Siberian Huskies: Unlocking the Mystery of the Snow Dog
People stand transfixed at the sight of ice blue eyes and the all round wolf-like appearance. Children run in fear or comment to their mother that “that dog has people eyes!” They exhibit the ultimate mystery in dog nature and have characteristics like no other. What is it that makes the Siberian Husky so appealing?
The Siberian Husky is a working dog originally bred by the Chukchi tribe in Eastern Siberia mostly to pull sleds. They were bought to Alaska in the 1920’s during the Gold Rush to be used as sled dogs mainly for transporting goods because of their ability to survive in extremely harsh environments. After the gold rush the breed was adapted to be a family pet throughout the United States and eventually right around the world.
Image by author.
The “Husky” or ‘Sibe’ as they are commonly known has a close association with other Arctic breeds including the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed, which display a number of the same traits and characteristics.
Image by author.
They can be identified because of their distinctive visual features including a double layer of fur, one of which is a woolen layer which can be spun into garments either by itself or blended with sheep’s wool. This coat can withstand temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius but also reflects the summer heat. There eyes are another distinctive feature with the most common being two different colours (brown and blue), brown, or both eyes being an icy blue colour. Very common is the dark black rings around the eyes which provide protection from the icy glare. They have sharp pointed ears which can be moved at different angles at different times and large paws for the sole purpose of running on ice and snow. The coat colourings can range from black and white, pure white, and brown and white.
Image by author.
The Siberian Husky is like no other dog behaviour wise. They are a stubborn, dominant and hyperactive breed, a trait common in kennelled, working dogs. They have a strong hunting drive and so are talented at all means of escape. They need plenty of exercise including a recommended 5km run per day and will get bored easily without exercise. As a result they will find there own fun which includes digging (under fences) and chewing. Because of their close association with the wolf, they have a pack mentality and hate to be by themselves for long periods. They exhibit many other traits of the wolf, including howling and “talking” rather than ferocious barking. They are a very intelligent breed of dog as they learn commands very quickly. However, their stubbornness and intelligence can mean that they will only obey commands at their leisure. Because of this many Siberian Huskies cannot be off lead. They are an affectionate and loving breed of dog and absolutely adore people.
Image by author.
Things to think about if you are planning to own a Siberian Husky or other Arctic breed:
- A large fenced area is required,
- They are a hyperactive breed,
- They will dig including for the means of escape,
- They need plenty of regular exercise,
- They are tough to train but learn quickly,
- Because of their hunting instinct they cannot be expected to walk beside you when not on a lead,
- Do not expect a guard dog from this breed,
- They are a loving and visually beautiful dog
The Siberian Husky featured in the pictures is named Ice and is an 8 month old male.
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Published in: Pets
Comments: 41 | Post a CommentPost a Comment
Kate Smedley | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Is Ice yours RJ? He’s absolutely gorgeous, thanks for a really interesting article.
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Wow, the dog looks fierce! Is he/she your pet?
CutestPrincess | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
interesting article… that dog looks so brave
Unofre Pili | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
He’s brave and ferocious-looking; I like to own one.
R J Evans | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Great article with cool pics – wish I had a dog like that!
HatedNation | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Cool Work RJ..
papaleng | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
I’ve seen films about the heroics of these dogs and I want to have one, but here in our place getting a Siberian Huskies is too expensive.
Glynis Smy | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
To own a Husky in Cyprus is a real status symbol, our Cypriot friend had a white, with ice blue eyes. She was stolen within months.It is too hot here and they do not get cared for properly, I get so angry.Great article,great pics.
nobert soloria bermosa | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
great stuff
Lauren Axelrod | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
How adorable, of course who wouldn’t want one of these knuckleheads, which is what mine is, but I still love him
Juancav | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Informative article ,Siberian huskies are a peculiar dog breed instead.
Maria Blazz | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
I always loved this dog breed so I really enjoyed the article and the pictures.
jo oliver | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Beautiful! I am a dog lover… of all breeds, but Siberian’s are very beautiful. The eyes are what get me. I have heard that they are a very smart breed too.
Skribblz | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
I love huskies. I want one so bad this article only make me wish just a little harder that i can get one soon. Great Article.
Jason Savage | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Nice article,it hits home with me as I also own a husky. They are truly an intelligent and stubborn breed. I can compare owning one to no other pet experience I have ever had.
C Jordan | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
He certainly has the look of a wolf to him.
Chambo | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi guys,
Yes this is my dog. He is very hard work but definitely worth the effort.
Thanks for all the comments.
RJ
Debra. | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Having been a dog lover my whole life, I have to agree with those above. Beautiful article and dog of course. Although I own a rottweiler myself but I can see why the love for Huskies. They are truly an impressive breed.
Brenda Nelson | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
Very true about what you said, these are beautiful dogs but are NOT the dog for everyone!
trishia | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
I’ve always admired this dog for it’s work abilities.Thanks for the information;though I’ll need to research more to find out the average weight etc.
Omorose | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I, myself own a Siberian Husky and although she is a lot of work, she is a beautiful affectionate puppy. Great article!
Here’s an article to take a look at!
http://www.quazen.com/Recreation/Crafts/Fun-and-Inexpensive-Craft-Ideas.525465
Blue Buttefly | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
look scary but friendly dog! Great job.
Anne McNew | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
the dogs look so brave, i always love to have one like that.
Amit Goyal | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Probably one of the few species not domesticated enough so as to loose their individuality..
Brilliant piece!
s hayes | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Beautiful animal – there is something special about all dogs x
BC Doan | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Great informative article. I like the colors of their eyes!
Anne Lyken Garner | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
So cute. I loved the pictures too.
R J Evans | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Er, thought I would come back and say – you’ve been blogged!
http://www.webphemera.com/2009/02/siberian-huskies-unlocking-mystery-of.html
Thanks, RJ
Chambo | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback on this one. Ice is stoked!
Cheers R J Evans for the blog.
RJ
Jarff | Feb 16, 2009 | Reply
I love dogs of any kind! Nice post!
Check out some of my pictures and articles here:
http://www.triond.com/users/jarff
rutherfranc | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
amazing too how this cute little puppies can grow so big.. great share!
Brager | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Nice article. Check out the link below.
http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/The-Evolution-of-the-Dog.282267
Shari86 | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Great article, informative yet personal. I’ve a gorgeous just-about-to-turn-one-year old golden retriever, another very intelligent dog, and I love big dogs.
Leafygreens | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Gosh! Interesting article about these dogs. Thanks!
maranatha | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Excellent article and awesome photos. We raised Staffordshire Terriers (commonly known as pit bulls) for years and found many of the same qualities; intelligence, loyalty, affection, love of hard work. They don’t have those one-of-a-kind eyes, though!
Eliza Worner | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
Oh Ice is beautiful! What a lovely tribute to your dog and great information on the breed.
Dan Tapia | Feb 18, 2009 | Reply
Fascinating! I’m a dog lover this is right up my alley! Great photos!
Bridget | Feb 18, 2009 | Reply
Check out how cute and little he was when we got him! And note from 8 weeks old he was already chewing on my clothes, even when I was wearing them! I love Ice to bits, but if anyone wants one, know that they are soo much work, will keep you fit as you have to chase them when they dig out under the fence! Lots! In saying that, I wouldn’t change him, ever!
Nelson Doyle | Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
Hi RJ Chamberlain,
Great article and interesting facts about this wonderful and fun-loving breed. I have a few friends that would also enjoy this article and I am going to forward them the link, as well as promote it on my own marketing networks and marketing channels.
I do need to spend more time reading through more of your works, especially after having the pleasure of reading this piece.
God Bless,
Nelson Doyle
eddiego65 | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Ferocious looking yet so adorable. Great article. Thanks for sharing!
1huskydad | Mar 29, 2009 | Reply
Yep, they are a handful. I have one and he is just non-stop. Luckily, i have two other dogs in the house(a pit-bull and German Sheppard) that keep him busy.