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Weight:
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35 - 60 pounds |
Height:
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20 - 23 inches |
Trademark Traits:
 | "Wolf-like" look |
 | Mellow |
 | Cuddly and warm |
 | Friendly and tame |
 | Intelligent |
Some Ideal Human Companions:
 | Singles |
 | Families with older children |
 | Active, sporty types |
 | Cold-weather dwellers |
What They’re Like to Live With
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Siberian Huskies may look like wolves of the wild, but they are actually
easy-going, friendly pals. These are pack dogs—they enjoy the comfort and
security of the home and family. A well-exercised Siberian Husky will be content
hanging out on the couch for a cuddle or playing a mellow game on the carpet.
The Siberian Husky also has a mischievous side: They can become restless and
destructive when left alone for too long. An easy way to combat this, aside from
giving them attention, is to get them a Siberian Husky pal.
These dogs are devoted to their families, but they are also excellent hosts
when guests come over, rarely barking or acting territorial; however, they do
have an interesting wolf-like howl. Overall, what they say is true: Huskies are
everybody’s friend. Because of this, they are not the best guard dogs.
Things You Should Know:
Don’t forget: Siberian
Huskies descend from a race of tough, reliable working dogs. They get bored
without enough exercise and activity. However, they should not be overworked in
warm weather. If you have a warm season, exercise your Siberian Husky in the
early hours and turn on the air conditioning inside.
Siberian Huskies can be a little willful, but they are definitely trainable.
Use a firm but friendly hand and train them consistently. These are Arctic
dogs—tough, determined and self-sufficient. Make sure they have a fenced-in yard
and always walk them on a leash.
Shedding can be an issue with Siberian Huskies: During normal times, their
coats need only occasional grooming. But during their shedding seasons (spring
and fall) they need daily brushing with a metal comb to prevent hair from
getting all over everything.
Siberian Husky History:
For centuries, the
indigenous Chukchi people of Siberia developed what we know today as the
Siberian Husky. These hardy, even-tempered dogs were not simply used as pets or
helpful working dogs: The Chukchi people relied on them for survival. They
herded reindeer, pulled sleds and worked for long hours in the cold. Up until
the 19th century, the Chukchi people were the only breeders of this particular
sled dog. In the early 1900s, Americans in Alaska began to import these dogs for
sledding competitions. But their fame spread even more rapidly when a team of
Huskies helped transport lifesaving antitoxin to Nome, Alaska during a
diphtheria epidemic.
The Look of the Siberian Husky:
Siberian Huskies have
compact, light and furry frames. They have medium-sized heads, sometimes having
unique black & white or red & white patterns. Their medium-length muzzles end in
black noses (or brown for red-coated dogs). They have triangular ears that open
forward and almond-shaped eyes that create an involved and cunning expression.
Their proud, erect necks and straight backs lead to bushy tails. Their
well-furred coat is close enough to show off the muscular lines of the body.
Siberian Huskies can come in almost any color. Overall, they are balanced,
muscular and well-developed dogs.
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