Appearance The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized, well-balanced working dog, with moderate bone, ease and freedom of movement and a good disposition. Their moderately compact, well-furred body, erect ears and brush tail indicate the breeds Northern heritage. The working characteristics of the breed have been maintained, ensuring that it is able to pull a light load, in harness, at a moderate speed over great distances. The basic balance of power, speed and endurance is reflected in his proportions and form. A dog in proper condition, with firm, well-developed muscles, does not carry excess weight. They never appear so heavy as to suggest a freighting animal nor so light as to suggest a sprint-racing animal. Males are masculine, but never coarse. Females are feminine, but not weak. Breed standard by UKC: Head - the medium-size head is in proportion to the size of the body. Neck - the medium length, arched neck is carried proudly erect when the dog is standing. The neck is carried slightly forward when the dog is moving at a trot. Forequarters - the well-laid-back shoulder blade is at an approximate angle of 45 degrees to the ground. The upper arm angles slightly backward from the point of the shoulder to the elbow, and is never perpendicular to the ground. The muscles and ligaments that hold the shoulder to the rib cage are firm and well developed. Forelegs - the moderately spaced forelegs are parallel and straight when viewed from the front. Bone is substantial, but never heavy. The elbows are close to the body, turning neither in nor out. In profile, the pasterns are slightly slanted. The wrist is strong, but flexible. The length of the leg, from the elbow to the ground, is slightly more than the distance measured from the top of the withers to the elbow. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed. Body - the back line is level. The medium length back is straight and strong. The taut, lean loin is narrower than the rib cage, with a slight tuck-up. The sloping croup is never so steep as to restrict the rearward thrust of the hind legs. The deep, strong chest is not too broad. The deepest point is just behind and level with the elbows. The ribs are well sprung from the spine, and flatten on the sides to allow freedom of action. The length of the body, measured from the point of the shoulder to the rear point of the croup, is slightly longer than the height, measured from the withers to the ground. Hind legs - the moderately spaced legs are parallel when viewed from the rear. The well-muscled upper thighs are powerful. The stifles are well bent. The well-defined hock is set low to the ground. Any dewclaws on the hind legs are removed. Feet - the oval-shaped feet are not too long. The compact, medium-size paws are well furred between the toes and the tough, thickly-cushioned pads. At a natural stance, the paws turn neither in nor out. Tail - the well-furred tail is of fox brush shape. It is set on just below the level of the back line, and is carried in a graceful sickle curve over the back when the dog is at attention. It is not curled to either side of the body. When the dog is in repose, the tail may trail. The medium-length hair is approximately the same length on the top, sides, and bottom of the tail, giving the appearance of a round brush. Coat - the breed is double coated, the hair being medium length, giving a well-furred appearance. The outer coat guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth lying. The soft, dense undercoat is of sufficient length to support the outer coat. Behavior The wolf like appearance of the Siberian Husky might scare some people; however, they are actually a very gentle breed and have an extremely gentle temperament. Because of their history of sledding and working dogs, they are very energetic and need a lot of exercise. They love to run and explore the surrounding areas. They were usually left to run at night when they were not working so you may expect them to take off and explore on their own. They are very affectionate and loving to their families. They welcome every one who comes around so this is why they are not very good watch dogs. They are very good with children but never leave a child alone with any dog. Because they are pack hunters and they have a huge prey drive, it is not a good idea to leave them alone with cats, birds, and other small animals. They have been known to kill them and especially go after deer. However, when worked with from puppy hood with family pets they usually get alone very well and can be raised together with no problems. Care It is not recommended to raise them in an apartment but they can live in one if need be. They need room to run and have fun. That is why a big yard is a necessity for them or to live in the country with a large yard. Their heavy coats make them need a cool climate or give them adequate shade and air conditioning. Make sure they have plenty of water if left outside and a nice shady tree. If you fence them in make sure it is very high and the wire is dug into the ground quit a ways because they will run off or dig out. The Siberian sheds twice a year and this is know as blowing their coat so grooming is only necessary during these times. Keep the shedding under control with brushing when it clumps up. The Siberian husky has no smell so bathing is only necessary when dirty. The Siberian huskies live to be about 12 to 15 years old. Therefore, you can enjoy a long life with one if you choose this breed for your pet! History of Discovery The evidence of exactly where the Siberian husky originated is believed to be from the Coastal tribes of Chukchi of the east-Siberian peninsula. It is said they also came from Koryak and Kamchadal. However, DNA confirms this breed is one of the oldest just like the Samoyed. The dogs from this area were imported into the Alaskan territory in 1908 during the gold rush so they could be used for sled dogs. A Norwegian fisherman named Leonhard Seppala was asked by his boss to train a group of females and their puppies for the AAS. His first year was not the best but every year since he was a winner. An epidemic of diphtheria broke out in Nome, Alaska in the winter of 1925. With the only means of contact was by telephone or the railroad, which was 650 miles away, the town doctors made an urgent appeal for help. Seppala received a team of 15 of his dogs together from his relay sled dog team and he went to get the needed medical supplies with this sled team. They could travel up to 50 miles quickly. They met up with the other teams and received the supplies. Seppala and his team traveled over 170 miles in near blizzard conditions. In total, they traveled over 350 miles altogether. This gave Seppalas team worldwide recognition and the Siberian breed was born. Seppalas team of dogs saved many lives. The following year he had two groups tour the United States. This started the sled dog races. In 1930, came the first recognition for the Siberian husky into the American Kennel Club and then it was first registered by Canada nine years later. The registered Siberian today is the descendants of the 1930 Siberia imports of Leonhard Sippelas dogs. It now has become a family pet and show dog. Crossbreeds for dog racing are slowly replacing the sled dogs.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:51:12 +0000
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