Husky breed - care and maintenance in a private home

04/16/2019 Drozd Nikolaevich Animals

The Siberian Husky is an amazing dog that looks like a snow wolf. And for good reason. This elegant wild beast is the direct ancestor of the modern husky. Most representatives of this breed have blue eyes, captivatingly beautiful and reminiscent of the native home of these creatures - Siberia. Despite their wolfish appearance, they are unusually good-natured dogs and love people with all their hearts. How to keep a Siberian Husky, a description of the breed and character, as well as what difficulties you will encounter, can be found in this article.

History of the Siberian Husky breed

This breed is considered one of the oldest. According to rough estimates, the first huskies appeared several thousand years ago. They lived side by side with the Eskimos. The task of the Siberian husky was to carry sleighs with people and cargo over long distances. This required a huge amount of strength, energy and endurance, and this is exactly what representatives of this breed are. In addition, Huskies are smart and not aggressive. People culled aggressive animals, leaving dogs with a balanced psyche and good health. Thus, the Eskimos managed to develop a truly unique breed. Huskies are not distinguished by loyalty to a single owner, like, for example, a shepherd dog. But these creatures are very kind, treat children well, are overly active and love games.

History of the breed

The history of the appearance of the breed is not known to us for certain , but scientists confidently declare that the Husky’s ancestors were wolves. By crossing wolves with domestic dogs, this amazing variety of today's pets was created.

In that harsh climate, when a person was forced to travel long distances and at the same time resist weather conditions, an assistant was needed. To this day, it is these dogs, harnessed to sleds, that are capable of providing uncontested cargo transportation in the harsh north.

, an unexpected event occurs . Russian dog handlers decide that this species is no longer suitable as a labor force, which means there is no need for its preservation and reproduction. This would have been the end of our story, but suddenly the Gold Rush began in Alaska.

To get to the mine, one had to travel too long distances, requiring serious physical training. And then we remembered Husky again. Their value has increased in America. Their popularity gained new momentum and now representatives of the breed are taking worthy prizes at exhibitions.

At the mention of Husky, the imagination of each of us draws pictures of the distant snowy north. However, today we can meet them in an ordinary small Moscow apartment.

Of course, the past of the species and its origin leaves an imprint on our contemporaries, so be sure to learn about all the intricacies of care and features of keeping the animal before purchasing a puppy.

Animal standard

The Siberian Husky is a breed of large sled dog. These are very hardy and active animals. The breed has not lost its pristine purity and has retained the features and character of its distant ancestors of the North.

According to the standard, the Siberian Husky has a well-built, stately body, strong legs and a fox-like tail. The dog is endowed with thick, warm fur with an undercoat that prevents it from freezing even in the most severe frosts. The color of the Siberian Husky comes in different types. Most often it is black and white, fawn, red and white, gray. White Siberian Huskies are very rare. They are considered very beautiful representatives of the breed. The white husky puppy is pictured below.

The dog has large erect ears. The Siberian Husky's eyes are slightly slanted. The most common colors are blue and brown. But there are also odd-eyed huskies, and this is not considered a defect.

The weight and height of a dog depend on its gender. Males typically weigh 26-28 kg. Their size varies from 54 to 60 cm. Females weigh between 20-23 kg. The sizes are about 50-55 cm.

Another pleasant feature of the Siberian Husky dog ​​is that their fur does not emit an odor. Surprisingly, this breed is characterized by increased cleanliness.

Photo of Siberian Husky

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These dogs surprise, charm, and sometimes disappoint. Fleet-footed Huskies can deliver loads, win running competitions and bring joy to everyone around them. A variety of emotions are reflected on their crafty faces, they frown and smile, look down and squint like cats. In addition, the Siberian Husky is a truly legendary breed that deserves respect. Its long history has had tragic and heroic pages.

According to those who are disappointed in the breed, these same dogs are real devils and a bitter punishment for the owner. Due to their irrepressible energy, enterprise and agility, huskies have gained notoriety. They are considered home destroyers, incorrigible fugitives and troublemakers.

Why does the same breed of dog delight some people and upset others just as much? Let's take a closer look at the ugly and adorable huskies.

Siberian Husky: description of the breed and character

This dog is distinguished by its innate friendliness towards people. They completely lack a sense of aggression, and if it somehow manifests itself in a pet, then this is a sad result of improper upbringing and a disturbed psyche.

The breed was bred as a working sled, capable of tirelessly pulling a sleigh for several hours. That is why for modern Siberian Husky dogs there is nothing better than racing in a sled through the snow. Moreover, they can do this for several hours without getting tired.

The dog is endowed with a hunting instinct, and it can easily catch small animals, but it will not bring its prey to its owner.

Husky is in no way suitable for the role of a guard, since the breed does not have aggression towards humans. Seeing a stranger on their territory, they will immediately rush to lick and caress him. If the owner tries to make a watchman out of the dog, then nothing good will come of it. As a result, the owner will only receive an animal with a crippled psyche, which even the most experienced dog handler will not be able to rehabilitate.

The Siberian Husky is a kind, inquisitive and extremely active dog that needs frequent exercise and long walks. If you do not allow your pet to release energy in the right direction, it will take it out on furniture, wallpaper and other things.

These are photogenic and elegant dogs. The huskies in the photo always turn out one hundred percent.

The Siberian Husky has above average intelligence. They are quite trainable, but it is important to take into account certain characteristics of the breed. Huskies are real stubborn people. In order for your pet to carry out this or that command, you need to be able to interest him.

About the advantages

So let's start with the positive. What qualities make it worth giving preference to a Siberian dog?

• Bright appearance. Of course, this is far from the most important thing in a pet, but lovers of everything aesthetic will definitely be satisfied.
• Friendliness is what is needed for a large family or for people who often have many guests. This harsh-looking Siberian breed will happily welcome on its territory not only its beloved owners, but also people who are completely strangers to it. The Husky is also kind to the animals it knows. This is all specific to the breed, which has been accustomed to working in a team for many centuries.
• This point flows smoothly from the previous one. Since sociability is in the blood of the Siberian Husky, it is not difficult to guess that the dog prefers to be the center of attention. For active people, this active dog is just a godsend! He will be happy to take part in children's games, go on a hike, or run next to his owner who is riding a bike, skiing or rollerblading. Let me remind you that the Siberian Husky is originally a sled dog, so exercise is no less necessary for it than food. You can even organize sleigh rides!
• Due to such an active lifestyle, its duration is good - on average, representatives of the breed live up to 15 years. A strong dog is famous for its endurance, excellent health, and is not a sickly breed.
• If there is a child in the family, a better breed can hardly be found. For many centuries, the Siberian Husky warmed the children of the northern peoples and took care of them. If the animal has been properly trained, it is unlikely to injure the baby in any way, even by accident.
• Despite the fact that not only a puppy, but also an adult Siberian Husky is of average size, such dogs have a small appetite. This breed is not particularly inclined to begging.
• Husky is a quiet animal. He rarely barks, and if he does, the owner is unlikely to hear the heartbreaking sounds half a block away. Therefore, the dog will definitely be liked not only by family members and friends, but also by neighbors.
• The Siberian Husky is extremely easy to keep because it is very clean. I assure you: the opinion that a beautiful fur coat requires additional care is wrong. Of course, I am not taking into account the molting period now - this is a separate topic. Nature provides the function of cleansing the fur of these dogs. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will need to bathe the animal more than once a year. By the way, due to this there is no dog smell. Therefore, I strongly recommend getting a pet for those people who are allergic to dog hair. The Husky does not produce a stream of drool, nor does it produce a smell - the embodiment of an ideal for cleaners!
• Despite some straightforwardness, the breed is endowed with a relatively light character - soft, open. He doesn’t have any rancor at all, so you can’t expect any surprises for an unintentional offense. I also consider it a virtue that the husky is always interested in being understood - she will try in every possible way to show through her body language what she thinks and what she wants.
• Intelligence is another huge plus. The capable Siberian dog is quite easy to train. Otherwise, I think he would not have served the Chukchi for many centuries.

Choosing a puppy: boy or girl?

The great moment came when all family members decided that for the next ten years a Siberian husky, a descendant of the snow wolf, would live side by side with them. The question follows: where to choose a puppy and not make a mistake with the purchase? You can often find advertisements on the Internet where they sell puppies of this breed almost for nothing and pass them off as purebreds.

Unfortunately, in most cases these are mixed breeds and not entirely purebred dogs. The price of a Siberian Husky puppy averages 20 thousand and above. If it is important for future owners to have a purebred dog that meets the standard, then they need to contact trusted breeders. They must show documents of the dogs and the parents of the puppies for authenticity.

Babies must be well-groomed, clean and moderately well-fed. Like all children, they are active, inquisitive and playful. If the puppy sits listlessly on the sidelines and does not pay attention to the movement around him, then most likely he is sick.

Often future owners are faced with the following question: who to choose - a boy or a girl? It all depends on personal preference. Males, as is commonly believed, are wayward by nature, larger in size, bold, active and stubborn. Boys require a more serious upbringing and approach. Bitches have a more developed hunter instinct, they are affectionate, calm and more human-oriented. But not everything is so simple. There is a chance to get an affectionate male with a calm character and, on the contrary, an overly active female. All animals, like people, have their own individuality.

Raising a pet

As a rule, a puppy is taken from the breeder at the age of 2-3 months. It is at this tender age that you need to start parenting. The puppy should have his own place where he can sleep and take a break from playing. You cannot pamper your pet by allowing him to climb on the bed, explaining that “he is still small.” A husky will not always be a baby, and when he grows up, he will literally sit on the neck of his owners.

The puppy should also eat in one place, and preferably at the same time. There should be no handouts from the table so that the dog does not grow up to be a beggar and a thief.

The puppy must buy toys so that he sharpens his teeth and does not chew furniture. If the baby still begins to spoil things, then you need to immediately divert his attention to the game.

Rules for keeping huskies

The Husky dog ​​does not require special care. According to reviews, these dogs are very clean. She takes care of her fur herself and needs to be bathed no more than once every six months. Shedding occurs twice a year and lasts about 3 weeks. The coat of these dogs does not require cutting , but it does need to be combed periodically. You should also trim your dog's nails regularly.

There are no problems with husky food, you just need to immediately decide what you will feed your dog. If it is a special dry food, then you need to carefully study its composition , consult with breeders to find out the most suitable brands for this breed. With the right choice of diet, the dog will gain muscle evenly and will not gain excess weight.

Training a Siberian Husky: how to curb your pet’s difficult temperament

Representatives of this breed are very smart and many commands literally catch on the fly. But there is one difficulty: huskies are quite stubborn and independent in nature. The owner requires a huge supply of patience and iron will. Dogs sense the owner’s mood well, and if the owner is too soft or unsure of himself, the pet will not listen to him.

Physical violence of any kind is unacceptable. In this case, the husky will simply be afraid of the person and there can be no question of any obedience. It is important to control yourself and be able to demand unquestioning obedience. The dog must understand that the person in front of him is his leader. This can only be achieved through daily practice.

The main thing in training a Siberian Husky is the ability to attract his attention to you. At first, when the puppy is still small, classes should be carried out in a fenced area, where nothing will distract him. Training should take place in the form of a fun game. The first commands that a puppy should learn are: “Come to me”, “Sit” and “Nearby”. For each completed task, the baby should receive a reward in the form of a treat. After just two weeks of training, good results will be visible. After the puppy learns the first commands, you can proceed to the following: “Give me a paw,” “Lie down,” “Die,” and so on.

If the dog stubbornly does not want to obey, then you need to seek help from a canine specialist who will correct shortcomings in upbringing and help train the ideal pet.

Caring for a Siberian Husky

Before getting a dog, you should definitely find out how to keep a pet and what it requires. Caring for a Husky is not difficult. During the molting period, in spring and autumn, the pet should be combed to prevent the fur from matting. It is not necessary to bathe Siberian Huskies often. These creatures have virtually no odor and only need to be washed when necessary. Eyes, ears and nose should always be clean.

In hot regions during the summer, Siberian Huskies may feel uncomfortable. The pet needs to be poured cold water as often as possible and given the opportunity to hide in the coolness.

In order for the Siberian Husky to feel good, and the owner along with him, the dog must be exposed to physical activity. Ideally, this is running in a harness, but failing that, ordinary active ball games will do. You need to walk your husky at least 4-5 hours a day. If you do not pay enough attention to the physical activity of your pet, then soon he will ruin things and the whole house from a boring pastime.

Requirements for an apartment for a husky to live in it

The first thing that the future city owner of a husky puppy should mentally prepare for is that until the puppy is 6 months old, we do not teach him to relieve himself on the street. Alas, representatives of the breed simply do not understand why they are taken to fresh grass. The best way to hint to a puppy that it is better to pee during walks is to take the puppy outside after sleeping or feeding, so the baby will not restrain himself and will do his business right away. It’s even better to praise the puppy for this and not scold him at home. Over time, the dog itself will understand that it is necessary to go to the toilet during a walk.

INTERESTING: Husky puppies are well trained to use the tray.

The second point that the owner of a Husky breed in an apartment should pay attention to is grooming. The breed has a thick undercoat that requires brushing once a week, and during the shedding period once every two days. You can carry out the procedure on the street, just teach your dog to do it right away. A well-combed husky in an apartment will not turn everything into felt boots made of its wool.

It is often not recommended to wash the breed; after a walk, it is enough to wipe the paws with a damp towel. Grooming for the breed is generally considered dangerous, since the down layer also performs a thermoregulatory function, which is vital for huskies in the heat. The fact is that a dog accustomed to cold does not tolerate heat well. It’s good if the apartment has an air conditioner and in the summer you can cool the air in the apartment.

Another feature of keeping huskies in an apartment is their craving for company. If you cannot afford to leave your dog alone, then it is better to get a companion. Either a calmer dog, such as a collie, or a cat would be suitable for this role. Yes, huskies get along surprisingly well with cats, and if you take an already grown-up husky kitten, this will be a positive factor in the sense that the husky will decide that he is the leader of the pack, thereby the dog will have all the roles that exist in the pack. their natural harness nature.

IMPORTANT: a hamster, ferret and fish are not a husky's best friends. The dog will be constantly nervous because of the rustling of animals, and she will not forgive the fish for moving out of reach of her.

If you don’t want to take another pet into your home to keep your husky breed company, then be prepared for regular trips to the pet store to buy new toys for your dog. Bored huskies behave extremely inquisitively in an apartment, so it would be good to provide them with equipment for games, otherwise the dog will play with your shoes and things.

An important factor for a husky in an apartment is its place to sleep. The dog chooses it himself, the owner can only obediently lay a rug there. A warm bed is useless for the breed, and in the summer it is even harmful, since the dog does not feel hot on it.

The issue of nutrition for the breed in an apartment is solved in the same way as for a husky in a private house. Veterinarians recommend sticking to a natural type of feeding, where the protein component occupies 60% of the feed volume, but you can also choose a dry food feeding system. It all depends on the preferences of the dog and its owner.

And the most important thing for keeping a husky comfortable in an apartment is the walking and training regime. The Northern Sled Dog breed is naturally demanding. The total time volume should be more than 2 hours per day. At the same time, because of the husky’s curiosity, walking should be done on a long, loose leash. If the dog is distracted by something, becomes interested and it runs after the desired object, then most likely you will have to post missing pet notices throughout the city.

Simple walks in the park are also not about the breed of blue-eyed descendants of wolves. Absenteeism should be intense, with elements of training, games and exercises. In winter, it’s good to take a sled and a child with you, because such a game is a real pleasure for a husky. The breed is also good for joggers. The even rhythm of running has a beneficial effect on the muscles and joints of the breed, but make sure that the pet runs on the lawn, as its paws are not designed for hard surfaces and gravel.

What difficulties might you encounter?

Huskies are hyperactive creatures and have extreme difficulty sitting still. If you leave the dog alone for a long time, pay little attention to it and do not stress it physically, then you won’t be surprised to see the apartment in complete chaos next time.

Almost all owners of Siberian Huskies have encountered difficulties in training, and this is due to their proud, independent character. It must be taken into account that this is not a service dog, and the pet will not just follow commands. The main thing for him is interest and proper motivation. You can interest your dog with a game or a favorite treat.

Another problem that owners of this breed encounter is the loss of pets. Since huskies are very freedom-loving creatures, they often break off their leashes or simply run away from their owners in an unknown direction. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not uncommon. Just in case, you should indicate on your pet's collar the phone number and address where he lives so that the person who finds the dog can help bring him home.

Nutrition of the Siberian Husky

To keep your dog healthy and strong, you need to monitor its diet. What to feed a Siberian Husky? The owner has two choices - natural and ready-made food. A natural diet should include the following products:

• meat (beef, turkey, veal);
• cottage cheese (once a week);
• eggs (once a week);
• vegetables (zucchini, beets, potatoes);
• cereals (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal).

You need to add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to meat and porridge. This improves the dog's digestion and promotes normal bowel function.

If you choose ready-made food, you need to pay attention to the “premium class” label. It already contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals for your pet.

Your dog should always have fresh, clean water available.

Descriptions of origin

Unfortunately, not everyone who decides to have a pet really understands the full responsibility of their desire. When choosing a friend from the animal world, many pay attention to his appearance and popularity. The Huskies will take the lead on these points.

The appearance makes a touching impression, and the origin story, in which real Siberian wolves are present in the ancestors, adds brutality.

How cute are the puppies! Fluffy lumps with blue eyes and playfully wagging tails. But these Siberian fluffies are notable not only for their appearance. They have an excellent character ; centuries of experience in serving people have made them understanding and friendly.

They are hardy, good hunters, and ideal for living in cold climates. Thanks to their dense, warm undercoat, it costs them nothing to spend the night in the snow. Thanks to their vague external resemblance to wolves and excellent training abilities, Huskies often become movie stars.

These dogs have a proportionately strong muscular body. They are dexterous and agile, accustomed to great physical activity, they constantly need it. The breed has the following standards :

• head. From the ancestors of wolves, they inherited the shape of a head with an extended nose. The head shape is triangular,
• ears. The size is medium. The ears are located close to each other. Always in an upright position
• eyes. Puppies have blue eyes, then become brown. Almond-shaped, obliquely set,
• body. A somewhat elongated body with well-developed muscles and a strong skeletal system. Wide chest
• height at the withers. The maximum height of an adult male is about sixty centimeters, the minimum is fifty centimeters. The maximum height of an adult female is fifty-six centimeters,
• weight. An adult male weighs from twenty to thirty kilograms. An adult female weighs from fifteen to twenty-five kilograms.
• life expectancy. They can live up to fourteen years.

Diseases of the Siberian Husky

Unfortunately, even such cheerful and physically strong creatures can feel unwell. Sometimes Siberian Huskies get quite seriously ill. The cause may be an unbalanced diet, insufficient care, or lack of physical activity. A pet can also “catch” a disease by eating something on the street or by interacting with a sick dog.

A number of diseases to which Siberian Huskies are susceptible:

• oncology;
• glaucoma;
• hypertension;
• allergy;
• cataract;
• adenoma.

To prevent the disease, you need to carefully monitor your pet and take him to the veterinarian more often. Husky is a fairly hardy breed and with good care can live about 14-15 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Husky breed

The undoubted advantages of this breed include kindness and friendliness, excellent endurance and excellent health, the ability to communicate with children and loyalty to other dogs. The skin and fur of a husky have practically no specific “dog” smell. These dogs rarely express emotions through barking.

The disadvantages of the breed can be considered a rather complex stubborn character and desire to dominate. Very heavy shedding can also be considered a disadvantage. In addition, the dog will have to be walked for a long time and actively so that it receives sufficient physical activity, which is so necessary for the health and good mood of the husky.

A husky can become your faithful and reliable friend, an excellent companion for long walks, and in winter he will be happy to take you sledding , because for a sled dog this is a natural need and a great joy.

Keeping a dog in a private house and apartment

Representatives of this breed are unpretentious in terms of housing and can easily live anywhere, as long as the owner is nearby. Many people mistakenly believe that Siberian Huskies cannot live in an apartment, but this is not true. The main thing is to walk with your pet more often and not let him get bored within four walls.

In the private sector, living conditions for the Siberian Husky are somewhat better than in an apartment. As a rule, in such a place there is a fenced area where the dog can run as much as he wants. If the pet will live on the street, then you should take care in advance and build a spacious enclosure for it. The house should have a wide canopy, the purpose of which is to protect it from direct rays of the sun.

The pet will rest and sleep in the enclosure, and should spend the rest of its time outside. Even if a husky lives in a private house with its own plot, it still needs long and active walks. It is also worth considering that dogs of this breed love to dig holes and can cause damage to plants and flowers. Those places where the husky can accidentally misbehave will need to be fenced off.

Is it worth buying a Siberian Husky?

Before purchasing a puppy, you need to know why the breed was bred. Siberian Husky dogs are natural runners and thrive in sleds. These are not lap dogs that can live quietly within four walls and go out for a walk twice a day. The Siberian Husky requires a lot of attention. For people-athletes who love an active lifestyle, the dog will be an excellent friend and companion. For those who prefer to stay at home, it is better to abandon the idea of ​​getting a Siberian Husky, since living will be uncomfortable not only for the owner, but also for the pet.

How much do husky puppies cost?

The cost of Siberian Husky puppies depends on the status of their parents, the personal characteristics of the baby and the promotion of the nursery or breeder. Offspring from champions of dog shows and agility and running competitions are highly valued. The entire litter is then peer-reviewed. The kids are divided into three classes.

The most expensive show class are puppies that will be shown at shows in the future. They fully meet the standard requirements and are one hundred percent healthy. Such baby huskies cost an average of 50-60 thousand rubles or more.

Breeding class puppies will cost less. These cubs most likely will not receive the status of “best representative of the breed”; they already have some minor deviations from the exterior. But they are not an obstacle to breeding. Such Siberian Husky puppies are offered for 30-40 thousand rubles.

If you do not plan to take part in exhibitions, a pet-class puppy is the most logical and inexpensive choice. These are pedigree dogs that cannot exhibit and have offspring. But this will not stop them from becoming a loyal friend and companion. The cost of such a pet will cost approximately 20 thousand rubles.