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