The Siberian Huskies We Love
by Mama Heartfilled on Dec 01, 2008 with 1 Comments
The Siberian Husky has been loved for centuries by their masters, and were often seen curling up next to an open camp-fire in the coldest Alaskan winters next to their owners after a long hard day’s work. The Siberian husky, one of the breeds of working dogs, were often bred with timber wolves to improve their heartiness in those drastic conditions. In recent years, because of its exceptional cleanliness, gentleness, intelligence, and attractive appearance, the husky has become more popular in the lower U.S. as a pet. My own lovable Siberian Husky Sasha just had six puppies.
Cinderella – Husky Aussie Mix
The Siberian husky, originally developed as a sled dog, has a dense coat of fur that allows it to weather even the harshest of climates. The Siberian husky is the 18th most popular breed on AKC registries.
The Siberian Husky has been loved for centuries by their masters, and were often seen curling up next to an open camp-fire in the coldest Alaskan winters next to their owners after a long hard days work. Today’s Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute, Chow chow, the tiny Pomeranian, and a number of other breeds in North America, were originally all developed in the northern areas of Europe and Asia. The Siberian husky, one of the breeds of working dogs, originated in northeastern Siberia and is smaller than the Alaskan malamute. These Spitz-type dogs were often bred with timber wolves to improve their heartiness in those drastic conditions. In the early 20th century it was imported into Alaska, where it has been commonly used as a working sled or racing dog, watchdog, and pet. In recent years, because of its exceptional cleanliness, gentleness, intelligence, and attractive appearance, the husky has become more popular in the lower U.S. as a pet. My own lovable Siberian Hushky, Sasha, just had six puppies!
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized dog; the male being 21 to 24” high at the shoulder and weighing 45 to 60 lb; the female being 20 to 22” at the shoulder and weighing from 35 to 50 lb. The Siberian husky has a double coat with the undercoat consisting of soft, thick fur, and the outer coat of soft, smooth hair that gives the husky a well-groomed appearance. The husky can be practically any color, usually gray, silver, black, red, brown, or tan with various shadings, particularly with lighter tones on the underbelly, legs, head, and face, but can be solid white also. This wolf-like dog has a medium-sized, rounded fox-like head; triangular shaped erect to semi- erect ears placed high on the head; almond shaped brown or blue eyes, sometimes with mixed colors; a strong, compact body; deep chest; strong, straight legs; and a bushy tail that trails when working or relaxed and is held up in a semi-curve when on alert.
Huskies are usually active dogs that need lots of exercise and love the great outdoors, especially in cool weather. They can have an independent attitude at times, so training them to do some type of working or pulling helps to keep them happy. They don’t necessarily need a large yard to run in, but it is preferable to have plenty of space for such an energetic dog. Any regular activity will keep their natural instincts and energy in check. As long as they are given adequate time and attention from their owners, they do fine in just about any setting.
Huskies are very intelligent as well as active. They are also very social animals and need to be included in family activities as much as possible. They are good natured, love to play, and being pack animals, need the companionship of another dog if their owners will be away for a good portion of the day. They are usually not aggressive with other dogs but may instinctively think cats and other small pets their prey. They are very intelligent and loyal animals, though they can be quite independent in nature. When trained correctly, the only discipline usually needed is a firm attitude and a strong voice. Being very social animals, they may be too friendly with strangers to have very good guarding instincts, though they can be trained to be good watchdogs. They are generally good natured with children and for many years even slept alongside children sleeping in igloos to help keep them warm. Digging and howling may likely need to be curtailed when young.
Siberian huskies are generally healthy animals and will live 12-15 years with proper care. They should be regularly wormed, vaccinated, properly sheltered, and fed with a good diet for longer life. Light weekly grooming is all that is needed, as this breed is unusually clean natured, though shedding is frequent. Huskies rarely need to be bathed or dipped. Cost of Huskies depends on registration or show quality status. Good purebred pet quality pups sell for about $300 without papers to about $600 with papers. Purebred show or breeding quality pups sell from between $500 -$1500, and should have papers. Huskies, being very sociable animals, are one of the most popular family pets today. Any family with a big heart has room for this loyal family companion and will do well to choose one, regardless of the status or cost.
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DJ | Jan 29, 2009 | Reply
my husky is just the sweetest thing. omg it is the best pet i have ever had. and i have had 5 pugs 2 collies 1 German shepherd when i was in high school.