General Information about the Siberian Husky

[siberian_wolf]

I was thinking that we have a husky forum but no general information about them for new owners or people who are looking at buying or adoopting a husky. So I was looking through my old college work and found a fact sheet which I did as part of my course, about the Siberian Husky. I also have some info about the history of huskies which I will have to re-type and then will also post that on here on a separate thread. So here is the fact sheet:

Breed Name:

Siberian Husky (Sibe)

Average Life Span:

10-14 years

Average Weight:

Males: 45-60lbs (20-27kgs)

Females: 35-50lbs (15-22kgs)

Approximates only

Average Height:

Males: 21-23 inches (to withers)

Females: 20-22 inches (to withers)

Approximates only

Experience level:

For experienced dog owners only

Do not make good pets for first time dog owners.

Coat:

Double coat

Grooming is essential with this breed due to the thickness of both their coats (Undercoat and the main overcoat); if this is not done then matts can occur and can leave the sibe becoming more prone to external parasites such as fleas and ticks, not to mention they will also look shabby. The Sibe usually sheds constantly throughout the year so regular brushing is advised. The Sibe will usually shed their undercoat approximately twice a year where they will be required to be brushed more frequently (every day or every other day). Bathing is also required with this breed but does not need to be done on a regular basis as the husky will quite often lick themselves clean.

Colours:

The sibe can known as one of the most colourful of dogs as they can be seen in many different colours and patterns. All huskies usually are one colour and white. Here is a list of a few of the many different colours that can be found on the husky:

Pure white

Grey

Red

Sable

Agouti

Black

In many of these colours the husky can be found in different shades of that particular colour (i.e. Grey can be light/silver grey or dark grey, etc).

Eyes:

Like the coat colour, the Siberian husky can have many different eye colours. Most people know the Siberian husky to have ice blue eyes which can be seen as either a good or bad colour. The colours of a huskies eye can be one of the following:

Chocolate/dark Brown

Blue

Green

Light brown

Amber

Bi-eyed (One brown and one blue)

Parti-coloured (e.g. One eye could be completely brown and the other could be half blue/green and the other half could be brown)

Health problems:

One of the most common health problems seen in the husky is Hip dysplasia but at a moderate frequency level. Hip scoring, approx once a year, is usually the best way to keep an eye on your husky and can help spot any signs early if they do occur. For more information on Hip dysplasia please visit: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1569&aid=444

Eye disorders can also be found frequently in this breed. The most common eye disorders found with this breed are:

Hereditary or juvenile cataracts (http://www.irishredwhitesetterassociation.com/canine_cataracts.htm)

Corneal dystrophy (http://www.petplace.com/dogs/corneal-dystrophy-in-dogs/page1.aspx)

Progressive retinal atrophy (http://www.bregorreyglens.co.uk/pra.html)

Glaucoma (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1606&aid=439)

Each disorder occurs in a different portion of the eye. Your huskies eye colour does not affect the disorders and does not make them more prone to particular disorders. All these disorder can result in blindness if not identified and treated correctly and can also lead to other health problems developing. Treatment and corrective surgery can be very costly so yearly eye tests are advised.

[sakora]

Thank you for posting such a useful thread

[Dunc]

Great info there rep given