Key Facts:

Size: Medium Height: 45 - 50 cm (18 - 20 inches) Weight: 14.5 - 15.5 kg (32 - 34 lb) Life Span: 14 years Grooming: Straightforward Exercise: Medium Feeding: Medium Temperament: Alert & reliable Country of Origin: Germany AKC Group: Working Other Names: Standard Schnauzer, Mittelschnauzer

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Wolf-like, strong and compact. Colour: All colours and markings are permitted. Coat: The outer coat is straight, dense, smooth and of medium length. The under coat is soft and dense. Tail: Heavily furred, fox-brush shape and is carried over the back when active or down low when at rest. Ears: Set high, triangular, erect and of medium size. Body: The chest is strong and deep and the ribs are well-sprung. The back is strong and level and the loin is lean and muscular. The shoulders are well-laid back and powerful.

Temperament: Alert, intelligent, gentle and friendly. Generally Siberian Huskys are not suited as family pets, unless perhaps with an extremely sporty family. They are natural sledge dogs and although it possible to teach them basic commands, this breed will not follow orders unless they think it is necessary. Huskies do not like to be left on their own and tend to howl or become destructive if not occupied. They get along with children and are very tolerant and friendly with people and don't make good watchdogs. They generally get along with other dogs but should not share a home with other pets such as cats, as they do not make good campanions.

Grooming: Occasional brushing and combing, especially when the coat is moulting is sufficient for Huskies. The coat tends to look better when the dog is kept outdoors in a kennel.

Exercise: Substantial exercise is essential for these dogs and they are an ideal breed for anyone wishing to be involved in the sport of dog-sledging. Huskies are well known for their speed and owners usually exercise them in front of a sledge at least twice a week. An alternative activity is having these dogs run alongside a cycle to burn energy. Siberian Huskys are known to wander and need to be kept in a fenced off backyard.

History: Much of this breed's history is unknown, but it is fairly certain that these dogs remained pure with no outcrosses for centuries. One theory suggests that the Chukchis Eskimos had to develop a sledge dog capable of travelling great distances, for their ongoing search for food. Siberian Husky's were greatly admired by early explorers and were used to carry life saving anti-toxins during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, to the Alaskan city of Nome.

Additional Comments:

For anyone who is considering a Siberian Husky as a pet, it is advisable to contact a specialist in Arctic dogs and/or the breed society, to help make an informed decision. Because Siberian Huskys do not like to be left alone, it is usually a good idea to get two of these dogs for companionship.