Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies live 12 to 14 years. Progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary cataracts are the main eye concerns. Hip dysplasia occurs in the breed as well. Hypothyroidism appears in some lines. Source from breeders who test eyes annually through CERF and hips through OFA. Overall this is a healthy breed when bred responsibly.

Your Siberian Husky sheds heavily twice a year and moderately the rest of the time. Brush two to three times a week normally and daily during coat blows to manage the volume of fur. Bathe every six to eight weeks since their coat repels dirt naturally. Never shave your Husky since the double coat regulates their temperature in heat and cold alike.

Your Siberian Husky needs 90 minutes to two hours of vigorous exercise daily. Running, hiking, bikejoring, and skijoring match their endurance perfectly. They are escape artists who will dig under, jump over, or find another way through any fence. A securely buried and high fence is not optional. Without serious daily exercise, Huskies howl, destroy things, and become impossible to live with.

Huskies are intelligent but were bred to make independent decisions while working, so they do not simply obey commands without reason. Use positive reinforcement with high value rewards. Start early and stay patient since this breed tests boundaries constantly. Off leash recall in open areas is genuinely unreliable. Socialize your puppy widely from day one.

Feed a high quality protein rich formula twice daily calibrated to your dog activity level. Working Huskies in the field can burn an extraordinary number of calories. Lightly active pets need carefully controlled portions since Huskies tend to eat only what they need, which surprises new owners. Monitor body condition and adjust portions accordingly.

The Siberian Husky developed among the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia, who bred them over thousands of years to pull light sleds fast across vast Arctic distances. The Chukchi depended on these dogs for survival during long winters. American fur traders brought the breed to Alaska in the early 1900s for sled dog racing. A team of Huskies led by the dog Balto delivered diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska during a 1925 outbreak, cementing the breed legendary status. The AKC recognized the Siberian Husky in 1930.