Table of Contents
FOREWORD
K9 EXPERT EDUCATION
If you have added a Siberian Husky to your family from a responsible breeder or a rescue group or are planning to do so congratulations! You have fallen in love with one of the most handsome and devoted breeds in all of dogdom.
Most fans of the breed are first seduced by the Siberians haunting eyes, but this dog is more than a good-looking, blue-eyed hunk. In fact, the Siberians eyes are not always blue. Brown eyes are equally common, as are dogs with one blue and one brown eye.
Besides his dramatic appearance, the Siberian is friendly, alert and energetic. Of course, no breed is perfect for every household so prospective owners need to be accepting of the Siberians idiosyncrasies.
This breed is incredibly gregarious and social. He needs the company of other dogs and his people pretty constantly. If you work all day, a second dog to keep him company would be a good plan. The Siberian also makes a terrible watch dog. While some Working Group breeds are one-man dogs, the Siberian loves everyone.
Whether your preference is for a black, gray or red dog with white markings or even a solid white this breed will put your vacuum cleaner to the test at least once a year when he sheds hair all over the house. Many owners prefer this annual coat blow to the year-round shedding of many other smooth-coated breeds.
On the downside, the Siberian can be a digging fool. If gardening is a hobby of yours, be sure to segregate the plants and shrubs. Having a garden and a dog are not mutually exclusive but you will have to be resourceful if you expect your Siberian to share the backyard.
The Siberian Husky is a majestic breed that really brings out dogdoms link to wild wolves.
While affectionate with humans and social with other dogs, the Siberian still maintains predatory instincts and demonstrates them around small animals in and around the house, including cats, birds and rodents. If you keep these furry critters, you will have to protect them from the Sibes swift and sneaky hunting skills.
The Siberian adapts well to most suburban settings because he is a medium-sized dog. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, males range from 21 inches to 23 inches at the shoulder and 45 to 60 pounds; females reach 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder and 45 to 50 pounds. The standard has disqualifications in place to ensure that size does not creep up and compromise the breeds agility on the trail.
While a reasonable size, the Siberians need for speed cannot be denied. He has a tremendous desire to run, and he must have this outlet but within safe, controlled boundaries. The Sibe is stubborn and independent so it falls on you to save him from himself. Sledding comes naturally to the breed and is the ideal way to let him burn off energy. During the dryer months in temperate climates, wheeled carts provide the Sibe an opportunity to pull in harness and continue a fitness regime all year long.
To see this breed joyfully pulling a sled is to witness him connecting with his time-honored past. It acknowledges tradition while giving your devoted companion much-needed exercise. Provide the Siberian a safe, happy outlet and you will be richly rewarded with a beautiful, steadfast friend to all of your family.
With this Smart Owners Guide, you are well on your way to getting your husky diploma.
But your Siberian Husky education doesnt end here.
Youre invited to join in
Club Husky (
DogChannel.com/Club-Husky), a FREE online site with lots of fun and instructive features such as:
forums, blogs and profiles where you can connect with other husky owners
downloadable charts and checklists to help you be a smart and loving Siberian Husky owner
access to Siberian Husky e-cards and wallpapers
interactive games
canine quizzes
The Smart Owners Guide series and Club Husky are backed by the experts at DOG FANCY magazine and DogChannel.com who have been providing trusted and up-to-date information about dogs and dog people for more than 40 years. Log on and join the club today!
Allan Reznik,
Editor-at-Large, DOG FANCY
CHAPTER 1
THE BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
The Siberian Husky has earned respect and an honest reputation throughout the world and across time. In northeast Siberia (Russia) and Alaska, this Northern breed has long been admired for his ability to travel long distances and transport loads through the snow. Even today, credit is given to this dog that goes the extra mile whether he is a sled dog or stay-at-home pet.
So what are the Siberians traits that have won the hearts of sporting individuals and dog lovers alike, both then and now? Notable enthusiasts reveal the numerous facets of this breeds highly complex personality and how it can befriend a human or another dog for an eternity.
SIBERIAN SMARTS
Siberian Husky breeder Pam Thomas of Elkhorn, Wisc., knows first and foremost that Siberians are alert and intelligent. They are problem solvers, she says. They can actually solve problems.
Sleep is important to dogs; they do it for 12 to 14 hours a day. Studies have shown that people who sleep with their dog are less rested than those who keep their dog in her own bed. It is a known fact that a 35-pound husky can take up three-quarters of a king-sized bed. The best plan is for you to have your place while your dog has hers.
Thomas recalls one day when three of her Siberian Huskies were out in the backyard playing. We had fenced off a new piece of grass so they couldnt dig it up again, she says. One of the dogs got her rabies tag caught in the chicken wire [fence]. She tugged and tugged on it but couldnt get it off.
Nikko, another playmate and witness to this dilemma, came to the rescue. The 3-year-old dog walked over and yanked the tag a few times. Again, no success. She then leapt over the chicken wire [fence] and released the hook off the wire so that her Siberian pal was free. Thats just one feat of the smart Siberian Husky.
WANTS TO BE INDEPENDENT
Most Siberian Husky owners realize that this Northern breed is also independent. In other words, Siberians are self reliant. If youre looking for a one-person dog (such as a Brittany Spaniel), you had better keep looking, because the Siberian Huskys free spirit will leave you howling. Siberians look out for No. 1.