Siberian Husky

The history of the Siberian Husky spans thousands of years. It is believed that the ancestors of these dogs were used as draught animals by coastal tribes in the Far East as far back as the Neolithic era. However, it was the Chukchi people who played the key role in shaping the breed into the form we recognise today. They needed a dog capable of covering vast distances at a moderate speed, hauling light loads in conditions of extreme cold. A crucial condition was a minimal need for food combined with high energy output. The harsh natural selection and breeding practices of the Chukchi created a dog with a unique metabolism.

A turning point in the breed’s history occured at the beginning of the 20th century, during the Gold Rush in Alaska. In 1908, fur trader William Goosak brought the first team of Siberian dogs to participate in the All Alaska Sweepstakes. Locals called them “Siberian rats” due to their small size compared to the massive Malamutes. But when this team finished third, attitudes changed. By the following year, John “Iron Man” Johnson won the race with a Husky team.

True global fame came to the breed with the “Great Race of Mercy” (Serum Run) of 1925. A diphtheria outbreak in the town of Nome threatened hundreds of lives, and weather conditions made delivering serum by plane or ship impossible. A relay of dog sleds covered 1,085 km in 5 days. Leonhard Seppala, with his lead dog Togo, covered the most difficult and longest stretch of the journey (over 400 km), crossing the dangerous, cracking ice of Norton Sound. The final leg was completed by Gunnar Kaasen’s team with the lead dog Balto, who received the bulk of the media glory – including a statue in New York’s Central Park. However, cynologists and historians rightly consider Togo the true saviour of Nome.

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog that should not look too heavy (like a freight dog) or too light (like a sprinting sighthound). The main feature of the exterior is balance. The Husky’s movement should be light, free, and graceful. Looking at the dog in the ring, one should get the impression that it is “floating” above the surface.

• Head: Cranial section of medium size, slightly rounded. The transition from forehead to muzzle (stop) is clearly defined. Ears are triangular, medium-sized, set high, thick, well-furred, with slightly rounded tips pointing strictly upwards.
• Eyes: These are the breed’s calling card. They can be brown, blue, or different colours (heterochromia – one eye blue, the other brown). “Split” eyes (parti-coloured) are also found, where two colours combine in a single iris. The Husky’s gaze is keen, penetrating, but friendly and interested.
• Coat: Double, medium length. The undercoat is soft and dense, retaining heat excellently. The guard hair is straight and smooth. It is important to know that Huskies have practically no specific “doggy odour”, which is a massive advantage for keeping them in a flat.
• Tail: “Fox-brush” type, fluffy. In a calm state, it hangs down; when alert or moving, it is carried over the back in a sickle shape, but should not curl into a tight ring or lie flat on the back.

The character of the Siberian Husky is a volatile mixture of intelligence, energy, and stubbornness. They are absolutely not aggressive towards people. If you are looking for a guard dog, a Husky is the worst choice. They will most likely greet a burglar with a joyful wag of the tail and try to “kiss” them to death. This trait is historically conditioned: Chukchis allowed dogs to sleep in yurtes to keep children warm, so any aggression towards humans was punishable by death.

Behavioural traits breeders keep quiet about

Huskies are pack animals with a strongly developed hierarchy. They will not serve you simply for food or because you are the “master”. Authority with a Husky must be earned. They are prone to independent decision-making, which is often confused with stupidity. In reality, if a Husky doesn’t execute a command, he probably just doesn’t see the point of it at that moment.

Another trait is the tendency to escape. Huskies are masters at opening latches, digging tunnels, and jumping high fences. Their drive to explore the world is stronger than their attachment to the garden. They also have a strong hunting instinct towards small animals (cats, rodents, chickens). Although many confuse them with other breeds, it is worth distinguishing the specifics. For example, unlike the Podenco Campanero, which is a purebred hunter, a Husky hunts more for entertainment or “self-sufficiency” rather than to bring prey to the owner.

The world of sled dogs is diverse, and it is easy for a novice to get confused. Huskies are often mistaken for other breeds, but the differences are significant:

• Alaskan Malamute: Larger, more powerful, and calmer. If a Husky is a sports car, then the Alaskan Malamute is a heavy goods vehicle.
• Samoyed: Famous for its snow-white coat and “smile”. The Samoyed is more oriented towards herding work and is often more vocal.
• Alaskan Klee Kai: If you like the look of a Husky but are daunted by the size and exercise needs, consider the Alaskan Klee Kai (mini-husky). This is an ideal option for a flat, unlike the working Siberian.

The main rule of ownership: a tired Husky is a happy Husky (and an intact house). Intensive physical exercise is vital for these dogs. A simple walk on the lead will not suffice. They need running, pulling sports (canicross, bikejoring, sledding), or playing with other dogs. If the energy does not find an outlet, it turns into a destructive force: eaten linoleum and chewed furniture will become reality.

Grooming: The Battle with Fur

Huskies shed. And when we say “shed”, we mean a snowstorm of fur in your flat. This process happens twice a year (seasonal moulting) and lasts about 3-4 weeks. During this time, the dog needs to be brushed daily using a slicker brush and a special comb. At other times, brushing once a week is enough. Shaving a Husky is strictly forbidden! Their coat works like a thermos: in winter it warms, and in summer it protects against overheating. A shaved Husky risks heatstroke and sunburn.

The Siberian Husky belongs to a breed with robust health, but genetics leave their mark. It is important to choose a puppy from verified breeders who perform genetic tests on the parents.

Huskies have a unique metabolism. They are capable of assimilating fatty food much more efficiently than other breeds. Historically, they ate fatty seal meat and fish. Their diet should be dominated by protein (meat, fish) and fats, while carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum. If you choose dry food, look for ranges for active dogs (Active/Energy) with high protein content. Natural feeding requires careful balancing, especially regarding zinc content.

Interestingly, decorative dogs, such as the Mi-Ki, have completely different nutritional requirements, where fatty food can be very harmful. Therefore, never transfer the diet of one breed to another without consulting a vet.

• “Snow Nose”: In winter, a Husky’s nose may turn pink or develop light stripes. This phenomenon is called “snow nose” and is normal; pigmentation usually returns in summer.
• Metabolic Phenomenon: Scientists are still studying the Husky’s ability to run for hours without depleting glycogen stores and without tiring as quickly as other mammals. They seem to “switch” to direct fat burning.
• They don’t bark, they talk: Huskies rarely bark in the usual sense. They howl, grumble, and make sounds similar to human speech (“I love you” performed by a Husky is an internet hit).
• Ability to sleep under snow: Huskies can sleep completely buried in snow. They curl up into a ball, covering their nose with their fluffy tail, which works like a filter, warming the inhaled air.

Can you keep a Husky in a flat?
Yes, but only on the condition that you dedicate at least 2-3 hours a day to active walks. Without this, the flat will be destroyed.

Do Huskies get along with cats?
It is a risk. If the puppy grew up with a cat – there is a chance. But a Husky will always treat street cats as prey.

How much does a Husky puppy cost?
The price varies depending on the class of the dog (pet, breed, show). Remember that a low price often implies problems with health or psyche.

Is it hard to train a Husky?
Yes, it’s not a Shepherd. A Husky learns commands quickly but only executes them when he considers it necessary. Patience and motivation are required.