makes them good family companions for people of all ages. As a breed, they are affectionate to one and all. Inherent in the characteristics of the breed is an alert, outgoing clownish personality. The dogs desire to please, coupled with its inclination to be stubborn and strong-willed, with unrivalled independence, is perhaps a carry-over from its working heritage. Each Siberian has a nature and identity of its own. The breed is noted for its kind temperament and disposition, with any aggression considered undesirable. It can be wary of strangers - before deciding to grace you with its presence, it must feel you are worthy of it. One highly significant characteristic of the Siberian is its unswerving loyalty to those it loves. The Siberian is particular about its cleanliness and as a breed, is free from the usual doggy odours.
Compatibility with other pets
Care needs to be taken as this is a true pack animal and needs to know who is boss. If raised with other pets they are fine.
Care Requirements
Without regular exercise a Siberian will become a nuisance, doing anything to alleviate boredom. These dogs will regulate their food intake. They have a naturally slow metabolism and need exercise to stimulate their appetite. There is nothing as unsightly as an obese Siberian Husky. While many breeds moult with the seasons, in the Siberian the entire undercoat of the dog comes out in clumps, much like sheeps wool. This is known as "blowing" the coat and generally occurs twice a year. An indication of "blowing" is seen by small clumps falling out; it is then time to move outside and start combing. If the owner is diligent, this can usually be combed out in a week. Siberian Huskies are extremely energetic and with a great desire to run. An understanding of their heritage and use should give you a good indication of their exercise requirements. Siberians do well in sledding activities, which provide a much-needed outlet for their energy. They enjoy these cold weather romps - being agile, adventurous and very fast runners.
Please Take Note
With this breed there are a few things to bear in mind; namely, "blowing" of the coat, potential for chasing and killing livestock, plus the breeds generally independent demeanour. These dogs do not bark a lot - but their song of joy can be noisy!
Ideal Owner/s
The Siberian Husky is not the ideal breed for everybody, but for those who are prepared to supply the exercise and companionship this breed requires, owning a Siberian can be a richly rewarding experience.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Siberian Husky and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
