Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

Other names:
Chukcha, Chuksha, Keshia
Nicknames:
Sibe, Husky
Country of origin:
Siberia, Russia

Weight
Male:
45-60 pounds (20½-27kg)
Female:
35-50 pounds

Height
Male:
21-23½ inches (53-60cm)
Female:
20-22 inches
Coat:
Thick double coat - thick undercoat & soft outer coat.
Color:
All colors from black to white
Litter size:
6-8 puppies
Life span:
12–15 years

The Siberian Husky (Russian: Сибирская лайка, Seebeerskaya Laika, "Siberian Dog") is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly-furred double coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears and distinctive markings.

Huskies are an active, energetic and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic and were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia, it was imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and spread from there into the United States and Canada, initially as a sled dog. It rapidly acquired the status of a family pet and a show-dog.

Appearance
Siberian Huskies share many outward similarities with the Alaskan Malamute as well as many other Spitz breeds such as the Samoyed, which has a comparable history to the Huskies. Siberians have a thicker coat than most other breeds of dog. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common colors are black and white, copper-red and white, gray and white, and pure white, though many individuals have blondish, or piebald spotting. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. They tend to have a wolf-like appearance.

Eyes
The eyes of a Siberian Husky are dark blue, light blue, amber or brown. In some individual dogs, one eye may be brown and the other blue (complete heterochromia), or one or both eyes may be "parti-colored," that is, half brown and half blue (partial heterochromia). All of these eye color combinations are considered to be acceptable by the American Kennel Club, which also states that the eyes are "an almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely."