Siberian Husky: Athletic Pounder with a Heart

The Siberian husky has served the Inuit as a draft and farm animal for around 2000 years. Due to the isolation of the nomadic tribes, the breeding of dogs was pure for a long time. At the beginning of the 20th century, a Siberian fur trader took the strong animals with often blue eyes to Alaska. Dog sled races were very popular there and the wolf-like dogs quickly gained popularity due to their endurance. Although the breed was bred purely for centuries and has excellent character traits, it was not recognized in the USA until 1930 and in Europe as late as 1966. Since then, the FCI has classified the Siberian Husky in Group 5 “Spitz and archetypal dogs” in Section 1 “Nordic Sled Dogs” one. Today it is still used as a sled dog by the Inuit, along with its relatives, the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed. But this breed has also made a name for itself worldwide as a family dog. With its striking blue eyes and white dominant coat color, the Siberian Husky is and remains a real eye-catcher.

Thanks to the close coexistence with the Inuit, the Siberian Husky is a very people-friendly dog. However, as a pronounced pack animal, he does not like to be alone. He wants to be part of everything his pack is up to and needs a lot of attention. In addition, the animals have a strong urge to move, which you absolutely have to satisfy. If the Siberian husky doesn’t work as hard as it should, it will look for its own job, much to the annoyance of its owners. If the intelligent dog is fully utilized and well socialized, he shows his gentle and friendly nature and is a loyal companion. He is hardly suitable as a guard dog, but his pronounced hunting instinct must get noticed. If he picks up a scent or if he even has his eye on prey like a rabbit, the Siberian Husky can hardly be stopped. A nearly unique characteristic is the typical howl. You hardly ever hear him bark, but the wolf-like howl is hard to miss.

Proper training and a species-appropriate attitude are the prerequisites for a successful partnership between humans and the hard-working and attentive sled dog. An attitude in a house with lots of space and a garden is ideal. If you want to get a Siberian Husky, you should spend enough time exercising the animal physically and mentally. Long bike rides or cross-country runs, but also swimming together are good employment opportunities. A good mixture of mental work and physical exertion is ideal and doesn’t let your Siberian Husky get the wrong idea so quickly.

At the same time, you shouldn’t leave your four-legged friend alone for long periods of time, as he doesn’t like it at all as a pack animal. If these conditions are met, Siberian Husky can be kept well as family dogs, since well-socialized animals are friendly to children. They are also open-minded towards their peers. Dogs of this breed that are not fully utilized can, on the other hand, react negatively or idiosyncratically towards their owner or even resign. Since the hunting instinct of huskies is strong, it is advisable to train extensively from the start.

Anyone who chooses a Siberian Husky should therefore be aware of the active nature of this breed. The Siberian Husky is not suitable for working people who are out of the house all day, as well as for older people and those who are reluctant to exercise. Be aware beforehand that with this dog you are getting a real sports cannon that also wants to be encouraged and challenged. Good socialization and learning basic commands are essential for this intelligent dog. Then nothing stands in the way of harmonious cooperation.

The dense coat of the dogs does not require any special care outside of the change of coat. During the molt, however, the hair falls out in tufts. Brush the fur regularly and remove fur residues. In summer it is important to ensure that the dog does not overheat due to the dense undercoat. This breed really gets going in the winter and loves to romp and play even in the freezing cold.

When it comes to nutrition, there are a few things to consider, because the following applies: Active dogs have a higher energy requirement and need a balanced diet to maintain vitality. But age, size, and state of health also have a major influence on nutrition. Always adapt the diet to the individual needs of the dog.

If you prefer to curl up on the couch with a warm cup of tea and a blanket when it’s cold, that’s not at all in line with the Siberian Husky’s preferences: after all, snow and ice are his elements. He is an unusual appearance, which, however, makes some demands on his owner. The archetypal is simply in him and he has to fulfill his urge to move. If boredom prevails instead, the Siberian Husky can develop atypical characteristics that have different effects. Again and again one hears from dog owners who are overwhelmed with the zest for action and the character of their Siberian Husky because they only chose him because of his unique appearance. So before you buy, be aware of what it means to own a dog of this breed: The dog wants to perform in wind and weather. Dog sport is therefore ideal and a good way to really challenge him. You have to get your puppy used to cats from the start, otherwise, the pronounced hunting instinct is difficult to control.

Reputable breeders are at your side with questions about nutrition and the typical characteristics of the Siberian Husky throughout the dog’s life. Get to know the parents in advance, get an idea of ​​the kennel and discuss with the breeder what he has already gotten the puppies used to. Vaccinated, chipped, and healthy animals with a contract of sale are standard for a reputable breeder. In addition, you usually have the opportunity to visit the puppy a few times before you finally take it home with you.

The breed is considered to be robust in terms of health and hardly susceptible to diseases. However, it is believed that Siberian huskies are more likely to suffer from a genetic skin condition called zinc reactive dermatosis. Sick animals take in too little zinc through their food when they eat. When buying a puppy, pay attention to serious and responsible breeding.