Breed all About it: Siberian Huskies

Huskies are by far my favorite breed of dog. Playful and friendly, beautiful and loyal. They are great pets. But there's much more to this breed than meets the eye. Siberian Huskies, currently great pets and show dogs, were actually bred to be working dogs. These medium sized and dense coated dogs have their origins in, as the name suggests, Siberia. This active, energetic and resilient breed of dogs were imported to Alaska, as sled dogs, during the Nome Gold Rush and later spread into the United States and Canada.

Their history is extensive as they are considered one of the oldest breeds of dogs. They have a unique appearance, similar to that of wolves as they are closely related. They have extraordinary temperaments that not only make them great pets but great working dogs. This hub will explore all things Siberian Husky!

Siberian Huskies originated off the eastern Siberian peninsula, where they were used to pull sleds, herd reindeer and as watch dogs by the Chukchi Tribe for centuries. These hardy dogs have thick warm coats, great stamina and are light weight, the ability to form small packs and were happy to work for hours, making them great work dogs for the harsh climate conditions in Siberia.

Huskies were later brought to Alaska, by fur traders, during the Nome Gold Rush, where they would become sled dogs because of their great speed. In 1908, the first All-Alaskan Sweepstakes (where mushers take their sled dogs on a 408 mile race), featured a considerable amount of Huskies as sled dogs. During a diphtheria epidemic in Nome Alaska, in 1925, Huskies were used to bring the medicines needed to treat patient via sleds. This gained the breed much popularity. In the mid 1900s the dogs began to be used for Antarctic Expeditions. Siberian Huskies also served as the Army's arctic search and rescue unit during World War II.

The breed became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

Siberian Husky males can reach 21-23 inches in height; females about 20-22 inches. And in weight males reach about 45-60 pounds and females about 35-50 pounds. A typical medium-sized breed.

These strong dogs have a medium sized head that is proportionate to it's body. They have muzzles that are of an equal length to their skulls. The color of a Husky's nose is defined by the color of it's coat, which can be: black, gray, tan, copper, white or a combination of two or more colors. Huskies have oval shaped eyes that are often either blue, brown, amber, gray or a combination of any of those colors (i.e. one eye can be half blue and half brown or one eye can be wholly blue and the other wholly brown). Huskies have erect, triangular ears, set high on their heads. These dogs' teeth meet in a "scissors bite".

Their tails are in a sickle curve, carried over their back. Huskies have large paws, with fur between the toes to grip onto ice and keep them warm, similar to the paws of wolves. These dogs have medium length, thick double coats which help them to bare temperatures as low as -58 degrees F or more.

Siberian Huskies have great temperaments which are great for pets or working dogs. Huskies are loving, playful, gentle and generally happy dogs. These dogs become very fond and loyal to their families, human and dog alike. They are a very relaxed breed when they're not hard at work. They're great with children and friendly with strangers (unless trained otherwise).

Huskies are high energy dogs, especially as pups. They do not bark very often (though they love to howl), hence why training is required if you wish to make them guard dogs. But that should be no problem, as Huskies are extremely intelligent and highly trainable. However, being closely related to wild dogs, Huskies only obey commands if the human trainer shows a higher level of dominance to them. If you don't show leadership, they don't bother to obey. If you are not a consistent "pack leader" or "alpha", Huskies will take and advantage and can become quite mischievous.

Important to Note:

• Huskies love exercise, which makes them great exercise partners (as long as its not hot out).
• These dogs are a bit hard to housebreak.
• Huskies get bored easily which means they do not do well alone for long periods of time.
• When Huskies do not get enough mental and/or physical exercise, they can be very destructive.
• They are generally good with other animals as long as they are raised with them.
• Huskies love to roam around and explore.

If you know what to expect and are prepared to put the time and energy in, these beautiful and intelligent dogs make great companions or workers.

The average life expectancy of a Siberian Husky is about 12 to 16 years. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, ectopy, eye problems like PRA, Corneal Distrophy and crystalline corneal opacities. Huskies should have hip screenings and eye screenings yearly. Huskies are also prone to a skin condition called Zinc Responsive Dermatitis. This can be treated with Zinc supplements.

- Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition in medium to large-sized dogs. This is caused by abnormal development of the hip joints in young dogs. With hip dysplasia, the ball and socket joint of the hip does not freely rotate or move as it should. The ligaments and soft tissue do not normally around the joint, which causes the inability for the joint to move and rotate freely. Hip Dysplasia can cause pain and limping. Obesity and over-exercise can help cause the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain and surgery can help with extreme cases (as long as the dog is still young).

- Ectopy
Ectopy is thedisplacement of the urethra. This is a congenital defect which is relatively rare. This condition is a malformation of the urinary tract. This disease results in the constant draining of urine, in small amounts. This condition is found in female huskies. Ectopy can cause some secondary problems such as: infection of the urinary tract and possible infection of the kidneys. Light cases can be treated with medicines. However heavier cases must be treated with surgeries like reimplantation of the ureters into the bladder or removal of the kidney and ureter entirely.

- Eye Problems
Huskies can develop eye problems such as PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), cataracts, or cornea problems like corneal dystrophy. Corneal dystrophy can be seen as gray lines, circles, crystallizing or cloudiness of the cornea. In early stages, corneal dystrophy most likely won't extensively affect your dog's vision. With proper evaluation and treatment good vision can even be restored. Still this condition can cause corneal ulcerations and should be monitored. PRA, on the other hand, is a hereditary degenerative disease of the eye which can cause some permanent vision loss.

- Zinc Responsive Dermatitis
Zinc Responsive Dermatitis is a skin disorder commonly found in arctic dog breeds. Simply put, this is a case of Zinc deficiency which is entirely treatable with Zinc supplements. The deficiency can either be dietary or a hereditary inability to absorb zinc properly. Some of the symptoms of this condition are thick scaly patches and hair loss around the eyes, mouth, ears, hocks and around the reproductive organs. This condition can cause some secondary skin infections. Most dogs scratch and/or chew the areas where this occurs because of itching. It is important to stop them from doing this. Severe cases can cause other health issues such as: weight loss, decreasing appetite, keratopathy of the cornea and slow healing. This condition is easy to diagnose and easy to treat (usually).

In general though, Huskies can normally live long and trouble free lives with the proper care. Sufficient exercise and a balanced diet are the key ingredients to a healthy Husky (no over-feeding)!). Also, adding fish oil to their diet is highly recommended for their coats and nails.

Living Conditions for Huskies

• Apartments are not highly recommended as Huskies need lots of space to roam and exercise. However with good training and regular exercise outside of the home, this dog can live in an apartment.
• These dogs are very active and do best if you have a large, fenced-in backyard.
• Huskies prefer cooler climates because of their heavy coats. Still adequate shade and air conditioning on top of regular grooming can allow this breed to function in a warmer climate.
• Huskies, like wolves, prefer to live in packs.

Grooming Huskies

• Huskies shed heavily, twice a year.
• They need to be brushed and combed daily (especially during shedding).
• Keeping fur shorter is preferable in warmer climates, but do not trim if you live in a cool climate.
• Huskies should be bathed at least once a month. Less during shedding times.

Exercise for Huskies

• These dogs are very athletic.
• Huskies need exercise. A daily walk or jog is best.
• Do not over-exercise these dogs, especially in the heat.
• Huskies love to dig and hunt so if you have a fenced-in yard be sure to bury the wire at the base of the fence.
• Also make the fence high, as Huskies can easily jump over low fences.

Diets for Huskies

• Do not over-feed your Husky. They are light-eaters and do not require much food.
• Protein is important in a Husky's diet. Meat should be a big ingredient in his or her dog food.
• A balanced diet for a Husky contains: protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
• Fish oil is very healthy fora Husky's fur and nails.
• Always consult a vet or breeder if you have fears or concerns about your Husky's diet.

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