Siberian Husky

 

(from wikepedia)

 

 

Other names: Chukcha, Chuksha

Nicknames: Husky, Sibe

Country of origin: Siberia, Russia

 

Traits

Weight: Male45–60 pounds (20–27 kg)

Female: 35–50 pounds (16–23 kg)

Height: Male21–23.5 inches (53–60 cm)

Female: 20–22 inches (51–56 cm)

Coat: Thick double coat - thick undercoat and soft outer coat

Color: All colors from black to white along with a brown/red color

Litter size: 9-11 puppies

Life span: 12–14 years

 

The Siberian Husky (Russian: сибирский хаски, "Sibirsky hasky")

is a medium size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in

north-eastern Siberia.The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic

family.It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat,

erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. Huskies are a very active, energetic, and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. Siberian Huskies were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia to pull heavy loads long distances through difficult conditions. The dogs were imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and later spread into the United States andCanada. They were initially sent to Alaska and Canada as sled dogs but rapidly acquired the status of family pets and show dogs.

 

The Husky has been described as a behavioral representative of the domestic dog's forebearer, the wolf, exhibiting a wide range of its ancestors' behavior.They are known to howl rather than bark. Behavioral issues include a tendency to roam and to make escape attempts - they have been described as escape artists; which can include digging under, chewing through, or even jumping over fences.

 

The ASPCA classifies the breed as good with children. It states they exhibit high energy indoors, have special exercise needs, may pursue cats, and may be destructive "without proper care."A 6 ft (1.83 m) fence is recommended for this breed as a pet, although some have been known to overcome fences as high as 8 ft (2.44 m).Electric pet fencing may not be effective.They need the frequent companionship of people and other dogs, and their need to feel a part of a pack is very strong.

 

A fifteen-minute daily obedience training class has been shown to serve well for Siberian Huskies. Siberians need consistent training and do well with a positive reinforcement training program. They rank 45th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of average working/obedience intelligence. They tend to run because they were at first bred to be sled dogs. They were historically bred to be working and companion animals by the Chukchi people, and should always be gentle in nature. The Chukchi people use Siberian huskies to look after their children.