Siberian Huskies

From the "ULTIMATE DOG BOOK", by David Taylor.

Strictly speaking, this is the only breed that should be called a husky, althought the term is loosely applied to many sled dogs. The Siberian Husky has a handsome appearence , an excellent temperament and enormous stamina.

HISTORY

Siberian Huskies were developed by the nomadic Chukchi, an Inuit people of eastern Siberia, for pulling sleds, herding reindeer and as a watchdog. They were the perfect working dogs for the harsh Siberian conditions - hardy, able to integrate into small packs and quite happy to work for hours on end. Huskies remained isolated in Siberia for hundreds of years, until the beginning of this century, when fur traders took them to North America. They soon became the undisputed champions of competitive sled racing, and now are popular as companion dogs.

TEMPERAMENT

This breed has an extremely amiable character -docile but alert- and is always willing to work hard.

SIZE

Dogs : 53-60 cm tall Bitches : 51-56 cm tall

CHARACTERISTICS

Head : Domed skull, with definite stop down to tapering muzzle. Skull and muzzle are of equal lenth.

Body : Deep chest, and muscular, level back. Loins are slightly arched.

Eyes : Almond-shaped and obliquely set. Colours are any shade of blue and brown, and sometimes one of each colour.

Ears : Medium-sized, triangular, set close together and high. Well furred inside and out.

Coat : Dense undercoat, with straight, soft outer coat of medium length. Colours are various with unusual markings on the head.

Feet : Compact, well furred, and oval, with strong pads, and a slight web between toes.

Legs : Forelegs are strong and straight; hind legs are parallel and muscular.

Tail : Well furred, like a fox's brush, carried hanging when at work or at rest, curved over the back when attentive.