The iconic sled dog, Siberian Husky is a handsome pup with bright eyes, a hard-working ethic, and quite a sharp wit. Their popularity as working dogs brought them to America and they have become common among dog lovers for their happy, loving personalities and fun to be had. And they are very attractive.
Siberian Husky originated in Northeast Asia where they are domesticated by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sled pulling and companionship. It is an active, energetic, flexible breed, whose ancestors lived in the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic.
Health
Siberian Husky can live slightly longer than other dogs of comparable size, between 12–15 years if properly cared for. And they’ll get quite large, coming in at between 18 inches and 24 inches, depending on the gender.
Like all large breeds, these puppies are prone to hip dysplasia. It occurs when the ball and socket of a joint don’t fit together properly, and if left untreated can cause pain for your partner later in life. Your vet will want to check their bone structure regularly to keep an eye out for any developing problems. CBD oil can also help with pain as you transition to a better dog bed/lifestyle.
Your Husky’s eyes may be the most beautiful blue eyes ever seen, but be sure to get them checked regularly! Huskies have a tendency to develop cataracts. This has become less of a problem in recent generations as breeders focus on litter that inherits positive traits, but it still pops up in some puppies and it’s important to watch out for.
Personality
Huskies are even-tempered dogs. With whom love can be lived. They are known to make terrific guard dogs because of their outgoing nature, and some strangers they have met didn’t like them. Most are not hyperactive and have very sweet and kind personalities. They are also quite cuddly with their humans, a pack mindset that leads them to stay close to their families.
Because of their intelligence, huskies can become aggressive if not given an outlet for their energy. Be careful, they can become destructive when bored! This may appear as a disappearing act. Huskies are escape artists and will find ways to break out of their confinement if not properly exercised. They are skilled diggers and will make quick escapes, so make sure they stay active with you.
They are also athletic, and playful. Also, they love to be outdoors and require significant daily exercise, especially in colder climates. Huskies should be taken for a walk, run, or hiking every day. They must be on a leash at all times when they are let out of the house, as they are very independent creatures and are meant to run.
If something catches their interest and they are not attached to a leash, they will definitely run away.
Training
Huskies are pack dogs, so there are some basic rules for training them. The main one is that you have to establish yourself as the alpha dog early on. They need to remember that when they have been adopted into a family you are still the owner! Steady, patient training will be essential to get them over the line, and starting this young will be key. They respond to a variety of training styles, but consistency and persistence are key. Whether it’s just command training or using the crate, they’ll listen if you stick with it. It is recommended that when they are puppies work with at least 15 minutes of obedience training per day to ensure that your rules stick.
Because of their stubborn nature, it’s important to follow all of the rules that you set for your furry friend. Huskies, like other sharp-as-a-tac breeds, have selective hearing and will consider rules to be flexible if not followed strictly. Your partner will be loyal, obedient, and happy as long as you stay tight-lipped and stick to your rules. Lay them down, teach them with patience, and remember to be consistent. Do this and you will have a happy puppy that will listen to instructions.
Environment
Single people with active lifestyles and couples with children old enough to live with a large dog love Huskies. These dogs are bred to work hard and focus, so playing with people and being trained helps them Will be very happy. Huskies also enjoy open spaces, so backyard or rural homes are highly recommended.
Their thick fur is specially meant for cold climates, so pushing them too hard in the heat will make for a frustrated puppy! Huskies were bred to work in arctic temperatures, and are genetically predisposed to enjoy the cold. Be sure to keep their living spaces cooler and more comfortable, perhaps even providing a gel-cooled dog bed for them to rest in. Bear in mind that these are pooper howlers, with a wail that can be heard from miles away! Remember that not every dog can be an apartment dweller, and the Husky may not be right if you stick your head in there.
Grooming
These puppies are great excuses! It won’t be year-round, but in the spring and fall your floors will be covered in shaggy hair! During this time it is recommended to brush your paper 2-3 times a week and up to every day to get rid of as much as possible, lest it spread to your clothes or furniture, or the floor. This will save you a lot of headaches. Their double layers are what make the coats so thick. This serves to keep them warm in winter and reflect heat in summer. Because of the layers of fur, it is recommended to wash the Siberian Husky every 3 months. Anything more than that can rob their fur of the vital oils that help keep them shiny and their skin comfortable.
Some other general issues will need to be addressed on a regular basis. Be sure to trim your nails every ten days. Like most puppies, a Husky’s nails can get caught on things if they are too long and this can be quite painful. Their teeth also require a weekly checkup and brushing to prevent plaque buildup. Huskies, like all dogs, can develop infections if things are not cleaned properly. Be sure to check for dirt and debris and wipe it off! This will help ensure a healthy, happy puppy.
History
Guess from where the Siberian Husky comes. Leave? This is Siberia! Domesticated by the Chukchi people of Asia, these pups have always been put to work as sled dogs. They were brought to Alaska in 1909 for exactly that purpose. Originally brought and bred for sledding competitions, these pups have found their way into everyday society. Diphtheria struck Nome, Alaska in 1925. Teams of huskies brought medicine to relieve the city’s population and earned the breed national attention. A team led by Leonard Seppala, even went on a tour across America to celebrate their achievements! The dogs would go on to compete in sled competitions in New England, where they trounced local pups and further proved their abilities.
Huskies still pull sleds in Alaska, but these days it’s mostly led tours to show off the distant past. The husky was the dog of the Church tribe in northern Siberia for many centuries. He was an all-purpose dog for the tribe. He would work and play with the tribesmen. Husky was such a part of the family that he was admitted to the family home to sleep at night.
In 1909, the first large numbers of these Chukchi dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in long-distance All-Alaska Sweepstakes races. The Husky team finished third and has been a fixture in most sled-dog races since then. In the winter of 1925, when a diphtheria epidemic broke out in the town of Nome, Alaska, a relay of dog teams brought life-saving serum from distant Nina. The heroic effort earned national fame for the drivers and their dogs.