The Siberian Husky is a sociable and affectionate sled dog with a strong will. And there’s a lot you’ll want to know about this breed. So here are the top Siberian Husky facts and information.
The Look Of The Wild
The Siberian Husky is famous for its wolf-like looks. However despite the stunning similarities to its ancestor, the breed isn’t any closer to the wolf than other breeds. And this is a good thing for owners, since they get the look of a wolf but without any of the drawbacks of owning a real one.
Siberian Roots
Like its name suggests the breed originated in Siberia. It was developed by the Chuchki people, ancient indigenous hunters. The Siberian Husky was used to haul light loads over long distances. It could do so not only fast but on a small amount of food.
Coat Changes
One of the Siberian Husky puppy facts that owners are often very surprised to learn firsthand is that the coat of young dogs can change in appearance as they age. It’s not uncommon for the coat of growing Siberians to get lighter, darker, totally change color, or have markings appear or disappear.
Variable Eyes
One look at this breed’s eyes is all it takes to see why they’re one of its most notable characteristics. Siberian Husky eyes come in a range of colors but are often blue and sometimes even a stunning ice-blue.
Brown, green, and amber eyes are common too. Many Siberians have bi-eyes which means that both of their eyes are two separate colors. Others may even have what’s known as parti-colored eyes which have two colors in a single eye.
Natural Insulation
This breed has no problem working and being outdoors even in extremely cold temperatures thanks to its double coat. The undercoat is thick and wooly while the top coat is made up of long and coarse guard hairs. This forms two layers of insulation that work to keep it warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Siberian Swirl
The Siberian Husky is a breed that was developed to thrive in freezing temperatures. And it uses its tail to help it do so. When the conditions are cold and snowy the breed will sleep in a curled position and use its bushy tail to cover its sensitive nose and keep it warm. This is known as the “Siberian swirl”.
The Great Race Of Mercy
In 1925 a diphtheria epidemic broke out in Nome Alaska. The only way to get the life-saving serum from Anchorage to Nome in time was to use teams of sled dogs. And the majority of these were made up of Siberian Huskies.
The twenty teams included one hundred and fifty dogs. In the end, they traveled six hundred and seventy-four miles in five and half days to successfully save the inhabitants of the city and surrounding communities. This was known as the Great Race of Mercy.
They Live For The Sled
Pulling a sled has been part of the Siberian’s history for what has been estimated to be close to four thousand years. And it lives to run with a team of dogs. Just take a look at the excitement of the team when the musher approaches with their harnesses and you’ll instantly understand.
Northern Breed
The Siberian is considered to be one of the Northern breeds also known as spitz-type dogs. These dogs share similar physical traits and have a long history. The Akita, Samoyed, Chow Chow, Malamute, Pomeranian, Shiba Inu, are some other examples of Northern breeds as well.
Team Player
The Siberian Husky temperament makes it an ideal sledding and family dog. Because it gets along well with other dogs it can be hitched to a sled with a large number of dogs without fighting. Its gentle nature also makes it great with children.
Zinc Malabsorption
Each breed has certain health concerns. And one of the Siberian Husky health issues is zinc malabsorption disorder. This disease does not allow the dog’s intestines to absorb zinc properly. So while the dog may be consuming zinc, the body can’t use it, thus causing a deficiency.
Zinc is one of the most important elements for a dog’s body. And a deficiency can cause skin lesions, hyperkeratosis, hair loss, and eventually death if it goes untreated for too long. Typically it’s treated by giving the dog a zinc supplement.
Independent Thinker
Many people assume that as a sled dog the Siberian always obeys the commands of the musher no matter what. This is actually not the case. One of the Siberian Husky facts that prospective owners should know is that it can be stubborn.
The breed’s independent thinking comes from that when pulling a sled, dogs often need to go with their own instincts instead of obeying commands. This helps to prevent dangerous accidents for the rest of the dog team and musher.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Italian Dog Breeds
Welcome to our exploration of dog breeds from Italy, a land renowned for its diverse and captivating canine companions. Our Italian dog breeds list offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and unique characteristics of each breed, showcasing the depth and variety of...
Russian Dog Breeds
Embarking on an exploration of canines? Our Russian dog breeds list offers a deep dive into the diverse and storied world of Russia's beloved companions. From snowy terrains to bustling urban centers, discover the dogs that have shaped and been shaped by Russian...
Merle Dog Breeds
Merle dog breeds have some of the most striking coats in all of “dogdom”. These stunning canines typically have a speckled or mottled appearance and often light-colored eyes that make them look even more unique. So here are some of the top dog breeds with merle coats...
Bulldog Breeds List
You might be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few bulldog dog breeds. With their typically stocky appearance, short snouts, and jowls, these canines are some of the most beloved dogs on the planet. And with the help of the following bulldog breeds...
Welsh Dog Breeds
From dispatchers of vermin to herders, and hunters the Welsh dog breeds all come from hardworking backgrounds. For those who love energetic pooches, these seven canines are sure not to disappoint. So here is everything you’ll want to know about the dog breeds from...
The Best Poodle Mixes
There’s no doubt about it, in recent years Poodle mixes have become some of the most popular dogs on the planet. With so many different mixes to choose from you’ll want to know the basics of the top options out there. So here are some of the best poodle mixes and what...
Dogs With Blue Eyes
There is just something so striking about the appearance of dogs with blue eyes and that makes them highly desirable as pets. Luckily there are many options to choose from for those who would like to own a light-eyed pooch. So here are some of the top dog breeds with...
French Dog Breeds
From elegant hunters to loyal guardians, France's canine companions offer a fascinating blend of history, function, and charm. Discover the diverse world of dog breeds from France with our comprehensive French dog breeds list. Delve into the tales and traditions that...
Spitz Dog Breeds
Dogs come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and temperaments, but there's something undeniably captivating about the spitz family. With their wolf-like features and rich histories tied to cold climates, they stand out in the canine world. In this guide, we'll...
Australian Dog Breeds
Australian dog breeds range from herders to lapdogs, and the country even has its very own native wild dog, the Dingo! All of these canines are ideally suited for life and work in the Land Down Under. That being said, here are all the dog breeds from Australia and...
Sighthound Breeds
The sighthound breeds are a unique group of canines created to rundown various types of game. These athletes have features such as slender bodies, light bones, deep chests, and long heads which help them to perform their specific purpose as efficiently as possible....
Belgian Dog Breeds
All Belgian dog breeds originally come from a working background. From small to large and from ratters to herders these canines are of course unique. So read on to find out everything you’ll want to know about the dog breeds from Belgium. Groenendael (Belgian...
Bergamasco Sheepdog Facts And Information
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a rare dog breed from the Italian Alps. It’s most famous for its unusual coat that looks similar in appearance to dreadlocks. There’s a lot you’ll want to know about this special canine so here are some of the top Bergamasco Sheepdog facts...
Swiss Dog Breeds
While many people are familiar with the Saint Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog, these are just two of the many dog breeds from Switzerland. From herders and hunters to mountain rescue dogs and companions, these canines each offer something different and unique. So...
Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds
The livestock guardian dog breeds stand out for their remarkable blend of strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. This guide offers a closer look at these dedicated defenders, highlighting their history, characteristics, and the essential roles they play in...
Wirehaired Dog Breeds
Dog coats come in several different textures. Wirehaired dog breeds have stiff and harsh hair that stands away from their bodies. The wire-like texture of these canines makes them not only unique to the touch but also in appearance. So here are some of the top dog...
Fawn-Colored Dogs
Canadian Dog Breeds
While there are only four of them, you won’t find a hardier bunch than the Canadian dog breeds. Whether it was for work in the frigid rivers, icy coastal waters, or deep snow, each of these canines was created to perform vital tasks for their Canadian masters. So here...
Pinscher Breeds
The Pinscher breeds are a type, or family of dogs, that originally functioned as ratters, guardians, and working farm dogs. The name pinscher translates from German as to pinch or catch and is believed to describe how the dogs work when killing rodents and other...
Rare Dog Breeds
For various reasons and circumstances, certain dog breeds are much less common than others. Unfortunately, that means these special dogs are often overlooked. However, with the following list of rare dog breeds, you’ll quickly become familiar with some of the...