Siberian Huskies have become increasingly popular in the recent years. Partly, it is due to their physical characteristics. Indeed, they have a recognizable appearance: thick coat in a variety of colors and patterns, erect triangular ears, distinctive markings and a furry foxlike tail.
Huskies were bred as endurance sled dogs, capable of traveling long distances and pulling loads. They are nimble and energetic dogs that need lots of daily exercise.
A Siberian Husky has a double coat that is thicker than that of most other dog breeds; it has two layers that protect Huskies effectively from extreme northern temperatures and even allow them to sleep in the snow. Notably, very few people seem to be allergic to Huskies’ fur. Shedding happens two times a year and is quite extensive, to the extent that the undercoat can be totally absent for some time. During those periods, Huskies require daily grooming, otherwise their fur will be all over the house.
Huskies are a medium-sized breed. Males are generally 60 centimeters tall and weigh up to 23 kilograms; females are smaller, growing to 56 centimeters and weighing between 15 to 23 kilograms.
They often have bright blue eyes. Heterochromia in not infrequent; such dogs have differently-colored eyes, one blue and the other brown or green, or a single eye can be particolored. Such animals are colloquially called “harlequins” by Russian breeders; note that this condition is not a disease and does not affect the vision of the dog. A belief persists that such dogs are akin to lucky charms and can bring good fortune to their owners.
Behavior
Siberian Huskies were bred for hard work in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. If you buy a Husky puppy, do not forget that it cannot spend its days slumbering on the couch. Lack of physical exercise is detrimental for them.
On the Internet, you can find numerous pictures and videos of what a bored Husky can do to a house. This can be avoided if you channel its energy into moving a lot in the open, running and playing and being physically active for at least two hours every day. That is, you will not get away with a quiet shuffle around the block. A dog that has had its fill of running comes home to fall asleep.
Siberian Huskies are independent and self-willed; they always want to be the leader of the pack. Their owner’s family is as close to a pack to them as can be, so you will have to show your puppy from the very first day that you are the leader here, otherwise there will be trouble later. If you wish to get yourself a watchdog, a Husky is not an option for you. They tend to like everyone and are more likely to lick a stranger to death than to scare them off or bite them.
Another characteristic of that breed is that they howl rather than bark. They love to howl together or solo, they can make a concert in the middle of the day if they are lonely and bored, they can howl at the moon at night or at any time of day when they are happy to see their master, you get the drift. Your neighbors might not like that at all.
A Siberian Husky is a good family pet, even if you have small children. Huskies generally like kids and are good with them. The key point is to give your dog a lot of exercise to avoid unwanted behavior.
Nutrition
Feeding your Husky right is central to its health and wellbeing. You have to decide on the feeding system before you bring a puppy to your house. You can give it either ready-made dog food or natural food. Professional breeders’ advice is to choose one of the two, but never mix them.
Both systems have their advantages as well as disadvantages. If you cook natural food for your dog, you have more control over the quality, but it can be tricky to keep its diet balanced. That might need some learning and practice. If you opt for ready-made dog food, you will save time, but you will not be able to guarantee the quality of what your dog eats.
Always choose premium or elite ready-made foods: they have a perfect balance of nutrients and are adjusted to the needs of a specific breed. The proper dosage is important; try not to feed your Husky too much. If your dog is on ready-made food, it needs access to a bowel of fresh water at all times.
If you opt for natural food, note that up to 70% of the daily ration of your dog have to be meat and meat products. The best choice is lean meats, e.g., beef, rabbit, poultry or innards. Fish is also a must. Before you feed it to your dog, boil it and pick out the bones.
Huskies also need to have fermented dairy food, cottage cheese and raw or hard-boiled eggs several times a week. Rice, buckwheat and ground oats are good, too. They have to be cooked in fresh water or in meat or fish broth. Do not feed your dog with pearled barley, wheat farina or millet. Vegetables also need to be added to the diet; grate them fresh and add to the boiled grains.
Siberian Huskies are generally a strong and healthy breed. With proper care and on a well-balanced diet, they can live up to 15 or even 20 years.