Your Complete Guide on Siberian Huskies

When you make the decision to expand your family, it can be a challenge to decide what dog breed is right for you! Well, you’re in the right place. Picking the right breed for you IS hard, and today, we plan to simplify it for you.

Considering a Siberian Husky? We’ve got the answers to all of your questions, hopefully making your choice a little more straightforward. Let’s dive in and see what makes this breed so great!

Quick Facts

Height: 20-23 in

Weight: 35-60 lb

Coat: Double, Black, Pure White, Multicolored, with Individual Markings

Life Span: 12-14 years

History

Siberian Huskies were developed by the Chukchi people over 3,000 years ago in what is now Russia. The Chukchi needed a reliable sled dog to pull heavy weights in harsh winter conditions. From the 1890s to the 1930s, these fluffy sled dogs were imported to Alaska to aid miners during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Later, Huskies grew in popularity as arctic race dogs and eventually claimed their title as man’s best friend when, in the early 20th century, a few Huskies saved the small children of Nome. These Huskies were tasked with bringing medicine to the town and succeeded in their delivery, saving the lives of countless children.

Their good deeds did not stop there. Huskies helped with Arctic searches and served in other capacities throughout World War II.

Care

Siberian Huskies are famous for their lovely double coats. Would it shock you to know their fur follows a strict shedding schedule? The inner coat drops quickly twice a year, usually during dramatic season changes, while the outer coat experiences regular shedding throughout the year. When this inner coat is on the way out, be diligent about cleaning up fur and keep the brush nearby. This helps your pup eliminate that extra fur and will keep your home fur-free.

Luckily for you, Huskies enjoy cleaning themselves and do not need to be bathed often. It’s still recommended to wash your pup a few times to ensure any dead skin or dirt is free from your canine’s coat. Another exciting part about homing and grooming a Siberian Husky is their nail growth. Their nails grow very slowly and only benefit from trims every 3-4 months. Less hassle for you and more comfort for them!

When feeding, it’s crucial to remember that Huskies were not bred to eat very much food. During the breed’s development, dog owners needed a pup that could stand working hard for long hours on a near-empty stomach. Be mindful that you don’t accidentally overfeed Fido. Nutro and  Orijen are both well-trusted dog food brands that offer choices that are well-suited for a Siberian Husky.

Expect a high-energy furball with the urge and instinct to explore the outdoors. Exercise with your pup often by going on walks or hiking. If you’ve got a competitive Husky, consider participating in agility competitions!

Health

Health issues in Siberian Huskies mainly stem from genetic predispositions. Seizures can become a more considerable risk for this breed as they age, as well as congenital laryngeal paralysis. Luckily, Huskies are unlikely to develop hip dysplasia, a common issue for dogs this size. Cataracts are another big health issue this breed faces, with some Huskies facing sight issues as early as six months old.

Watch closely for skin irritation or fur loss. This could be signs of Pemphigus Foliaceus, an autoimmune skin disease that can cause their coats or skin build-up issues.

Temperament

Another significant aspect of this breed is its loving and fun personality. Huskies are extremely friendly, gentle, and high-energy. These great learners crave structure and prefer following directions and commands. This breed may dig, chew, or jump to escape confinement, and you may not hear your pup bark often, but you’ll definitely hear them howl. Behavioral training can help with any unpleasant habits.

While Huskies are great with families and children, they could struggle to connect with other pets, especially cats. Make sure to take the time to socialize them properly to stop conflict from happening early.

You’ve done the research, and now you can feel more confident than ever about welcoming your newest furry family member home. A Siberian Husky can be the perfect companion for you and your family!