Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Alaska

MOST SUITED AS Sledge dog.

SIZE.
The shoulder-height is 53 - 60Dcm (20 1/2 -23 1/2in) for dogs and 51 - 56cm (20 - 22in) for bitches.

COAT
The Husky has a double-layered, medium-length coat. Every colour and combination are accepted. With this breed even partially blue eyes are permissible.

CARE REQUIRED
An occasional brushing and combing, particu­larly during moulting, is adequate for this breed. The coat is usually more handsome when the Husky is kept in an outdoor kennel.

CHARACTER
This breed is independent with a mind of its own, is very intelligent, full of energy, cheerful, loves to wander, and is very fond of its handler and family. Because they are friendly with everyone, they are not ideal watchdogs. Don't choose this dog for their looks, you must consider their needs for company, which is high. If you buy one, buy two.

TRAINING
Most Huskies do not fill the role of family pet very well, although perhaps a very sportive family might be better suited. The Husky is a sledge dog in heart and soul. To teach the Husky anything will require a careful approach and being very consistent towards it. The other requirements are considerable patien­ce and an understanding of the character of Arctic dogs. A Husky will only obey a command in which it sees any point. If you consider to acquire a Husky, it is sensible to contact a specialist on Arctic dogs and/or the breed society before doing so.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Siberian Huskies generally get along with their own kind but the contact with other household animals needs careful handling and training. Cats and jerboa or other pet rodents are not really suitable companions to share a home with this dog. Fortunately children are not a problem. This breed finds it hard to be left on its own so it is advisable to have more than one Husky.

EXERCISE
This breed needs considerable exercise and there can be no concession in this requirement. Should you wish to get involved in the sport of dog-sledging, then there is no better choice than the Husky. This breed is world-famous for its speed. If you cannot or do not wish to run a Husky before a sledge at least twice per week, then an alternative is essential such as cycling with the dog for at least an hour a day. Lonely Huskies that are locked up with too little exercise will howl and become destructive. This is not the fault of the dog but of an owner who has made a wrong choice of dog. Take a Husky out on a lead and fence your garden or it is likely to run off.