Siberian Husky

Caring for a Siberian Husky is straightforward: Their fur is easy to comb and only needs a little extra attention during the shedding season. Grooming helps control the hair loss, which can be significant during that time.

Bathing your four-legged friend isn’t recommended. Most dirt can simply be wiped off with a dry towel or combed out. If a bath is absolutely necessary, use only water and a mild dog shampoo.

Where Does the Siberian Husky Prefer to Live?

Ideally, Huskies thrive in a house or apartment with a secure garden where they can stay active between walks and runs. But beware: many Huskies love to dig holes in the garden – so those who cherish a well-manicured lawn should reconsider their priorities before welcoming one of these energetic dogs.

If you decide to keep your Husky in the garden, consider giving it a canine companion. Family connections are very important to them, and dogs are used to large packs and dislike being alone. Complaints from a lone Husky may come in the form of howling. A second dog in the household ensures companionship in your absence.

Is the Husky Suitable as a Family Dog?

To this day, the Siberian Husky remains an essential work animal among the Inuit and is an integral part of the family. That’s why the breed is also very popular as a family pet in other countries. The ideal family for a Husky is active and enjoys an energetic four-legged leisure partner.

Cat lovers with a wish for a Husky should, ideally, socialise them with cats from a puppy age – fully grown Huskies tend to see our little feline friends as nothing more than prey due to their hunting instinct.

A Siberian Husky loves to move around as much as possible. Accustomed to life in the cold, they truly come into their own when most of us are reaching for gloves in the brisk weather. If you’re still excited to venture outdoors with the first autumn winds, then you share an essential hobby with the Siberian Husky.

However, even in the summer, Huskies are not lazy. Make sure to watch out for your Husky in high temperatures, ensuring it doesn’t overexert itself and can cool down in a shady spot when needed.

Sporting Talents

These Northern dogs excel at running – whether it’s next to a bicycle or during a jog. Dog Dancing or Agility might not be their main strengths, although there are always exceptions to the rule.

Of course, the supreme discipline for the Siberian Husky remains sled dog sport, where they might, for example, pull a sled. There are numerous ways to get involved with this thrilling dog sport with your canine pal in Germany.

The average lifespan of a Siberian Husky is between ten and fourteen years. They are rarely ill and do not often present breed-specific ailments.

Points to Consider

Despite their fitness and efficient musculoskeletal system, these dogs should not be overworked – especially during their growth phase. Muscles for extended running, required for activities like cycling or sledding, should be developed gradually, ideally once they are fully grown.

When purchasing from a breeder, ensure the husky’s ancestors have been examined for hip dysplasia before breeding.

Siberian Huskies also have a tendency toward zinc-reactive dermatosis. This condition arises when the intestine fails to absorb enough zinc from regular food, potentially causing skin problems, among other issues. In this case, lifelong zinc supplements may be required in consultation with your vet.

The forebears of today’s Huskies lived in Siberia, where they were indispensable to the nomadic tribes.

Fame Through Sled Racing

These resilient fur-friends gained fame in 1909 when Siberian fur trader William Goosak entered his dogs in the “All Alaska Sweepstakes” sled dog race.

His team came in third place in the 408-kilometre-long, challenging race, offering strong competition to the well-established Alaskan Malamutes.

In the following year, dogs of Siberian lineage took the lead positions once again. This prompted the Norwegian sled dog driver Leonhard Seppala to establish the first official Husky kennel in Alaska using William Goosak’s dogs.

Sled Dogs with a Long Tradition

Few other dogs remain as closely linked with their original purpose as the Siberian Husky. They are leaders in sled pulling and navigation. When necessary, they can pull nine times their body weight and find their way even in snowy surroundings.

The human partnering them is known as the Musher. He always keeps the lead taut to prevent injuries to the dogs. He directs the team solely with voice commands, which the lead dog must implement without question.

Associations and Competitions

There are sled dog associations across Europe that organise competitions. Just like in 1909, Siberian Huskies participate.

In Alaska and Canada, extreme sled dog races are conducted under harsh climatic conditions, and these events have started to draw criticism. Man and beast are sometimes required to cover over 1,000 kilometres.