The Siberian Husky: working and endurance dog

The Husky is a dog with an unparalleled physique and rare intelligence; Originally a sled dog, today it is appreciated for its beauty and friendly temperament, which make it a great companion for all dog lovers. Be careful though: his education is not to be neglected, because the Husky has a hard head!... If his determined character is his greatest asset, you must also get to know him to channel his energy and establish a serene and balanced with him. You will find all the information about him in this file, and the care to bring him so that he is "well in his paws"!

• Height:                50 to 60 cm
• Weight:               16 to 27 kg
• Coat:                    medium length, thick undercoat
• Color:                  all dresses from black to white
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Gestation:            63 days

Description and characteristics of the Siberian Husky

The Husky is a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog with a light and lively gait. Its body, compact without being massive, muscular, and slender at the same time, evokes its origin as a working and endurance dog. It has thick fur, a mischievous head with straight ears, a thick tail called "brush" characteristic of Nordic races. The muzzle is of medium width and tapered at the level of the nose. The eyes are almond-shaped, blue, brown, or sometimes minnows. The ears, set high on the skull, small and triangular, are very alert to environmental noises. Thus, the Husky is known to be reminiscent of a wolf, of which is also sometimes has the color: the dress can present all the shades of black to pure white, passing through various shades of gray, silver, sand, or brown,

Origins of the Siberian Husky

The Husky is a primitive type dog: it is a very old breed, which was used for centuries by the Siberian tribes to tow sleds with heavy loads over sometimes very long distances. Moreover, the Husky is known thanks to the film Balto, which traces the story of a pack that crossed Alaska to bring medicine against diphtheria to the small village of None in 1925. Today, the Husky is appreciated as a companion and show dog; it is also used in sled competitions and for mountain treks. Imported in the 20th century to North America, where the breed has been officially recognized since 1930, it has become extremely popular around the world.

Character and behavior of the Husky

The Husky is a dog with a stubborn character, very energetic, jovial, and full of goodwill. Sociable towards humans and with other dogs, he is devoid of any aggression. If some adult individuals can show a certain reserve with strangers, this does not make him a good watchdog! The Husky is a good playmate with children and teenagers but tends to ignore the little ones.

Whatever the environment in which he evolves, it is imperative that he can exert himself several times a day and have space. With a mischievous, sometimes hyperactive temperament, it is important to train him from an early age if you want to obtain results. He gets along well with other animals, especially cats, but it is necessary to make him understand certain limits. Finally, if he accompanies his master for long walks with great pleasure, he quickly loses interest in ball and sticks games.

Take care of your Husky

It is important to note that the Husky undergoes two annual molts; this change in fur can last for several weeks, during which it is necessary to brush it every day. The rest of the time, weekly brushing is enough and it has the advantage of not losing a lot of hair. The Husky does not need to be washed, it is even not recommended for his skin and his hair: like a cat, he can wash. You can cut the hairs that grow between his fingers from time to time, and even out those that protrude from the ears, but it is out of the question to make him undergo complete grooming.

Special attention will be paid to parasites (fleas and ticks) each time you return from your walk to eliminate any disease-carrying insects. Finally, be sure to regularly check the inside of the ears: if the ear flap reddens or has crusted, you should consult a veterinarian. Also check the condition of the claws and pads, which can be scratched or irritated if the dog walks a lot. If the claws are too long, they risk being torn off: they must then be cut with suitable nail clippers.

The Husky's Diet

The Husky is an "economical" dog from a food point of view because it needs less food than other dogs about its size. Depending on its weight, one should count a ration of 400 to 600 g of meat per day. It has a certain digestive fragility with starchy foods, which should therefore be avoided unless they are well cooked. If you choose to give him kibble, it will be necessary to select them carefully so that they meet his energy needs; some ranges offer products suitable for Nordic-type dogs, containing fish and vegetables but no cereals, which they do not normally consume in the wild. Thus, with a diet adapted to his particular nutritional needs, the Husky will be better in his body and in his head.

Health and pathologies of the Husky

The Husky is a robust dog, provided, as seen above, that you provide it with a balanced diet. This decreases the risk of digestive disorders that could affect it. He is prone to eye diseases like cataracts or retinal atrophy after a certain age, although juvenile cataracts can unfortunately happen. Progressive retinal atrophy can start early and lead first to a loss of night vision, then day vision, and finally blindness... In addition to these hereditary defects likely to affect the breed, the Husky has relatively little risk of cardiac and neurological disorders; he is little affected by epilepsy and is very rarely subject to hip dysplasia.