Usenet 1994 October/usenetsourcesnewsgroupsinfomagicoctober1994disk1.iso/answers/dogs-faq/breeds/huskies

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Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Siberian Huskies  Breed-FAQ
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Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/huskies

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AUTHORS (listed alphabetically)

Charmaine Budden, December 1, 1992

Stacey E. Curtis, December 1, 1992
[[e-mail]]

Joy Krikowa (Schekowa Kennels), December 1, 1992

Stephen R. Lee (OooWoo Racing Kennel), December 1, 1992
[[e-mail]]

DESCRIPTION

Siberian Huskies are a medium sized, strong, graceful, and tenacious
sled dog.  They are a handsome dog, energetic and dignified. While
they are a medium sized dog, they are extremely strong, able to pull
light loads at moderate speeds for long distances.

AKC Official Siberian Husky Standard (condensed):

General Appearance and Characteristics: The Siberian Husky is a medium
sized working dog, quick and light on its feet and free and graceful
in action. It is a moderately compact dog of power and grace. Body
proportions reflect speed and endurance. The Siberian is well muscled,
firm, and well developed. It does not carry excess weight.

Size: Males, 21 to 23.5 inches at the withers, 45 to 60 lbs. Females,
20 to 22 inches at the withers, 35 to 50 lbs. Males over 23.5 inches
and females over 22 inches are disqualified.

Temperament: The Siberian is friendly and gentle, but also alert and
outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of a guard dog,
nor is he suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some
measure of reserve and dignity may be expected with the mature dog.
His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him and
agreeable companion and willing worker.

Head: The skull is medium size, in proportion to the body, slightly
rounded at the top, tapering gradually from widest point to eyes. The
stop should be well defined. The muzzle is medium long. Lips are well
pigmented, close fitting, and the jaw should indicate a scissors bite.

Eyes: Almond shaped, moderately spaced, set a trifle oblique. The
expression is keen, friendly, interested, mischievous. The color may
be brown or blue, one of each or parti-colored acceptable.

Ears: Medium sized, triangular, close-fitting, set high on the head.
They are thick, well furred, erect, slightly arched, with slightly
rounded tips straight up. Ears too large in proportion to the head,
too wide set, or not strongly erect are all faults.

Neck: Medium length, arched, carried erect when standing. Extended
when moving.

Body: The chest is deep, strong, but not too broad. The back is medium
in length and strong. Topline should be level, loins taut and lean.
Croup slopes away from spine at angle.

Shoulders, legs, and feet: The shoulders are powerful and well laid
back, at an approximate 45 degree angle. The muscles and ligaments
holding the shoulder to the rib cage are firm and well developed. The
forelegs are straight and well muscled with substantial bone, but not
heavy. Viewed from the side, the pasterns are slightly slanted, with
pastern joint strong but flexible. Dewclaws on forelegs may be
removed. The hindquarters are well muscled and powerful. Stifles are
well bent. Hind legs, when viewed from the rear, are parallel and
moderately spaced.  Rear dewclaws should be removed.  The feet should
be medium sized and compact. They should be well furred between the
toes. The pads should be tough and thickly cushioned.

Tail: Well furred, fox-brush shaped, set just below the level of the
topline.  When up, it does not curl to either side of the body or snap
flat against the back.  In repose, a trailing tail is normal.

Coat: The coat is double and medium in length, giving a well-furred
appearance, but is never so long as to obscure the clean-cut outline
of the dog. Undercoat is soft and dense and of sufficient length to
support the outer coat. The guard hairs of the outer coat are straight
and somewhat smooth lying, never harsh nor standing straight off from
the body.

Color and Markings: All colors from black to pure white are allowed. A
variety of markings on the head is common, including many striking
patterns not found in other breeds.

HISTORY

The Siberian Husky was originally developed by the Chukchi people of
northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. They were also used to
herd reindeer. In 1909, the first large numbers of these Chukchi dogs
were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance All-Alaska
Sweepstakes races, and the Alaskan dog drivers quickly recognized the
ability of these small, compact dogs from Siberia.

In the winter of 1925, when a diphtheria epidemic broke out in the
isolated town of Nome, Alaska, a relay of dog teams brought
life-saving serum from distant Nenana. This heroic endeavor earned
national prominence for the drivers and their dogs. One of these
drivers, Leonhard Seppala, brought his team of Siberian Huskies,
descendants of the original imports from Siberia, to the United States
on a personal appearance tour. While in New England he competed in
sled dog races and again proved the superiority of Siberian Huskies
over the native dogs. The New England drivers and pioneer fanciers
acquired foundation stock, earned AKC recognition for the breed in
1930, and founded the Siberian Husky Club of America in 1938.

CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERAMENT

Coat and Grooming

The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is by
nature fastidiously clean and is typically free from body odor and
parasites. Siberian s clean themselves like cats. In fact, a Siberian
that becomes soiled with mud will clean himself up. Therefore, bathing
requirements are minimal. In fact, most owners bathe their dogs once
per year or less.

Twice a year, Siberians "blow" their undercoats, that is, they shed
their undercoats completely. It is a very intense shedding period that
can last up to three weeks from start to finish. The good news is that
this only happens twice a year. The remainder of the time, Siberians
are relatively shed free. Some people feel that this periodic problem
is easier to cope with than the constant shedding and renewal of many
smooth-coated breeds.  The bad news is that the shedding period can be
rather messy. The hair comes out in large and small clumps. Lots of
vacuuming and brushing are in order.  It should be noted that some
owners that live in very warm climes, ones that lack "seasonal
changes," report some shedding year round in the breed.

Other than during coat-blowing season, the Siberian needs very little
grooming. No trimming or shaving of hair is required or recommended.
Just occasional brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat fresh
and shiny is required. Their nails should be checked and clipped
periodically.

Temperament

The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not
fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may be a heritage from
the past, since the Chukchi people held their dogs in great esteem,
housed them in the family shelters, and encouraged their children to
play with them.  The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and
adaptable. An aggressive dog is not a team dog, and therefore a lousy
sled dog. Siberians are an extremely intelligent and independent
breed. They can be very stubborn, owing to their original purpose, and
they are easily bored. This independent and stubborn nature may at
times challenge your ingenuity. His versatility makes him an agreeable
companion to people of all ages and varying interests. However, this
is not a breed that is typically recommended for first-time dog
owners, as mistakes are easy to make and sometimes difficult to fix
with this remarkably intelligent and opportunistic breed.

While capable of showing strong affection for his family, the Siberian
Husky is not usually a one-man dog. He exhibits no fear or suspicion
of strangers and is as likely to greet a would be thief as warmly as a
trusted family member. This is not the temperament of a watch-dog,
although a Siberian Husky may unwittingly act as a deterrent to those
ignorant of his true hospitable nature, simply due to his intense
personality and appearance.

Barking, talking, and howling

Siberian Huskies are rather quiet dogs. They do not typically bark.
They do talk, however, in a soft "woo woo woo" sound. They can howl
very very well.  Owners of multiple Huskies report frequent howling,
starting and stopping simultaneously. Since the Siberian, like other
northern breeds, is a very pack oriented animal, this behavior is
typical.

CARE AND TRAINING

Feeding

When you collect your puppy, your breeder should tell you what the
puppy's diet has been to date, as well as recommendation as to the
best food and feeding frequency in the future, both for while the dog
is still a puppy as well as when the dog is an adult. You should try
and follow the puppy's diet at the time you collect him from the
breeder as best you can, until the puppy is settled in to its new
environment. Then you can gradually change the diet to suit your
preferences. Remember that sudden changes in diet can severely disrupt
the puppy's digestive system and cause gastric distress. The Siberian
requires a relatively small amount of food for his size. This trait
may be traced to the origins of the breed, as the Chukchis developed
their dogs to pull a light load at a fast pace over great distances in
low temperatures on the smallest possible intake of food.

As for the type and "brand" of dog food, basically any reputable dog
food manufacturer provides a dog food that is sufficient to keep a dog
healthy.  However, the premium brands of dog food have the advantage
that one can feed the dog less and still get very good nourishment. In
addition, stool size and amount is generally less with the premium dog
foods. Keep in mind that feeding dogs is partly art, and partly
science. The dog food manufacturers have done the science part. The
rest is up to you. Some people feed their dogs a mix of canned and dry
food twice a day. Others feed only dry and allow free feeding, and so
on. Be sure and pick a frequency of feeding, brand, and type of food
to suit your dogs needs. For working Siberians, something equivalent
to a Science Diet Performance is in order. For Siberians that go for
walks and hikes, a Maintenance formula is usually best. Consult your
breeder and veterinarian for advice.

One other thing worth mentioning here is how long to feed puppy food.
Some research indicates that feeding puppy food for too long can
increase the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs that are susceptible
to it. Some breeders start feeding adult food very soon. Even though
the Siberian is not fully mature until 18 months, most people
gradually switch to adult dog food at the 8-10 month time frame.
Again, this is something to discuss with your breeder and
veterinarian.

Housing

Siberian Huskies are happiest when they can share in family
activities. The best arrangement is one in which the dog can come in
and out of the house of its own free-will, through a dog door. If a
dog door is not possible, then training the dog to go to an outside
door to be let out is also very easy to do. Outside, the dog should
have a large, fenced yard. The fence should be strong and at least 6
feet tall. It is also a good idea to bury wire in the ground to
discourage digging out. Siberians are notorious diggers. It is usually
best to set up a sand box somewhere in a shaded part of the yard and
encourage digging there, if possible. Siberians should *not* be
allowed to roam around the neighborhood. If one chooses to kennel a
Siberian, the kennel should be chain link, with a concrete run, and
should be 7 ft wide and 10 to 15 ft long. It should be at least 6 ft
high with chain link across the top of the kennel. It should be in a
shaded location and have an insulated dog house with a door for
shelter from the elements.

Because the Siberian is an arctic dog, it can remain outside in very
cold weather. However, it should be provided with shelter from the
elements in the form of a good sturdy house. The house should have a
flat roof, as Siberians love to lay on top of their houses and observe
the world. A good insulated house with nice straw bedding is perfect
for Siberians that spend most of their time outside. Heating the dog
house is usually not necessary.

Training

Training Siberian Huskies can be a challenge. They are an extremely
intelligent, energetic, and stubborn breed, and one must be ready for
the unexpected. It is best to start young with Siberians, and
establish the rules of the house early, and make sure that the puppy
knows that you are in charge. For example, if you do not want the dog
on the bed as an adult, do not allow it as a puppy and never give in,
even once, or the dog will think that all rules are flexible. The rule
of thumb is that if you train a dog to do something, expect him to do
it. Therefore, if the puppy learns that certain things are allowed, it
will be difficult to train them not to do them as adults.

Since the dog is pack-oriented, it important to establish yourself as
the head of the pack, or alpha, very early. Once you do this, the dog
will respect you and training will be much easier. It is best to
enroll in a puppy training class (or puppy kindergarten training as
they are commonly known) soon after your dog is home and has all of
its vaccinations. This training is good for the dog and for you as the
owner, as it will help you understand your new puppy and establish you
as alpha very early in the puppy's life, which is important with this
breed. Once you have completed the puppy class, and have been working
with the dog for a few months, a basic obedience class is in order.

Obedience training this breed can be very interesting and extremely
challenging. Many owners will complain that their dogs act perfectly
in class, but will not obey at home. This breed is intelligent enough
to differentiate situations very well, and will apply different rules
of behavior for different situations. You must stay on top of the dog
and maintain control, which is easier to do while the dog is of
manageable size than with a stubborn, energetic adult that has been
allowed to get away with undesirable behavior for a long time.

It is *very* important to remember that the Siberian Husky is a
*working breed*. His heritage has endowed him with the desire to run
and his conformation has given him the ability to enjoy it
effortlessly. Because of this, it is important that no Siberian ever
be allowed unrestrained freedom. Instead, for his own protection, he
should be confined and under control at all times. Since he is a
working dog, he must be given something to do. Exercise may be
obtained in the leash, at play, and best of all, through mushing.
Siberians make wonderful hiking companions, and with a dog backpack,
can carry food and water. Above all, if you feel that it is
inconvenient or cruel to keep a dog confined and under control like
this, then the Siberian Husky is not the breed for you.

SPECIAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS

The Siberian Husky is a remarkably healthy breed. When well cared for,
the Siberian is relatively "maintenance free", outside of normal
checkups and vaccinations.

Hip Dysplasia

The incidence of hip dysplasia in Siberians is fairly low. However,
breeding Siberians should, among other things, be OFA (Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals) certified prior to breeding. OFA certification
cannot be granted prior to 24 months of age. Conscientious efforts of
breeders have kept the incidence of this condition low in the
Siberian.

Eye Problems

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal
atrophy (CPRA) have appeared in a number of breeds, including
Siberians. These problems are genetically caused. Careful screening of
potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the incidence of these
problem in the breed.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are Siberian Huskies part wolf?
No. The Siberian Husky is a domesticated pure bred dog and has been
for many centuries. They are sometimes mistaken for wolves, and they
are sometimes used in movies to depict wolves, but they are most
certainly *not* wolves or part wolf.

Why are some Siberian noses partially pink and partially black?
This is called a "snow nose", and is fairly common in the breed. A snow
nose is a reddish or pink marking on a black nose. Snow nose can
disappear over warmer months and reappear over the winter months.
There is nothing wrong with a snow nose, and it is perfectly
acceptable in the breed.

Can Siberians have different colored eyes?
Yes. This is fairly common in the breed. One eye may be blue while the
other is brown.

Is there something wrong with an eye that is both brown and blue?
No. This is called a "pinto eye." It is also fairly common in the
breed.  One or both eyes may be all blue with a brown pie shaped
wedge, or all brown with a blue wedge. At first glance, it may appear
that there is something wrong with the eye but there is not. It is
simply a matter if pigmentation. This too is perfectly acceptable in
the breed.

I've heard that Siberians are mischievous. Is this true?
Yes and no. Siberians are very intelligent dogs. They will often do
things that surprise their owners. They can get into things that one
might think are impossible. When Siberians are bored, they can become
quite mischievous, inventive, and destructive. This is typical of
working dogs.  This is why it is so important to include the Siberian
in family activities and give him plenty of attention and exercise.

I've heard that Siberians are high-strung. Is this true?
Yes and no. Siberians are a very energetic breed. As a working dog,
they need something to do, some way of challenging their intelligence
and an outlet for their energy. If they are not provided one, they
will find one for themselves.

I've heard Siberians are dumb. Is that true?
No! Siberian Huskies are extremely intelligent working dogs. People
often mistake the fact that they can be difficult to train as a sign
of stupidity. One must keep the Siberian interested and challenge his
intelligence in order to properly train him. A Siberian will probably
know what you want him to do, he just may not want to do it!

Just how cold can a Siberian Husky live in?
Siberian Huskies can work and live in temperatures as low as 75
degrees Fahrenheit below zero.

REFERENCES

1. Books

Demidoff, Lorna, and Jennings, Michael. _The Complete Siberian Husky_,
1978, Howell Books. ISBN 0-87605-314-2.

Coppinger, Lorna and ISDRA. _The World of Sled Dogs_, 1977, Howell Book
House. ISBN 0-87605-671-0.


2. Periodicals

_The Siberian Quarterly_
Hofflin Publishing Ltd.
4401 Zephyr Street
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299


3. Breed Clubs
Siberian Husky Club of America
Corres. Secretary, Ms. Carol Nash
54 Newton Rd.
Plaistow, NH  03865

4. Breeders

In the United States:

Contact the Siberian Husky Club of America for
breeder recommendations in your area.

In Australia:

Chukchi Kennels
Wendy Newton
[phone]

Mikulov Kennels
Richard and Mara Herba
[phone]

Schekowa Kennels
Joy and Roland Krikowa
[phone]