Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is medium in size and has an elegant and flexible appearance. Hyperactive, he was traditionally used as a sled dog. He is a dog who knows how to be independent, but he does not appreciate loneliness.
The origin of the Siberian dog
As its name suggests, the Siberian Husky originated in Siberia. A region known for its coldness. Basically, they appeared because the Chukchi Indians wanted to have dogs that could pull sleds.
Their legend links the birth of the Siberian husky to the fruit of love between the wolf and the moon. This explains why he looks like a wolf with a crescent tail. In the early 20th century, a Russian-born fur trader imported the first Siberian Husky to Alaska for a 653 kilometer run. In 1966, this breed was officially recognized.
Physical description
His hair: Straight, medium length, shaped into a thick coat.
Its Color: This dress can be black, white, gray, sand or any other color. Spots and facial markings are characteristic of bicolor individuals.
His head: it is round. The skull-proportioned muzzle is enhanced by getting closer to the nose.
His ears: triangular, but slightly rounded at the ends, they are erect, tied high and close together. They are thick, full, and medium in size.
His eyes: Slightly oblique, almond-shaped. They can be blue, brown or have different colored irises.
Its body: Moderately compact, its proportions are very good. He is muscular.
Its tail: curved without forming a circle, it does not fall on the sides or on the back.
Behavior and character
The intelligence of the Siberian Husky is above average. Although hyperactive, he knows how to be gentle and docile. He is very loyal to his master and not possessive.
He could fall into the watchdog category, although he wasn't necessarily very wary of strangers.
He is also non-aggressive towards his ilk. Huskys are particularly friendly and perfect for families with children. He is independent, but not alone, because he is used to living in a group. Therefore, his master must always be at his side.
Education
The education of the Siberian Husky must begin before it reaches the age of 6 months, because this breed matures very quickly. It is he who decides whether his master is worthy of him. Hence the importance of treating it with respect, affection and consistency from the start. Otherwise, it will be difficult to control and even easy to escape. Therefore, the education of a Siberian Husky necessarily requires patience and calm without having to succumb to all the whims of the dog.
Life conditions
The Siberian Husky can adapt to most lifestyles as long as they are given the opportunity for regular exercise. If he's locked up too long, he can become bored and develop destructive behavior.
Because their thick coat adapts to the cold, it is important to protect them from overheating.
Health
In order to maximize the chances of adopting a healthy puppy, it is therefore particularly important to choose the breeding where to buy your dog. A professional worthy of the name must be able to present not only a certificate of good health established by a veterinarian as well as the health or vaccination record of the puppy, but also the results of the genetic tests carried out on the latter or his parents in order to reduce the risk of transmission of hereditary diseases. This is all the more useful since a good part of the affections to which the Siberian Husky is predisposed are precisely hereditary. He must also provide the results of tests relating to hip dysplasia, again in order to prove that the parents are free from it. The husky is known to be resistant and his physique allows him to face extreme temperatures. The breed demonstrates good health in general. Although he is a good sized dog, he is not too prone to hip dysplasia. This Nordic dog breed is often sensitive to digestion. It will therefore be appropriate to choose a food adapted to the individual. A grain-free diet will probably be ideal for these dogs. There are also reports of a tendency to increased dermatosis (skin disease) in some individuals of the breed, usually as a result of a trigger. The last weak point, which seems to affect the husky, is at eye level, i.e. eye problems, such as dystrophy and glaucoma
In summary, parasites such as ticks and fleas often attack Siberian huskies. But it is a very robust dog that can withstand high temperatures and temperatures close to -40°C. Its life expectancy is about 13 years. It can be affected by digestive disorders and eye diseases (retinal atrophy, cataracts). A large dog, the Siberian Husky can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which affects its canine morphology.
Maintenance and hygiene
The Siberian Husky molts twice a year. This coat change can last for 3 weeks or more, but outside of this period, it is a dog that loses little hair.
He must brush his teeth weekly, but grooming is strictly prohibited. Only the hairs that grow between the fingers or cover the feet can be straightened. This also applies to mustaches.
Regular brushing helps remove tartar buildup and bacterial growth. His ears and eyes should also be checked frequently to make sure there are no signs of dirt or possible infection.
However, it is recommended to monitor the claws, and even to cut them in some cases. If you live in a snowy region or if you use it for sled races, remember to take care of its pads regularly, as they are in direct contact with the cold of the snow It is important to note that the Husky undergoes two annual moults ; this change in fur can last for several weeks, during which it is necessary to brush it every day. The rest of the time, a weekly brushing will be sufficient and this type of dog has the advantage of losing only a little hair.The Husky does not need to be washed, it is even not recommended for his skin and his hair: like a cat, he is able to wash himself.
Food
A Husky's diet should be high in protein and fat to meet his considerable energy needs. Often on the move, he needs a diet adapted to his lifestyle. A high quality kibble usually does the trick. It is advisable to contact a veterinarian to get used to this diet.
The Siberian Husky needs physical activity which requires one or more outings per day or just a walk that lasts several minutes. This breed is sporty and very enduring.