The Siberian Husky is actually not one of the largest or heaviest of the most popular dog breeds. They just appear to be very large due to their presence and their strong resemblance to wolves. They have the shape of the body, the shape of the tail and the shape of the ear like wolves. Their brains are twenty percent smaller than wolves’ and they are not physically capable of all the intricate facial expressions that wolves can make. And they are much friendlier than wolves.
Siberian Husky breeders try to breed their puppies so that they are more closely reminiscent of the breed standard. A breed standard is a written or artistic description of an ideal representative of the breed (sort of like one of Plato’s “ideals”), ninety-nine percent of all Siberian Huskies will not meet the breed standard in some way (usually in size, build, or coat), but breeders try to get as close to that ideal as possible.
Not all Siberian Huskies are the same, but they do share certain characteristics in physical appearance and character. The most obvious physical trait is that they resemble a small wolf. Even if they have floppy ears and curly fur, most Siberian Huskies still have a wolfish look that pierces you. You can almost hear the wind blow when you look at the face. Although famous for its icy blue eyes, a Siberian husky can have brown or oddly colored eyes.
They are medium-sized dogs, usually fifty pounds, elegant and athletic. They are square dogs, built to efficiently maintain body heat. They have double-layered coats that shed completely once or twice a year. They can come in almost every color of the canine rainbow (Harlequin is the only color that hasn’t been seen, yet). They should look strong and ready to run. Their tails are usually sickle-shaped, but can often go completely straight or curled.
The Siberian Husky often shares certain temperamental characteristics, which vary in degree from dog to dog. There is a breed personality that is listed as the official part of the breed standard that most breeders try to follow. Knowing the breed standard can help you determine if you can successfully live with a Siberian husky. They are certainly not the right dog for everyone.
According to reliable sources of Siberian husky information (owners and rescue organizations), huskies are calm, serious dogs who make very poor watchdogs. They need a lot of exercise or they will wreck your house. They need to see a point in obeying any order. This is a dog that can think for itself. You can’t be a coward with these dogs or they’ll order you around. You may need professional training with a Siberian husky. They are not recommended for first time dog owners.
