Just a Little Husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium size working dog breed that originated in Northeast Asia. With proper training, they make great home pets and sled dogs. They are recognizable by their thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, fluffy tail, and distinctive markings. 

A Siberian Husky's coat is thicker than that of most other dog breeds, comprising two layers: a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat of short, straight guard hairs. It protects the dogs effectively against harsh Arctic winters, but the coat also reflects heat in the summer. Because of their coats, Huskies are able to withstand temperatures as low as −58 to −76 °F. The undercoat is often absent during shedding. Their thick coats require weekly grooming.

Siberian Huskies come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common coats are black and white.  Less common colors include copper-red and white, grey and white and pure white. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. The American Kennel Club allows all coat colors from black to pure white.

The American Kennel Club describes the Siberian Husky's eyes as "an almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely." The AKC breed standard notes that eyes may be brown, blue or black; one of each or parti-olored are acceptable (complete is heterochromia). The parti-color does not affect the vision of the dog.

The males of the breed are ideally between 21 and 24 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. Females are smaller, growing to between 20 to 22 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 35 to 50 pounds.

Siberian Huskies prefer to howl rather than bark. They have been described as escape artists, which can include digging under, chewing through, or even jumping over fences. However, these Houdini-like skills can be overcome with proper training and dedication.  Siberian huskies can be diggers, particularly in warm weather, because they like to create cool places to lie in.   

Siberian huskies were developed under harsh conditions and, not surprisingly, are easy dogs to keep. Since they are a working dog breed, they can easily become obese if overfed or not exercised. 

Early positive training and socialization are important for the Siberian Husky to focus on people. These dogs enjoy human company and like having a job to do, even if it is just jogging with you or doing yardwork alongside you. Siberian huskies are not noted for watchdog tendencies but will usually alarm bark.