Siberian Huskies
Learn About The BreedSiberian Huskies are well known for their stunning beauty and wolf-like characteristics. The Siberian Husky breed originated in North-Eastern Siberia, and have been confirmed to be one of the oldest breeds of dog. Huskies are an active, energetic, intelligent and resilient breed. They are very affectionate with people of all ages, including children, but they can also be very jealous.
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While this particular breed is beautiful and loyal, they may not be the right breed for everyone. They are not a low maintance type dog and aren't for someone whom has no knowledge of the breed. Huskies are the type of dog that requires a lot of attention, exercise, and grooming. They have an uncanny ability to escape from the most secure areas, hence why they got the nickname Houdini. Which is why huskies tend to be in shelters.
The Siberian Husky is what many consider to be the most wolf-like breed of all dogs. They have a very high prey drive. They love to chase birds, squirrels and other small animals. (i.e. rabbits, chickens, cats).
When in a multi-dog home, Huskies will create a "pack" mentality placing each dog in their rightful place (i.e. Alpha or Omega). Because of this, owners must quickly establish their dominance and teach their pup who is in charge. A husky will take charge if a new owner does not. A husky who is not challenged will get bored and distructive.
If you are looking for a dog who will bring you your paper or slippers and lay at your feet, a Siberian Husky is not for you. Huskies were bred for working next to their owners, not to be servants to a master. If you want to play fetch, a Siberian will enjoy the thrill of the chase but 9 out of 10 times they will not bring an item back. They prefer to be worked or having their mind challenged with toys that makes them think. They are very intelligent dogs but are also treat motivated.
It's also important that new potential owners know that you may never be able to trust your husky off leash, because of their free spirit and desire to run and high prey drive. Hense why all husky owners will atest to how cruicial having a fenced in yard (preferably 8'). Especially if you are not able to work your dog daily it will still allow them to run off some of their extra energy.
The Siberian Husky is what many consider to be the most wolf-like breed of all dogs. They have a very high prey drive. They love to chase birds, squirrels and other small animals. (i.e. rabbits, chickens, cats).
When in a multi-dog home, Huskies will create a "pack" mentality placing each dog in their rightful place (i.e. Alpha or Omega). Because of this, owners must quickly establish their dominance and teach their pup who is in charge. A husky will take charge if a new owner does not. A husky who is not challenged will get bored and distructive.
If you are looking for a dog who will bring you your paper or slippers and lay at your feet, a Siberian Husky is not for you. Huskies were bred for working next to their owners, not to be servants to a master. If you want to play fetch, a Siberian will enjoy the thrill of the chase but 9 out of 10 times they will not bring an item back. They prefer to be worked or having their mind challenged with toys that makes them think. They are very intelligent dogs but are also treat motivated.
It's also important that new potential owners know that you may never be able to trust your husky off leash, because of their free spirit and desire to run and high prey drive. Hense why all husky owners will atest to how cruicial having a fenced in yard (preferably 8'). Especially if you are not able to work your dog daily it will still allow them to run off some of their extra energy.
About Their Coats
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On a cold winter day when your ready to be bundled up in a cozy blanket around a hot fire with a cup of cocoa, your Siberian Husky will be ready to go romp around in the snow. The cold doesn't bother him at all because he has two coats.
What do you mean he has two coats? Well Huskies were bred to work in harsh climates and have what is known as a double coat. Where as most dogs have one coat a Husky has two, which consist of the top coat and the under coat. Each serving its own purpose to protect your dogs skin and allowing their coat to cool and warm as needed.
The Top Coat:
The top coat is made up of long, thick guard hairs that provide protection for the coat and skin. The top coat repels water, holds in heat in cold weather or allows the skin to breathe in warm weather, and blocks harmful UV rays. Top coat hairs are straight, not curly or crimped, and shed gradually year-round.
Undercoat:
The undercoat is the soft, downy layer that provides protection in cold weather. These fine hairs are usually slightly crimped to help trap warm air. The undercoat is thick and full. Siberian huskies shed their undercoats twice per year, usually in the spring and fall. The undercoat sheds in clumps and chunks over a two- to three-week period. In hot summer months, the undercoat is usually thin or practically nonexistent, and in winter months it becomes very thick and fluffy.
The Wooly Coat:
Some Siberian huskies have what is known as a wooly coat. This is still a double coat, but with guard hairs that are longer than usual. While this coat may be attractive to owners who like long-haired dogs, it is not good for a working Siberian husky. The long, soft guard hairs do not provide the protection needed against water, ice and cold. The coat also takes longer to dry, posing a danger in cold weather.
What do you mean he has two coats? Well Huskies were bred to work in harsh climates and have what is known as a double coat. Where as most dogs have one coat a Husky has two, which consist of the top coat and the under coat. Each serving its own purpose to protect your dogs skin and allowing their coat to cool and warm as needed.
The Top Coat:
The top coat is made up of long, thick guard hairs that provide protection for the coat and skin. The top coat repels water, holds in heat in cold weather or allows the skin to breathe in warm weather, and blocks harmful UV rays. Top coat hairs are straight, not curly or crimped, and shed gradually year-round.
Undercoat:
The undercoat is the soft, downy layer that provides protection in cold weather. These fine hairs are usually slightly crimped to help trap warm air. The undercoat is thick and full. Siberian huskies shed their undercoats twice per year, usually in the spring and fall. The undercoat sheds in clumps and chunks over a two- to three-week period. In hot summer months, the undercoat is usually thin or practically nonexistent, and in winter months it becomes very thick and fluffy.
The Wooly Coat:
Some Siberian huskies have what is known as a wooly coat. This is still a double coat, but with guard hairs that are longer than usual. While this coat may be attractive to owners who like long-haired dogs, it is not good for a working Siberian husky. The long, soft guard hairs do not provide the protection needed against water, ice and cold. The coat also takes longer to dry, posing a danger in cold weather.