CATXDOG

Appearance: The Siberian Husky or Alaskan Husky is a wolf-like, medium-sized dog. They are energetic, proud and very strong dogs. They have a dense double-layer coat that could come in a variety of colors and patterns. Usually it is expected that they have white feet and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common colors are black and white, grey and white, copper-red and white, and pure white, though many individuals have brown, reddish, or biscuit shadings and some are piebald spotted. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. They have a wolf-like appearance, albeit smaller and with less shaggy fur. Their eyes are brown, hazel, or blue. Light blue eye color is characteristic but not completely dominant. The breed may have one eye brown or hazel and the other blue, or may have blue and another color mixed in the iris of one or both eyes; this latter trait, heterochromia, is sometimes called "bi-eyed“, or „parti-eyed" by Siberian enthusiasts. This is one of the few breeds for which different-colored eyes are allowed in the show ring. The Siberian husky is one of the few dog breeds where blue eyes are common. Some people think their look is terrifying because you never know what dog thinks when he looks at you. Siberians usually shed their undercoat once or twice a year, producing prodigious quantities of fur; the process is commonly referred to as blowing their coat . This process is quite intense; they shed their coat very quickly so your house will be full of hairs at that time. But many Siberian owners like that because you have to clean only for a short time and not throughout entire year as you must after the other breeds. It is important to know that there are differences between dogs bred for sledges and show dogs because breeders of sledge dogs do not care for appearance but for strength and endurance.

History: The Siberian husky is originally bred by the Chukchi tribes for use as a village dog, herding the reindeer, pulling sledges, and keeping the children warm. The

Koryak and Kamchadal tribes also bred this breed. DNA analysis has shown this breed to be one of the oldest known dog breeds. In 1908 they were imported to Alaska and used for sledge pulling. People in Alaska very soon realized their speed, which was greater than that of Samoyed or Alaskan malamute. Huskies became world wide famous in 1925 because they were used for sledges that brought diphtheria serum from Nenana to Nome . The Iditarod trail race commemorates this famous delivery.

Temperament: Siberians have very gentle temperament. Siberian Huskies can be extremely affectionate, curious, and welcoming to people. That makes them very popular companions and lovable pets, but they cannot be used as a guard dogs. They can be very gentle with children if they are properly trained, but do not leave them alone with small children. On Alaska people use them for keeping their children warm in igloos. Huskies have very strong hunting drive and sometimes they can be ruthless toward small animals like cats, rats and squirrels. It is important to know that they are dogs created for running and genetically are adapted for very large areas, so they need large areas where they can do their running. They are very active dogs, and if they don't do something for you they can be quite bored. They always need some activity, so they will invent something to keep them occupied. Expect your backyard to be full of holes. Also sometimes they will not respond to commands when they hunt or run, and they can be quite stubborn. They do not perceive people as their owners but as pack leaders and you must act accordingly. If there is possibility to have „doggy doors“ installed, please have them, because Huskies don't like to wait for doors to be opened for them. Fence around area where they are is recommended to be at least 180 cm (around 6 ft) high and deep foundations at least 35cm (around 1 ft). They can jump very high and are great diggers. That is the reason you must check your fences all the time. They are quite good at escaping and going on research of surrounding area.