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Siberian Husky

General
Other Names		Sibe
Dog Group Kennel Club
Breed Classification		The Sibe is a member of the working group. They were originally bred as the winter sled dog of the Chuckchi people of Siberia and today are used for sled dog racing, companionship and showing.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		Whilst they do need correct feeding, they are not fussy eaters and do not require as much food for their size as other breeds.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average price of a puppy is £600. No additional grooming costs will be necessary.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		> 15 years This breed can be long-living and often reaches 16 years of age or more.
Average Litter Size		6 Sibes do not have large litters; the average is 6 pups and fewer than this is common. However litters of 12 have also been known.
General Physical Description		Medium-sized dogs whose proportions suggest a balance of power, speed and endurance. With a double-layered, medium-length coat, erect ears and a brush tail, this breed makes an impressive sight on the move. They are quick and light on their feet and move in a seemingly effortless manner, with good reach in the front and good drive from behind.
Height Min Max Bitch 51cm (20") 56cm (22") Dog 53cm (21") 60cm (24") Weight Min Max Bitch 16kg (35lbs) 23kg (51lbs) Dog 20kg (44lbs) 27kg (60lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Dogs should measure between 53 - 60cms and weigh between 20 - 27kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 51 – 56cms and weigh between 16 - 23 kgs.
Ailments		A very healthy breed with few breed specific problems. Eye problems, such as PRA, corneal dystrophy and cataracts, however, are known.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		This breed was employed by the Chukchis of the Kolyma River in Siberia during the 19th century. The fine temperament of the breed can possibly be acclaimed to the fine treatment of the Chuckchis. As dog sledges were the principal means of transport, these huskies were of paramount importance to the natives. The first Siberian Huskies arrived in Alaska in the early 20th century, still known as Chuckchis. Sled-racing then became popular at about the same time and the breed's speed amazed and inspired dog racers in the States. The Americans renamed the breed as Siberian Husky around that time.
Intelligence		Whilst intelligent, the Husky does have a mind of its own. To teach this breed, consistency and patience play an important part.
Show Characteristics		The head is finely-chiselled and fox-like in appearance, with the muzzle being of medium length and width. The stop should be clearly defined but not excessive. The nose should be black in grey, tan or black dogs; livver in copper dogs and may be flesh-coloured in pure white dogs. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be any shade of blue or brown, one of each colour or parti-coloured. The medium sized ears are triangular in shape and set high on the head, strongly erect and the inside edges should be quite close together. The jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The neck should be of medium length and thickness, arched and carried proudly when standing. The frontlegs should be moderately spaced, parallel and straight with elbows set close to the body. The upper thighs should be well-muscled and powerful, with well-bent stifles. The body should be straight and strong with a level topline from withers to croup, slightly longer than the height from the shoulders to the withers. The chest should be deep and strong. The feet should be oval and not long and slightly webbed between the toes. The tail is well-furred and should be similar to a fox's brushand is usually carried as a sickle over the dog's back when at attention.
Country Of Origin		Alaska
Famous Examples		Some famous example of the breed are Bolto, the Siberian husky that led his team 650 miles from Nenana to Nome carrying Diptheria serum in 1925. Charlie is another well-known Sibe. As of 1963, he was the strongest dog ever; a husky who shifted a 3,142-lb sledge.
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		80 - 100 minutes per day. This breed does need a considerable amount of exercise but this must be done on a lead as they do have a strong desire to run if free and cannot be relied upon to return on command. A well-fenced garden is a necessity and, as they can jump anything from a standstill, height is also important
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		Low
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		The breed is known for its good temperament and its suitability in a family environment. They adore people so don’t make natural guard dogs. They love and need company and should not be left alone for long periods of time or they can become very destructive. They will be happy with other well-adjusted dogs but are keen and efficient hunters so contact with other household animals needs careful handling and training. Whilst they do not often bark, they will howl, often just for the joy of it!
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement
Trimming
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Grooming is particularly easy: an occasional brushing and combing normally but somewhat more during moulting. The only trimming necessary is the feet. This is a clean breed with little or no ‘doggy’ smell.
Colour		Sibes come in all colours and markings, including white, with some striking patterns being seen.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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