| The Siberian Husky is considered to be one the of | | | | to research the behavioral characteristics of the |
| the fourteen most ancient dog breeds in the world. | | | | breed. Siberian Huskies are considered one of the top |
| This breed, which is part of the larger "Spitz" dog | | | | elevem dogs that increase homeowner's insurance |
| family, has ancestry that dates back five thousand | | | | due to their tendency to escape and run. Other "bad" |
| years. These dogs, along with the Alaskan Malamute | | | | dogs on this list include Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. |
| and Samoyed are directly descended from the | | | | Siberian Huskies, like wolves, have a pack mentality |
| Eskimo dog and were used throughout history as | | | | and are unhappy and bored without constant |
| sled dogs. Like other members of the Spitz group, | | | | interaction with either humans or other dogs. They |
| Siberian Huskies have physical characteristics adapted | | | | require adequate room to run and will become |
| to living in a harsh climate. They have two coats of | | | | destructive if tied up or cooped up in a pen. They |
| fur a soft, dense undercoat that is waterproof and | | | | have a lot of fur and, thus, a lot of fur to shed. |
| provides insulation and a longer, coarser topcoat that | | | | Potential owners must know how to care for their |
| provides additional production from the elements. | | | | husky before buying. |
| Siberian Huskies also have the triangular, erect ears, | | | | Siberian Husky breeders will not sell purebred huskies |
| curled, furry tail and distinctive markings common to | | | | to just anyone. In fact, breeders may have more |
| the Spitz family. | | | | questions for potential buyers than buyers have for |
| Siberian Husky breeders follow the breed standard | | | | the breeders. Because of the high incidence of |
| set by the American Kennel Club. Siberian Huskies | | | | abandonment of this breed, breeders will want to |
| used for competition must meet these criteria. Some | | | | ensure potential owners are a good match for a |
| of the required characteristics include brown or blue | | | | Siberian Husky. |
| eyes (or one of each color), distinctive facial | | | | To find reputable Siberian Husky breeders, it is |
| markings including masks or spectacle patterns not | | | | important to make sure they live in a cool climate as |
| seen in other breeds, and a well-furred tail carried in a | | | | huskies are made for cold weather and can suffer |
| "sickle" curve over the back when alert and trailing | | | | heatstroke in high temperatures. Other traits to look |
| when at rest. | | | | for in a good breeder include the following: the |
| The behavioral traits common to Siberian Huskies can | | | | breeder maintains their own kennels, their huskies |
| be problematic for the wrong owner. Like wolves, | | | | have received appropriate medical screening and |
| Siberian Huskies howl. This excessive howling can | | | | immunizations, the breeder does not breed huskies |
| come as a surprise to an unsuspecting owner. | | | | with known medical conditions or behavioral problems, |
| Huskies are independent, stubborn, energetic, pack | | | | they do not sell to pet stores or pet brokers, the |
| animals that require specific care and training to | | | | kennels are clean and meet huskies' training and social |
| maintain their happiness and health. Siberian Husky | | | | needs, they are experts on the breed and affiliated |
| breeders will not sell puppies to owners who are not | | | | with purebred rescue centers, they have good |
| educated about the breed. This is because there are | | | | references such as the AKC (American Kennel Club), |
| a disproportionate number of huskies sitting in | | | | they interview buyers to ensure they are a good |
| shelters and rescue centers because their | | | | match and they are willing and able to provide |
| uneducated owners wanted a beautiful dog but failed | | | | Siberian Husky information. |