Learn More About Siberian Husky

Summary

The Siberian Husky is an impressive appearance that stands out not only because of its lively, often blue eyes. With a medium-sized, very athletic build, this dog is categorized as part of FCI Group 5 of the top and "primitive type dogs". Its coat is dense and medium length with a double undercoat that protects it from extreme weather conditions. The ears are medium sized and erect, while the tail is bushy and often carried over the back. Although many people know the Siberian Husky in its classic black and white coloring, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Huskies continue to be traditionally bred as working dogs.

Character

The personality of the Siberian Husky is truly fascinating due to its originality, but it does present some difficulties in training. You will notice that the Husky is full of energy. It is important to note that this breed was originally bred to run long distances, and this energy needs to be channeled through regular exercise. Their independence can sometimes be interpreted as stubbornness, but they are simply dogs who make their own decisions and - unlike other dog breeds - behave less child-like. This means that you will need patience and consistency in your upbringing. In contrast to other, specialized breeds, all of the Husky's motivations (hunting, social, territorial and sexual) are approximately equally strong. Huskies are friendly and usually not suspicious of strangers, making them less suitable guard dogs. They enjoy the company of people and other dogs. Huskies can learn to stay alone, but prefer to be in a pack and should not be left unoccupied for long periods of time.

What to Expect

Siberian Huskies have a great passion for hunting and are very independent. Therefore, freewheeling is often only possible to a limited extent. They love to move and need experienced owners who can train and exercise them.

Care

Siberian Huskies are active dogs and require plenty of space to run. They are not suitable as city dogs and do not belong in the hands of beginners. Due to their independence and adult behavior, they are less likely to meet the requirements of a family dog. You also need a lot of time and patience to train and properly utilize this high-performance athlete. They are generally good-natured around children, but as with any dog, it is important to monitor interactions. They can get along well with cats and other pets if they are properly socialized. The warm summer months in Germany can be a real stress for the dogs due to their thick fur and you have to be careful that they don't overheat. They feel most comfortable in cool temperatures.

Training & Education

Siberian Huskies are intelligent but independent and very mature dogs. It is important that training starts early and remains consistent. As sled dogs, they love to run and can make great jogging or cycling partners. There are also dog sports like canicross, where you can run with your husky. They have a lot of energy, but it is important to be careful not to "over-busy" the dog as this can lead to stress. Learning frustration tolerance and impulse control is especially important because Huskies tend to be impulsive and may not handle frustration well. Positive reinforcement and rewards are key elements in training this breed. Their penchant for hunting also requires reliable recall training, as Huskies' independent behavior means they tend to hunt on their own. This also makes training more difficult because it is difficult to get them excited about cooperative and alternative hunting games, such as retrieving a food dummy. For the robust working dog, pulling dog sport is still one of the best physical activities in which he can pursue his original task. Depending on your disposition, tracking training, for example, is a good way to keep your mind occupied.

Nutrition & Grooming

Siberian Huskies require a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats and carbohydrates. They are very active, so it is important to make sure they get enough energy from their food. When it comes to grooming, the Husky has a dense undercoat. This coat requires regular brushing and sheds especially during shedding, which usually occurs twice a year.