SIBERIAN HUSKY Breed Standards
As the name would suggest, Siberian Huskies are native to Siberia, where they have been trained for hundreds of years by the Chukchi people to pull sleds. The Chukchi are semi-nomadic people, and the Siberian Husky’s ability to pull sleds with light loads for long distances made it a useful companion. Recent DNA analysis has shown the Siberian Husky to be one of the oldest breeds of dog.
A team of Siberian Huskies was brought to Alaska in 1909 to compete in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race. Following their debut a large number were imported to Alaska, and a team of Siberian Huskies won the same race the following year. In subsequent years, Siberian Huskies went on to win many different races and gain fame for their speed and endurance.
Siberian Huskies were made even more famous in 1925, when the city of Nome, Alaska was struck by a diphtheria outbreak. Several different teams of sled dogs, most of them Siberian Huskies, relayed the necessary serum back to Nome. After this story became national news, Leonhard Seppala, a famous breeder of Siberian Huskies and a key figure in the Nome rescue, toured New England with his team. These events helped to popularize the breed. They are still used in various sledding, carting, and racing events, and are largely responsible for the popularization of these activities. In recent years, however, the Alaskan Husky, which is specially bred for speed, has largely replaced the Siberian in many races; in response, a movement has started to create races specifically for Siberian Huskies. Recently, the breed has found success as a hiking companion, therapy dog, and as a loving pet.
SKILLS: The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact and well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. He performs his original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight.
SIZE: Height--Dogs, 21 to 23½ inches at the withers. Bitches, 20 to 22 inches at the withers. Weight--Dogs, 45 to 60 pounds. Bitches, 35 to 50 pounds. Weight is in proportion to height. The measurements mentioned above represent the extreme height and weight limits with no preference given to either extreme. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight should be penalized. In profile, the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the rear point of the croup is slightly longer than the height of the body from the ground to the top of the withers. Disqualification--Dogs over 23½ inches and bitches over 22 inches.
COAT: The coat of the Siberian Husky is double and medium in length, giving a well furred appearance, but is never so long as to obscure the clean-cut outline of the dog. The undercoat is soft and dense and of sufficient length to support the outer coat. The guard hairs of the outer coat are straight and somewhat smooth lying, never harsh nor standing straight off from the body. It should be noted that the absence of the undercoat during the shedding season is normal. Trimming of whiskers and fur between the toes and around the feet to present a neater appearance is permissible. Trimming the fur on any other part of the dog is not to be condoned and should be severely penalized. Faults--Long, rough, or shaggy coat; texture too harsh or too silky; trimming of the coat, except as permitted above.
Color - All colors from black to pure white are allowed. A variety of markings on the head is common, including many striking patterns not found in other breeds.
CARE REQUIRED: The coat does not need much care except during the twice a year heavy shedding season, when they have to be combed thoroughly with a metal comb.
CHARACTER: The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker.
EXERCISE: Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, but should not be excessively exercised in warm weather. They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are likely to dig their way out and go off hunting.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. This breed prefers to live in packs.
TRAINING: Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. This dog will take advantage if he can. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily.
