The Ultimate Guide to Huskies

Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs originally bred to haul sleds in harsh weather conditions. This explains their great endurance and need to release energy.

They are very playful and have an enthusiasm for life. They enjoy the outdoors, making them an ideal pet for those with an active lifestyle.

Husky Origins

Huskies originated in the northeastern part of Siberia where they were bred by the Chukchi people for hauling sleds. In 1909, they were brought to Nome, Alaska by a Russian fur trader to compete in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, a 408-mile dogsled race.

When an epidemic broke out in the city in 1925, a Norwegian sled dog trainer brought his team of Huskies to the United States. The breed thrived in North America and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

Today, Huskies are still used as sled dogs but mostly kept as house pets.

Key Characteristics of Huskies

Other Considerations:

• Huskies are great escape artists, so they need to be in a home with a high fence that is buried several inches below the ground.
• They rarely bark and can be friendly with strangers.
• While they do not bark, they tend to howl. This makes them unsuitable for apartment-living.
• Shaving a husky’s coat won’t help him cool down when it’s hot outside. In fact, it can even cause heat stroke as your pup won’t have a coat to regulate temperature.

How can I take care of my Husky?

Nutrition

Huskies usually require about 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals.

Their ideal diet is composed of 40% protein, approximately 30% complex carbohydrate, and approximately 20% fat. Avoid giving your pup cooked bones, large amounts of dairy, or anything in the garlic family.

Grooming

A Husky’s double coat must be brushed at least once a week to avoid matting. During shedding season, its coat should be brushed daily.

Like cats, Huskies take the time to clean themselves. You can bathe your pup every six weeks, or once a week if necessary.

Recommended Grooming Tips

• Use only a high-quality dog shampoo to prevent stripping off the natural oils in your Husky’s coat.
• Brush your pup’s teeth two to three times a week to prevent tartar buildup.
• Huskies have fast-growing nails that should be trimmed once or twice a month.

Exercise

Huskies are working dogs so they require an active lifestyle. They tend to put on weight very quickly without daily exercise.

Commit at least 30 minutes of activity with your pup each day to keep him healthy and happy. Spend time running, hiking, or playing fetch together.

Training

Training huskies requires time, patience, and dedication. While they are intelligent, they are also stubborn and will not always follow commands. They can even test your limits from time to time.

What they need is an owner they respect and can lead. If you have never trained a Husky before, sign up for an obedience class.

This is basic information, and it should not be used to make adoption or purchasing decisions. Be sure to consult an expert if you’d like to learn about the breed’s care and requirements.