The Siberian Husky is a purebred dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a breed in 1930. The Siberian Husky is a descendent of the “Eskimo dog,” or sled dog, and is also a member of the larger Spitz group of dogs which derived from the Arctic. It’s Spitz relatives include the Chow Chow and Pomeranian. It’s Eskimo dog relatives include the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed. The Siberian Husky has traits of both groups including the high-set, triangular ears and curled, furry tail of the Spitz and the thick, double coat of insulating fur and overall wolf-like appearance of the Eskimo dog and other huskies.

Siberian Huskies were brought to Alaska in 1909 to participate in sledding competitions. Their endurance and intelligence helped the husky win many sled races. This dog breed is more commonly used in American Kennel Club competition than sledding races today, but the traits needed to pull sleds are still the characteristics needed to win.
Other characteristics required by the American Kennel Club include a height of twenty-one to twenty-three and one half inches for males and twenty to twenty-one inches tall for females, a weight of forty-five to sixty pounds for males) and thirty-five to fifty pounds for females, a scissors-bite (upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth), a smooth gait, a friendly, alert and mischievous expression and an outgoing personality. The AKC does not disqualify the Siberian Husky for certain traits that would disqualify other breeds. These include bi-colored eyes, and “snow-nose” or a hyper-pigmentation of the nose in which part is black and part is flesh-colored. The reason the AKC does not disqualify the husky is that coloring is not seen as being important in pulling a sled.

Siberian Husky breeders try to retain both the attractive and utilitarian characteristics of the breed. Because of the breed’s natural tendency to be extremely active, huskies are not recommended for everyone. Breeders will tell you that there are high numbers of Siberian Huskies sitting in shelters and rescue centers because owners did not research the breed and could not handle their dogs once grown into adulthood. The most common, problematic behavioral traits of huskies are a tendency to run or escape, excessive howling, hyperactivity, inability to be left alone, stubbornness and shedding.
Siberian Husky breeders will not sell purebred huskies to just anyone. In fact, breeders may have more questions for potential buyers than buyers have for the breeders. Because of the high incidence of abandonment of this breed, breeders will want to ensure potential owners are a good match for a Siberian Husky.

To find reputable Siberian Husky breeders, it is important to make sure they live in a cool climate as huskies are made for cold weather and can suffer heatstroke in high temperatures. Other traits to look for in a good breeder include the following: the breeder maintains their own kennels, their huskies have received appropriate medical screening and immunizations, the breeder does not breed huskies with known medical conditions or behavioral problems, they do not sell to pet stores or pet brokers, the kennels are clean and meet huskies’ training and social needs, they are experts on the breed and affiliated with purebred rescue centers, they have good references such as the AKC (American Kennel Club), they interview buyers to ensure they are a good match and they are willing and able to provide Siberian Husky information.

Siberian Husky breeders can educate potential owners on adequate training and care of huskies. This article provides general Siberian Husky information and information about locating reputable Siberian Husky breeders.

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