The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog breed. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings, and is smaller than a very similar-looking dog, the Alaskan Malamute. 

Hypoallergenic: No

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years

Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Alert, Gentle

Weight: Female: 35–51 lbs (16–23 kg), Male: 44–60 lbs (20–27 kg)

Colors: White, Black, Black & Tan, Black & White, Sable & White, Grey, Gray & White, Silver-gray, Red & White

Height: Female: 20–22 inches (50–56 cm), Male: 21–23.5 inches 

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The graceful, medium-sized Siberian Husky’s almond-shaped eyes can be either brown or blue—and sometimes one of each—and convey a keen but amiable and even mischievous expression. Quick and nimble-footed, Siberians are known for their powerful but seemingly effortless gait. Tipping the scales at no more than 60 pounds, they are noticeably smaller and lighter than their burly cousin, the Alaskan Malamute. In fact, breeders and fanciers prefer the moniker Siberians over huskies, as the latter suggests a bigger, brawnier dog than what is the standard for the breed.

 

As born pack dogs, Siberians enjoy family life and get on well with other dogs; their innate friendliness render them indifferent watchdogs. This breed is also energetic and can’t resist chasing small animals, so secure running room is a must. An attractive feature of the breed: Siberians are naturally clean, with little doggy odor.

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Siberians are active, athletic dogs who need a lot of exercise. They are a working breed and happiest when they have a function to perform. Regular exercise is important both physically and mentally, and doing activities together strengthens the bond between dog and owner. Siberians were bred to run and will do so at every opportunity; it is vital to keep the dog on a leash, in harness, or in a fenced yard at all times. There are several AKC-sponsored activities that can be enjoyed by dog and owners—rally, agility, and obedience are a few. A busy and active Siberian is a happy and healthy Siberian. This breed is also very adaptable, and for those who live in a more urban setting, daily walks or doggie play groups can provide great exercise.

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All breeds benefit from early socialization, basic obedience training, and learning good manners, and the Siberian Husky is no exception. For those owners who want to work their dogs in harness, training for this requires hours of dedication and patience. There are several good books available on training for the trail that provide advice and information on getting started. The best approach is to make all training exercises fun for both dog and handler. Siberians are very social, and regularly need the company of their people or other dogs; they are not suited to being left alone all day. Most importantly, Siberians have an overwhelming desire to run, and they should be on leash or in a securely fenced-in area at all times and never allowed off lead.

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Fortunately, the Siberian Husky is a relatively healthy breed. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health problems such as juvenile cataracts, and the breed’s national parent club, the Siberian Husky Club of America, has strict guidelines to help reduce reported cases. Beginning at 12 months of age, all Siberians who potentially will be part of a breeding program should be examined by a canine ophthalmologist. The exam is then repeated on a yearly basis. New screenings and tests are constantly being developed to help breeders in their selection of a potential dam and sire. Knowledgeable breeding practices ensure the future health of the breed. Owners of working Siberians need to closely monitor each dog to be able to recognize when something just isn’t right. Having a veterinarian familiar with working dogs is an advantage.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Hip Evaluation

• Ophthalmologist Evaluation

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Nutrition 

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Feeding a high-quality dog food is essential for the Siberian’s healthy skin and coat. Adjustments in the level of protein in the food is required for the working Siberian, based on the level of activity. In the summer months, a lower protein level may be appropriate, around 20 percent, while a dog working in harness in wintertime may need 32 percent protein. Monitor each individual Siberian, and adjust the amount and type of food as required. Be careful not to overfeed. Monitor the weight of each dog, and be selective about supplements.

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Grooming

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Siberian Huskies are considered a “natural” breed. They are remarkably self-cleaning and often need only a few baths a year, unless being shown in conformation dog shows. Weekly brushings help keep the coat and skin in good condition. Siberians have a double coat—an undercoat, and guard hair. The undercoat is shed twice a year, and it is important to continually “rake out” the old coat, using a pin brush and metal comb. Pay close attention to the length of the nails, and keep them trimmed to prevent any foot problems. Siberians competing in conformation require a bit more selective grooming for the best presentation.

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Source: Akc.org

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The AKC Standard says the Siberian Husky "does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs."

Indeed, the free-spirited Siberian Husky is usually good-natured with everyone.

 

He is playful, athletic, agile, and light on his feet. He loves the great outdoors and requires vigorous exercise, especially in cool weather. He should be taken running, hiking, and/or biking every day, always on-leash, for he is independent and born to run. If something catches his interest and he is off-leash, he'll be gone.

 

Teaching him to pull carts and sleds gives him a purpose in life. Without such exercise, mental activity, and lots of companionship, he can be incredibly, massively destructive.

 

Most Siberian Huskies are sociable with other dogs, but he has a very high prey drive and may destroy cats if not raised with them. Siberians should not be kept around rabbits, ferrets, or birds. Fencing must be high and secure, for he can be an escape artist, and once loose, he may run deer and molest livestock.

 

Training is a challenge because the strong-willed Siberian Husky is inclined to use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes. Digging and howling are favorite pastimes.

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If you want a dog who...

• Is medium-sized and furry, with a wolfish appearance

• Is free-spirited and playful

• Is athletic and agile and loves the great outdoors, especially in cold weather

• Thinks that running full-speed, pulling carts and sleds, and/or carrying a backpack on a mountain hike are his purposes in life

• Is usually good-natured with strangers and sociable with other dogs

A Siberian Husky may be right for you.

 

If you don't want to deal with...

• Vigorous exercise requirements

• Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young

• Massive destructiveness and howling when bored, left alone too much, or not exercised enough

• Strong instincts to chase and grab anything that runs, i.e. cats

• Escaping from your yard in search of adventure

• Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge

• Heavy shedding

A Siberian Husky may not be right for you

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More traits and characteristics of the Siberian Husky

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If I was considering a Siberian Husky, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise and activities to keep him satisfied. Unless you specifically want an athletic working dog for sledding, carting, backpacking, and other outdoor-related activities, preferably in a cool climate, I do not recommend this breed. Siberian Huskies were never intended to be simply pets. Trying to suppress their "hardwired" drive to work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, is not fair to the dog.

   Without regular opportunities to vent their energy, or when left alone all day, Siberian Huskies become rambunctious and bored – which they express by howling and destructive chewing. Bored Siberian Huskies are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.

    

2. Strong chasing instincts. Most Siberian Huskies have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock.

3. Escape attempts. Many Siberian Huskies are clever escape artists who will go over (or under) your fence in search of adventure. To keep your Siberian Husky in, fences should be solid wood and at least 6 or 8 feet high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Some Siberians will climb right up chain link or wire fencing. Indeed, some individuals can only be contained in an enclosure that has a roof.

4. Stubbornness. Siberian Huskies have an independent mind of their own and not particularly eager to please. They can be very willful and manipulative and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

   In other words, you must teach your Siberian Husky to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Read more about Siberian Husky Training.

5. Heavy shedding. Siberian Huskies shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, furniture, carpeting....even in your food. Daily brushing and vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're really okay with this, since it can't be changed.

6. Noise. Unless you live way out in the boondocks and have no neighbors, Siberian Huskies should never be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. Their mournful howling will have your neighbors calling the cops to report the nuisance. Or else quietly letting your Siberian Husky out of his yard so he'll wander away.

Source: https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/siberianhuskies.html