Siberian Husky Breed Standards

The Siberian Husky is bred for energy-efficient speed and tolerance of harsh climates. Only recently have Siberian Huskies been bred for breed standards, so many beautiful Siberian Huskies don't meet the ideal standard that dog showers and breeders covet. Sometimes huskies are abandoned between 6 months and 1 year of age when it's discovered that they will not mature to meet breed standards.

  1. Husky History

    • The Siberian Husky was historically bred in northeast Asia as a hardy sled dog. It's thought that the Siberian Husky was first found among the indigenous Chukchi tribe. Most huskies have friendly, outgoing personalities that make them adaptable to many lines of work, from sled teams to rescue assistance and work as therapy animals. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed was used in 1908 in the All-Alaskan Sweepstakes 408-mile dogsled race and in the U.S. Arctic Search and Rescue Unit during World War II. The Siberian Husky was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and is classed in the Working Group.

    General Appearance and Character

    • As a working dog, the Siberian Husky is expected to be well-muscled and lean, without excess weight. Both male and female huskies are medium-sized, medium-weight animals that should be powerful but sleek. All colors from black to white are acceptable, but representatives of the breed should have indicators of the husky's northern heritage, from upright ears to a loosely curled, brushy tail and fairly compact, well-furred body, according to the American Kennel Club's Breed Standards. Huskies should move almost effortlessly, with a light and easy but powerful gait.

    Size and Proportion

    • Dogs must be under 23 and 1/2 inches tall at the withers; bitches must be 20 to 22 inches. The shoulder blade should be laid back such that the forelegs are at a slight angle to the ground, not perpendicular. Hindquarters should be straight and firm, never cow-hocked or bowed, with moderately spaced, parallel hind legs. Proportions should be moderate and refined, powerful and neither coarse nor weak.

    Details

    • A Siberian Husky should have a double coat of medium-length thick fur, but the coat should not hide the dog's proportion and top line. The underhairs should be soft and dense, and the top coat straight but not coarse. The tail should arch straight over the back when the dog is at attention, but may be supine when the animal is relaxed or in repose. A variety of markings are allowable on the face.