An Introduction to the
Siberian Husky

Presented to you by the
SIBERIAN HUSKY CLUB of AMERICA, Inc.

Congratulations on your new Siberian Husky! We want to help you enjoy your new pet by giving you some basic background on the Siberian Husky.

Origins

The Siberian Husky is, and has for many centuries been, a pure DOG, not a wild, half wolf, crossbred creature. The breed was originally developed by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia (Siberia) as an endurance sled dog. In 1909, the first large numbers of these Chukchi dogs were brought to Alaska to compete in the long-distance All Alaska Sweepstakes races, and the Alaskan dog drivers quickly recognized the ability of these Siberian Huskies from Siberia.

In the winter of 1925, when a diphtheria epidemic broke out in the isolated town of Nome, Alaska, a relay of dog teams brought lifesaving serum from distant Nenana. The heroic endeavor earned national prominence for the drivers and their dogs. One of these drivers, Leonhard Seppala, brought his team of Siberian Huskies, descendants of the original imports from Siberia, to the United States on a personal appearance tour. While in New England, he competed in sled dog races and again proved the superiority of Siberian Huskies over the native dogs. The New England drivers and pioneer fanciers acquired foundation stock, earned AKC recognition for the breed in 1930, and founded the Siberian Husky Club of America in 1938.

The Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not fawning. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and adaptable. They are highly intelligent but their independent spirit may challenge any family. While capable of showing strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is not usually a one-man dog. He exhibits no fear or suspicion of strangers and will greet guests cordially. In his relations with strange dogs, the Siberian Husky displays friendly interest and gentlemanly decorum. His versatility makes him an agreeable companion to people of all ages and varying interests.

Daily Care

The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog to care for. He is by nature fastidiously clean and is free from body odor and parasites. Siberian Huskies require a proper diet and regular medical care with yearly vaccinations for protection against disease. Proper pet care also includes regular exercise, grooming, a regular dental check, and toenail trimming. At least once or twice a year the Siberian Husky sheds his coat. Be prepared with a bushel basket and comb! The typical Siberian Husky coat is dense and will easily fill the basket. Owners who take proper care of their dogs are usually rewarded with their Siberian Husky living a long life.

Please don't allow your Siberian Husky to become overweight.
The Siberian Husky is noted as an "easy keeper" requiring relatively small amounts of food for his size. He was bred to pull a light load at a fast pace over great distances in low temperatures on the smallest possible intake of food. A thinner dog will live a longer, happier, healthier life.

Chewing and digging?
Siberian Huskies are known to do their share. Chewing is a habit most puppies of all breeds acquire during the teething period, and it can be curbed or channeled in the right direction. Digging holes is a pastime that many Siberian Huskies have a special passion for. But they can be outwitted, circumvented, or if you can set aside a special area, indulged.

Siberian Huskies MUST have a fenced yard or other secure enclosure.
The Siberian Husky has one major characteristic endowed by his heritage – THE DESIRE TO RUN. There are many breeds of dogs which, when let out in the morning will sit in the front yard all day. NOT THE SIBERIAN HUSKY! One quick lope across a busy street could be the last he enjoys, EVER. No Siberian Husky should EVER be allowed unrestrained freedom. For his own protection and out of your love, he should be confined or under control at all times. Sufficient exercise for proper development is necessary. Too much inactivity might cause him to think up unacceptable activities for himself, usually at your expense!

Predatory Instincts in the Siberian Husky are strong.
While the Siberian is normally gentle and friendly with people and other dogs, owners MUST be aware that small animals in and around the home, such as: squirrels, rabbits, birds, Guinea Pigs, hamsters, and CATS, are potential victims of their strong predatory instinct. They are swift, cunning, and patient, in their hunting skills.

Training

Siberian Huskies are very sensitive and extremely intelligent. They are easily trained as long as training is done early, the earlier the better; with gentle handling and without severe physical correction. Basic obedience training is strongly recommended by the Siberian Husky Club of America. This training is best when it teaches you how to teach your dog. The time spent in training, especially during the first year of your pet's life, will be repaid many times over by giving your family a well-behaved companion that is bonded to your family for life.

Today Siberian Huskies are seen in many areas of dog activities. They are worked in obedience, agility, tracking, skijoring, and sledding competitions. Siberian Huskies and their owners enjoy the challenges with the ever inquisitive Siberian Husky adding their own special twist to many activities.

Spay/Neuter

Breeding dogs is serious business. Through the years the Siberian Husky Club of America has developed an AKC-approved written description of the ideal Siberian Husky. This written description is known as the Breed Standard. The Breed Standard is used by conscientious and knowledgeable breeders to evaluate how closely a dog approaches the ideal.

Siberian Huskies found to deviate to some extent from the Standard in appearance, size, action, temperament, or that have known hereditary defects are not used for breeding by responsible breeders. These dogs are spayed or neutered. The use of such a dog for breeding is evidence of careless, unknowing, and unconcerned breeding.

Siberian Huskies have become very popular, and you may be tempted to breed your beloved pet in a misguided effort to make a profit or experience the wonder of life. DON'T! If you are able to make a profit breeding and selling Siberians, you are not doing it with the care and concern that you should be exercising! This uncaring production of animals is not beneficial to the breed and is most often very harmful. Only quality animals bred by knowledgeable breeders in an effort to improve the breed should be bred. Careless and uninformed breeding will only serve to harm those virtues and characteristics valued most in the Siberian Husky, will contribute to severe animal population issues, and add to an already over-burdened Rescue system.

The Siberian Husky Club of America strongly recommends that you consider spay or neuter for your Siberian Husky.
Most responsible breeders require this by selling Siberian Husky pets with Spay/Neuter contracts and limited registrations. There are several important reasons for this recommendation:

Spaying or neutering will not change the basic disposition of the Siberian Husky, and neither procedure will turn your special pet into a fat and lazy couch potato. Too many special treats and too little exercise do that!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) permits dogs that have been spayed or neutered to participate in all phases of obedience and agility competitions. There has never been a restriction for sledding and skijoring activities. Only animals that are capable of reproduction are shown in the AKC conformation ring.

Ownership Responsibilities

If the day should come when you can no longer keep your Siberian Husky (for whatever reason: divorce, moving to a no-pet apartment, death in the family, etc.), what should you do? The Siberian Husky Club of America urges you to NEVER take your Siberian Husky to an animal shelter. You should contact the breeder of your Siberian. This is one of the reasons that responsible breeders want to stay in touch with their buyers. Placing older dogs in a new home is never easy. If you are facing a life change that may necessitate giving up your dog, allow yourself enough time to find a proper home for him or her. Veterinarians, rescue organizations, or your breeder may be able to help you. Shelters are a death sentence to the majority of animals taken there. "Turning a dog loose" generally leads to an incredibly cruel death. Understand that if the dog is not realistically adoptable, the most humane and responsible thing to do is to "put the dog to sleep".

Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.

The Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. is the official representative of the Siberian Husky to the American Kennel Club. Founded in 1938, it has a membership consisting of established breeders, exhibitors, fanciers, and sled-dog enthusiasts. A major objective of the SHCA is to develop and bring to perfection the natural qualities of the Siberian Husky. To that end, the club feels a great obligation to educate all Siberian Husky owners about the breed. Therefore, the following information is made available to members and non-members:

The SHCA invites you to become knowledgeable about these educational materials and attending events. Good luck with your Siberian Husky, and may you enjoy him or her for many years.

For more information and to order the above listed publications, contact:

SHCA Corresponding Secretary
Julia Rylander
PO Box 319
Lake Stevens WA 98258-0319
OZC626