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Siberian Husky Dog Breed Introduction
Siberian Husky( also nicknamed Husky or Sibe) is a working sled dog breed of medium size that is smaller and similar looking to Alaskan Malamute. A Husky belongs to the Spitz genetic family. However, the word Husky is also a general term for a dog used in the polar regions specifically as sled dog. Originally, this pooch was bred for sled pulling and companionship. Currently, a Husky is kept as a house pet , although they are also frequently used as sled dogs by recreational and competitive mushers.
Huskies have almond-shaped eyes that can either be blue or brown in color. However, it is also normal to find a dog with heterochromia, where one eye has a blue iris while the other eye has a brown iris. A Husky can be trusted with children since they were bred and raised in a family setting and were not left to fend for themselves.
Although, a Husky has a high prey drive since it was allowed to roam free during summer. For this reason, a fence of 6 ft (1.83 m) that goes all way up from the ground is recommended for this dog as a pet, even though some have been known to overcome a fence of 8 ft (2.44m). Apart from jumping over fences, Huskies are known for chewing through and digging hence described as escape artists. Huskies can’t be used as guard dogs since they typically have no aggression towards humans.
These dogs are popular and one of the wrongly purchased breed due its look. Most pet owners adopt the Huskies without doing their due diligence. Therefore, new owners find themselves unable to care for Huskies due to their high physical and mental needs.
Siberian Husky History | Origin
Progenitors of Huskies originated from Siberia. They were bred by Chukchi people as companion dogs and endurance sled dogs. The semi-nomadic community developed the sled dog due to climate change that forced them to expand their hunting grounds or perish. Fortunately, they rose to the challenge and bred sled dogs that were capable of hauling light loads with minimum expenditure of energy over vast frozen wasteland.
The Chukchi people were able to maintain the purity of their sled dogs for many generations since they were isolated from the rest of the world. Huskies became popular in the early 20th century when they started winning sled races. This bred was brought in the United States in Nome, Alaska in 1908 to serve as working sled dogs. However, they made headlines in February 1925 when Leonhard Seppala, a legendary musher led a relay of several sled dog teams in five and a half days over 658 miles to rush a lifesaving serum to Nome, Alaska where diphtheria epidemic had broken out.
The thrilling serum run was reported in the newspapers around the globe. Balto, a Husky led the sled team to the final legal leg 53 miles of the journey and is recognized as hero in the canine history. A stature of Balto has also be erected in the Central Park of the New York City. However, Togo, a Husky was left off the contemporary news yet he covered a far greater distance than any other sled dogs on the run.
During his career as a sled dog, Togo saved the lives of his team and musher on more than one occasion. Togo also became a foundation dog for the Siberian Husky breed. AKC recognized Huskies in 1930 the same year the exportation of dogs was halted from Siberia. The Siberian Club of America was founded in 1938 a year before the Canadian Kennel Club was founded in 1939.
Siberian Husky Lifespan | Purebred Siberian Husky Lifespan
A Husky has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years according to ASPCA(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
Female Siberian Husky Lifespan
The average life expectancy of Huskies is 12 to 14 years. However, female dogs of all breeds including Huskies tend to live longer than their male counterparts. Therefore, a Female Husky may have a lifespan of 15 or 16 years.
Husky Grooming
A Husky is a low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. In their native Siberia, a Husky doesn’t shed throughout the year except when naturally blowing off the undercoat during spring and fall. Huskies have double coats made up of a guard hair and under coat. However, a Husky that doesn’t reside in Siberia will shed at minimal levels all-year round and heavily when experiencing seasonal change.
Regular brushing of the coat at least once a week is recommended to remove loose hair and promote new hair growth. During the shedding season, brush the coat daily for the next six weeks or so until the coat is completely blown off. When grooming, make use of a pin brush and metal comb. During winter, continue brushing the coat to prevent matting. When grooming, remember to brush the fur underneath the tail and belly where mats often hide.
A Husky has little odor and should be bathed a few times a year unless it rolls in something stinky. When bathing a Husky ensure your thoroughly rinse off the coat since the thick double coat is a magnet for left over shampoo. Never trim the whiskers of a Husky since it uses them to sense its environment.
Remember to clean the teeth of a Husky at least twice a week using dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush or finger toothbrush to remove excess tartar buildup. You may also use canine dental wipes or dental treats to maintain dental health and promote good breathe. Wipe the face using a clean damp washcloth. Overly grown nails cause foot problems. Clip the nails of a Husky at least twice a month. Clean the ears once a week using cotton balls and ear cleanser solution to remove excess dirt, debris, or wax.
Siberian Husky Grooming Tools
A Husky has a double coat made of guard hair and undercoat. Twice a year, this breed blows off the undercoat to prepare for warm season. Therefore, it is important to rake out the dead hair using a metal comb and pin brush. To remove mats, use a wide-toothed brush followed by a paddled brush to loosen and smooth stray hairs. Other grooming tools for a Husky include canine nail clippers, hypoallergenic shampoo, conditioner, tasty dog-formulated toothpaste, a clean damp washcloth, finger toothbrush, cotton balls, and ear cleanser.
Husky Haircuts | Hair
During the warm season, this breed blows off the undercoat to regulate body temperature. Furthermore, the natural coat of a Husky provides natural insulation against cold and heat and it should never be shaved or trimmed. According to AKC trimming the fur on any other part of the body a Husky should not be condoned and should be penalized severely. Therefore, there are no haircuts for Huskies.
Husky Shedding
A Husky raised in the native Siberia only sheds off the coat during the seasonal change. However, a Husky in any other part sheds at minimal levels throughout the year. This breed blows off its coat during seasonal change twice a year during spring and fall. Daily brushing during the shedding season is required to remove loose hair and confine it in the brush.
Husky Shedding Brush
During the heavy shedding season, rake out the old coat using a metal comb and pin brush.
Husky Shedding Tips
Brush the coat at least once a week all-year round and everyday during the heavy shedding season in spring and fall.
Regular brushing helps to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house.
Use a pin brush and metal comb to brush off the loose hair from the coat.
Husky | Siberian Husky Coat
It has a thicker double coat than most dog breeds. The coat has two layers, a longer topcoat of straight and thicker guard hairs, and a dense, fine, and wavy undercoat. The guard hairs protect a Husky against harsh Arctic Winters and reflect the heat during summer. Absence of Husky’s undercoat during the shedding season is normal. A long coat is considered faulty since it lacks the standard guard hairs causing quicker overheating during sledding, it is easily matted, and it is encrusted with ice and snow.
Siberian Husky Coat Types
A Husky possess a thick double coat made of guard hairs and an undercoat.
Husky | Siberian Husky Hypoallergenic
A Husky is not considered a hypoallergenic breed due to the heavy shedding that spreads hair and dander around the house. Dander, hair, saliva, urine, and mucus contain a protein that causes allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies.
Husky | Siberian Husky Training
Before training, always work with a responsible breeder to ensure you get the correct paper work. A Husky Pup remains with the breeder for the first 8 weeks of life which are crucial in dog’s development. During the first weeks, the breeder should be socializing the puppies and keeping them stimulated. More reason to chose a responsible breeder. Prior to bringing a Siberian Husky pup home, ensure your close all the holes that might be in the yard and also have a securely built fence that is at least 6 ft ( 1.83m). The wall should start from the ground all the way up since a Husky is a notorious escape artist.
Huskies are intelligent and may be stubborn due to inattention, independence, and impulsivity. A Husky is a pack dog that only obey pack leaders. A pet owner should identify him or herself as the pack leader to make training easy. You can create a sense of a pack leader to your dog by eating first, getting through the door first, and being consistent & firm when giving commands. Eating first helps the dog to understand that the pet parent is the owner of all valuable resources such as toys, treats, and food.
Socialization is key in raising a well-mannered and well-adjusted Husky. Socialize your dog by exposing it to other dogs that are vaccinated, new situations, experiences, sight, smell, and sounds such as lawn mowers, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, sounds of baby crying, sirens, and whistles. Enrolling your pet in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. It also helps pet parents to identify needs and strengths of a particular dog.
At the age of 10 to 12 weeks, enroll your pup in obedience classes outside the home to help in curbing any antisocial behaviors such as chewing in the bud and mouthing. A Husky is an intelligent dog that will determine the difference between classes and home hence obey command words while in the class and ignore them while at home. That is why a pet parent should be a pack leader. Huskies were bred as sled dogs. However, they should not ran far before they are 1 year old. Therefore, enroll your Husky in various classes such as agility and therapy after the first year of life.
Husky Training Tips | Tricks
Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, toys, verbal praise, playtime, and petting when training. Avoid use of harsh corrections methods such as yelling, shoving, punching, kicking, beating, and use of choke or prong collars since it will encourage behavior issues. Keep the training sessions for period of 10 to 15 minutes since a pooch easily gets distracted.
A Husky can be destructive while in the house. Crate training should start as soon as the pet gets home. This training also helps in potty training. A crate should be a safe place for a Husky where it retreats to. Due to escape tendencies, a crate is especially important when the guest are home and creates a safe and secure place. Make the device appealing through the use of treats and toys. Resist using a crate as a form of punishment.
A Husky has high prey drive and will chase squirrels, birds, cats, and other small animals, However, training helps this breed to get along with other small breeds of dogs and animals. For this reason, leash training is also key.
Husky Potty Training
Prior to bringing your Husky pup home, choose a designated elimination area that is far from BBQ and patio deck. It is also recommended to understand that an 8-week-old puppy will hold for 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old pup holds for three hours. The bladder and bowel muscles of a pooch strengthens as the dog matures. Therefore, take your dog outside after meals, immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, after naps, before bedtime, and after an exciting activity such as car ride.
Before fully housebreaking a Husky, ensure that it is in the crate to limit accidents and destruction. When you get your pup in the potty area, remain there for a period of 15 minutes to allow the bladder and bowel muscles to relax for a pee or poo. Always take a Husky to the elimination area on a leash since they are well-known as escape artists. Avoid gazing at your pet while it is doing its business so that it is comfortable enough to pee or poo.
A Husky may have a few accidents before it understands the housebreaking routine. If this happens, avoid yelling at the dog. Instead utter a firm No and immediately take the dog to the potty area. Remember to clean the mess with an enzymatic detergent or iodine solution to remove the odor. Failure to remove the odor will encourage future accidents since the dog will sniff and eliminate in the same spot.
Remember to closely monitor your dog for signs that it wants to eliminate such as circling, sniffing, squatting, whining, and lifting one leg against the furniture. Before a Husky is four months old, set an alarm to take it outside at night.
Husky Training Treats
Training treats for Huskies should not be more than ten percent of the dairy calorie allowance. For this reason, pet parents only give treats that are broken down into tiny pieces.
Siberian Husky Temperament | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Independent.
- Stubborn.
- Gentle.
- Friendly.
- Curious.
- Good with children since they were raised in a family setting.
- Dignified.
- Fastidious.
- Energetic.
Husky | Siberian Husky Exercise
A Husky is a highly energetic breed. It needs to be physically and mentally stimulated to avoid destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing, and growling. Exercising together with your dog strengthens the bond. While exercising a Husky it is vital to keep the dog on leash, fenced yard, or a harness due to the instinct strong prey drive that this breed possess. A Husky should start running over long distances from the age of 12 months.
Before a Husky gets to this age, engage it in dog sports from the age of 4 months. You may also start training your pup to pull bikes, carts, and skateboards or even go sledding when the climate allows. In a day a Husky should have a minimal of 2 hours of exercise in small sessions throughout the day. For parent owners residing in an urban setting doggie play groups and daily walks will do.
Husky Barking
A husky doesn’t bark. Instead it howls. It is most likely to whine than bark. Seldom, a Husky will bark when excited or run for a few laps before coming to the owner for a pat. The latter is far more common. If a dog owner fails to feed a Husky on time, it will whine or howl but it will not bark. This breed uses whining or howling as a form of communication.
Husky Growling
Growling is a form of communication that a dog uses to signal a person or another animal to stay away. A Husky may growl when a person gets close to the food bowl or try to take a favorite toy off of him.
Husky | Siberian Husky Height
A Male Husky has a height of 21 to 23.5 inches ( approx. 53 to 60 cm ) while a female Husky has a height of 20 to 22 inches ( approx. 51 to 56 cm).
Husky | Siberian Husky Weight
A female Husky weighs between 35 to 50 pounds ( approx. 16 to 23 kg ) while a male Husky has a weight of 45 to 60 pounds ( approx. 20 to 27 kg ).
Husky | Siberian Husky Size
A Husky is a medium to large-sized dog. However, a Male Husky is slightly larger in size as compared to the female counterpart in terms of height and weight. A male husky has a height of 21 to 23.5 inches ( approx. 53 to 60 cm ) and a weight of 45 to 60 pounds ( approx. 20 to 27 kg ) while a female Husky has a height of 20 to 22 inches ( approx. 51 to 56 cm) and a weight of 35 to 50 pounds ( approx. 16 to 23 kg ).
Husky | Siberian Husky Aggressive
A Husky has no aggression towards humans and can’t make a good watchdog. An attempt to teach this dog aggressive behavior may lead to mental problems in the dog which can be dangerous for the owner.
Husky Biting
Husky puppies are prone to biting and nipping when they are excited, playing, exploring textures and their surrounding, and when teething. This dog was bred for hunting and may instinctively start biting as a puppy. This behavior may seem adorable but not after a Husky matures and has serious biting issues. Pet parents should curb biting even before it develops into a habit. Teach you pup to stop biting through redirection, this is where a pup that is nipping your hands and feet due to teething discomfort is given teething toys. Bite inhibition training also helps to curb this behavior.
Husky Hair Loss
Blowing of the coat at least once or twice a year depending on the climate is normal for Huskies. Other causes of hair loss in a Husky include:
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis– A Husky may inherit a disorder of inadequately absorbing zinc from his diet which results in skin lesions and subsequent hair loss.
Alopecia X – this is a medical term for hair loss that is common in older dogs. Even though genetic, the cause remains unknown. Some of the body parts affected by alopecia include throat, inner legs, chest, and abdomen.
Mange – A Husky pup is prone to develop an overabundance of demodex, a microscopic mite found in the hair follicles of the dogs causing demodex mange. Pup may outgrow this condition as they mature and the immune system strengthens. However, there is also Sarcoptic Mange caused by Sarcoptic Mange mites that affect dogs of all ages and it is contagious.
Allergies – Huskies are affected by skin, food, and environmental allergies. These allergies cause itchiness, biting, and scratching which results to lesions, sores, and even hair loss. Flea allergy dermatitis also affects Huskies which results in biting and scratching of the bite area until the skin is raw causing hair loss.
Hormones – A female Husky experience hormonal change during the heat season which results in a thinning coat and hair loss especially an increase in estrogen levels.
Stress – Huskies were bred as pack animals and are affected by separation anxiety when they are left alone for long hours. This may lead to undesirable behavior such as chewing, digging, and excessive licking(lick granuloma) leading to hair loss.
Hypothyroidism – This is a health issue that results from the inadequate production of the thyroxine hormone by the thyroid glands that is in charge of regulating metabolism. This results in thinning of the coat and hair easily falling out on Husky’s body parts including the neck, back of the legs, and tail.
Husky | Siberian Husky Eyes
A Husky has almond-shaped eyes that are moderately spaced conveying an amiable and mischievous expression. The eyes may be blue or brown in color. It is also normal for a Husky to have one brown eye and one blue eye due to a condition known as heterochromia.
Husky Eye Infection
A Husky may suffer from an eye infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial eye infections are far more common in this breed. A Bacteria gets an opportunity of invading the eye and spreading following trauma, dry eye disease, and viruses which interferes with the local defenses of the eye. Most eye infections result from an injury to the eye. Foreign bodies such as dust, plant material, debris, fur, or hair also sweep bacteria into the eye.
Common symptoms that a Husky manifest while suffering from an eye infection include swelling eyelids, pawing at the eye due to pain or itchiness, squinting as a result of light sensitivity, redness, and a clear or thick yellowish green discharge. A home remedy for eye infection is the use of saline rinses to flush the eye of a Husky.
Husky | Siberian Husky Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, other eye problems that affect Huskies include:
Glaucoma is an eye problem that causes insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye hence putting pressure on the optic nerve of a Husky. Symptoms include bluing of the cornea, squinting, redness in the whites of the eyes, and watery eyes.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – is a group of inherited degenerative diseases that affects the photoreceptors cells of a Husky eventually leading to blindness.
Cataracts – this is an eye condition that results in a cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of a Husky. Senior dogs are mostly affected. Cataracts may be removed through surgery to restore eye sight.
Corneal dystrophy – is a group of diseases that affect the cornea of dogs. A Husky that is affected by this condition has gray and oval eyes. Corneal dystrophy affects this breed between the age of 5 months to 2 years.
Husky Ears
Huskies have triangular shaped and medium sized ears that are set high on the head.
Husky Ear Infection | Ear Problems
Huskies have triangular shaped ears set high on the head. This type of ears are likely to collect dirt or debris making the dog susceptible to ear infection. Other causes of ear infections in Huskies include endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, excess wax, dirt, or debris, moisture accumulation, injury to the ear canal, excessive cleaning, ear mites, and yeast imbalances.
There are three types of ear infections in dogs, externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Inflammation to the external ear canal(externa) is far more common in a Husky. If left untreated, inflammation spreads to the middle ear canal (media) and inner ear canal(interna) resulting in vestibular signs such as dizziness, blurred vision, and disorientation, deafness, and facial paralysis.
Signs exhibited by a Husky that is suffering from an ear infection include odor, dark discharge, swelling of the ear canal, scabs in the ears, pain, head shaking, redness, and scratching at the affected ear. Once you notice these symptoms, book an appointment with the vet. Upon arrival, physical examination will be carried out before a swab is taken from the affected ear. If a Husky is in too much pain, it will be sedated before the ear is thoroughly cleaned using cotton balls and medicated ear cleanser.
Siberian Husky Health Issues
Majority of the health issues that affect Huskies are genetic including eye defects such as PRA and glaucoma, seizures, and congenital laryngeal paralysis. This breed is known for sledding hence it is predisposed to bronchitis and gastric disease. Other health problems that a Siberian Husky may suffer from include ulcerations and Hip dysplasia.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Husky | Siberian Husky Names
The best next thing that a Husky owner engages in after getting a pup from a responsible breeder is getting a name for the fur baby. Husky names may be inspired by their Siberian origin, personality, wolf, food, coat color, music themed names, celebrities, book, movies, and pop culture.
Regardless of the name that you settle with, it is highly advisable for a dog owner to choose a name that will freely roll off his tongue without causing embarrassment when uttered out loud in the public parks and malls. Huskies and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels.
If your pet has a long name, it will need a nickname. Use of names that rhyme with command words cause confusion to your dog. Resist naming a dog after a family member or guests who frequent your household to avoid confusion.
Female Husky Names
- Blaire.
- Fiona.
- Lady.
- Ava.
- Abby.
- Belle.
- Ginger.
- Emma.
- Rose.
- Koda.
- Maya.
- Sasha, etc.
Husky | Siberian Husky Seizures
Convulsions, fits, or seizure refer to the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. There are three types of seizures categorized according to causes that may affect a dog including; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary and far more common even though the cause is unknown. Therefore, they are also referred to as idiopathic seizures.
Reactive seizures occur after the brain detects a problem with metabolism due to low blood sugar, toxins, and organ failure. Secondary seizures are caused by trauma, brain tumor, and stroke. A dog may experience partial, psychomotor, or Grand Mal seizures. Partial seizures occur in a localized area of the brain and tend to involve limited body regions. The dog is conscious and only loose control of the affected body part.
Psychomotor seizures on the other hand, manifests in a pooch doing involuntary behaviors like snapping at the air, walking in circles, howling, barking, or whining. At times this seizure may be followed by Grand Mal Seizures. Characteristics of Grand Mal Seizures is loss of consciousness, urination or defecation, stiffening of the muscle, drooling, foaming mouth, disorientation, and jerking. This seizures may last for a period of 1 to 3 minutes.
When a pooch is experiencing seizures, put nothing in his mouth since it may be dangerous for you and your pet. Zinc deficiency has been linked with causing seizures in Huskies. Zinc helps to complete body processes by assisting Taurine uptake which works to smooth over neurotransmitters in the brain. Failure of Taurine to do its job due to zinc deficiency makes the brain to release irritated electrical impulses randomly simplified as seizure.
Male Husky Names
- Zeus.
- Kai.
- Gus.
- Max.
- Thor.
- Maverick.
- Blaze.
- Bear.
- Hugo.
- Adolfo.
- Lobo, etc.
Husky | Siberian Heat Cycle
A female Husky will experience the first heat cycle at the age of 6 to 12 months. The cycle will lasts for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. This process will recur every 6 months or twice a year. However, it takes 18 to 24 months before heat cycles regulate. If your have no intention of breeding your dog, spay her.
Dogs don’t experience typical canine menopause and it is possible for a senior Husky to get pregnant if not spayed. Some of the signs that a Husky exhibit while on a heat cycle include a bloody discharge, swollen vulva, increased urination, changes in appetite, tail flagging, licking a lot to clean the discharge, and temperature increase.
Husky Mating
Before mating huskies, ensure that both the potential dam and sire are genetically tested 4 weeks before breeding to determine whether they have any health related issues. Breed a dam after the age of 2 years to reduce dystocia and probability of the dam rejecting the puppies. Never breed a dam that has an aggressive trait since it can result in aggressive puppies. If maintaining pure bloodline Huskies is important to you, ensure that both the male and female have been registered with AKC, CKC, or UKC.
Husky Pregnancy Length
A female Husky may have a gestation period of 63 days after conception. Some of the signs that a Husky exhibits while pregnant include discolored nipples, nesting behavior, enlarged abdomen, increased appetite, more affectionate, and gets easily irritated.
Husky | Siberian Husky Litter Size
A Husky may give birth to a litter size of 4 to 6 puppies. However, they are chances that the first litter may have less than 4 puppies.
Husky Speed
A Husky may ran for a speed of 30 miles per hour ( approx. 48 km/h).
Husky Harness or Collar
A Husky has a high prey drive and is likely to pull while chasing small game while on a leash. If using a collar, the pressure will be exerted on the neck region. When you get home, you may notice that your dog is coughing because the collar has irritated his trachea. A harness on the other hand is good for a dog that pulls since it distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck.
Husky Muzzle
Even if a Husky has no aggression towards humans, it is also muzzled in certain situations. The progenitors of Huskies hunted in packs and chased on wild cats, rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Therefore, this breed instinctively has a high prey drive. A pet owner may use a muzzle in a situation where he or she is not sure how a Husky will react to a new stimulus such as visiting a new park that is likely to have other pets like cats and bunnies.
It is highly recommended to also muzzle a dog that is in pain since it is likely to nip or bite. AKC urges pet parents to create positive associations with the accessory through the use of treats and praise. However, a muzzle is not used to correct behavior issues such as barking, howling, biting, and chewing.
Husky Feeding Guide
Huskies eat little amount of food as compared to other breed dogs of their size. There progenitors were bred by Chukchi to need very little food in order to survive. For this reason, a Husky does not require high calories per day. Remember to ask a Husky breeder what they recommend per serving for a pup, adult, and senior dogs. If a dog leaves food on its bowl then it indicates you feeding it more and you should reduce the food.
However, how much your dog feeds on depends on its size, body build, age, activity level, and metabolism. A neutered or spayed dog is docile and is likely to feed less. On the other hand, a pregnant Husky and dam is likely to feed twice the total amount that an adult dog of its breed feeds in a day. Roughly, the recommended daily amount for a Husky male is a total of 2 cups in two servings while the female counterpart feed a total of 1.5 cups in two servings a day. The following is the guideline for feeding puppies:
- At the age of 2 months, a pup should feed a total of 3.5 to 5.5 ounces 3 times a day.
- From the age of 3 months, a puppy should feed three times a day a total of 6 to 7.5 ounces.
- At the age of 4 months, a Husky should feed 3 times a day a total of 9 to 12 ounces.
- From the age of 5 to 6 months feed a pup a total of 12 to 14 ounces in 3 servings.
- Between the age of 7 to 8 months feed your pup a total of 14 to 16 ounces in two servings.
- From the age of 9 to 10 months feed in two servings a total of 15 to 20 ounces.
- At the age of 10 to 12 months feed a Husky pup a total of 18 to 30 ounces in two servings.
Husky | Siberian Husky Food
A Husky need to feed on food that has a high amount of protein preferably from animals. Feeding a Husky plant based proteins is discouraged since the protein is not readily absorbed and it is not a good quality. A pet parent may decide to feed a Husky dry kibble, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Some will feed raw food based on what the ancestors of this breed used to feed on. However, some pet owners opt for homemade food. The type of food that a person chooses to feed his or her pooch depends on the budget and the time used to prepare the food.
Husky Neck Size | Collar Size
The collar rests around the neck. Therefore, the neck size of a Husky is equivalent to the neck size. Although, leave a space where you can be able to insert two fingers between the collar and the neck. The neck size | collar size of a Husky is 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 46 to 50 cm).
Siberian Husky Types
There is only one type of Siberian Husky Dog breed that may possess different coat colors including white, red, sable, black, agouti, and gray. However, a Husky is also a nickname for this breed although it is also a term used to refer to other dog breeds that were bred as sled dogs including Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Alaskan Husky, Sakhalin Husky, Labrador Husky, Greenland Dog, and MacKenzie River Husky.
Husky | Siberian Husky Allergies
A Husky is susceptible to skin, contact, environmental, and food allergies. These allergies are briefly discussed below:
Skin allergy – This inflammation may be a result of environmental, contact, or food allergies. However, certain health conditions such as zinc deficiency and nasal solar dermatitis predisposes a Husky to skin allergy.
Contact allergies – Allergic reaction occurs when the skin comes in contact with various allergens. Some of the allergens affecting Huskies include lawn chemicals, plastics, bed linens, grooming products such as conditioner and shampoo, carpet cleaning detergents, latex, and medication. Contact allergies cause scratching, itchiness, biting, and licking on the belly sides, paws, and around the mouth.
Food allergies – A Husky may suffer from both food allergy and food intolerance. The former is rare and causes an immune response.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergens that cause inflammation in a Husky include grass, trees, ragweed, pollen, dust and dust mites, fleas, house molds, mites, and mosquitoes. These allergies may result in nasal discharge, swollen eyes, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, muzzle, ears, groin, belly sides, underarms, wrists, between the toes, and around the eyes. Flea allergy dermatitis cause inflammation in Huskies. It results in excessive biting, licking, and scratching of the skin around the bite until it is raw. The most affected body parts include underneath the furred tail and back legs. Failure to treat this allergy causes secondary skin infections.
Husky Skin Allergies
A Husky is vulnerable to skin allergy due to health conditions and allergies such as food, contact, and environmental. Nasal solar dermatitis also affects Huskies. This is an autoimmune disease that is related to sun exposure and zinc deficiency. This health issue makes the skin around the nose of a Husky to change color and look sunburnt.
Nasal solar dermatitis also causes lesions around the nose, redness, and hair loss. Zinc deficiency also causes itchiness and lesions on the genitals, footpads, and face. Common body parts affected by skin allergy in a Husky include ears, nose, face, muzzle, tail, side, and stomach.
Husky Food Allergies
True food allergies are rare and result in an immune response that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin issue symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, pruritus, dermatitis, and crusting lesions as well as gastrointestinal stress causing acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
A Husky is however more prone to food intolerance or sensitivities which don’t result in an immune response. Food intolerance is a result of a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of a Husky including soy, corn, wheat gluten, lamb, chicken, additives, preservatives, beef, dairy products, eggs, turkey, etc.
Symptoms of food intolerance in Huskies include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, foot infections, poor skin and coat, itchiness, and ear infections. A Husky parent should work closely with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the diet of the pooch.
Husky Allergies Symptoms
- Nasal discharge.
- Diarrhea.
- Sneezing.
- Frequent ear infections.
- Constant licking.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Coughing.
- Dry flaky skin.
- Chewing or licking at the feet and paws.
- Itchiness.
- Swollen eyelids, eyes, lips, ears, or earflaps.
Husky Head
The head expression of a Husky is friendly but keen as well as mischievous and interested.
Husky Tail | Tail Curl | Tail Down
Huskies have heavily furred tails used for isolating the face and the nose against cold and provide additional warmth. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is held low. Furthermore, the tail is curved in a sickle shape or a single curl when it is interested in something.
Husky Teeth
At birth, a puppy is born with no teeth. The teeth later grow in from the age of 3 weeks until they have a total of 28 deciduous teeth. From the age of 12 weeks, permanent adult teeth will start erupting until when the puppy is 6 months old. Brush the teeth of a Husky at least twice a week using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Regular brushing removes excess tartar buildup and promote a good breathe.
Husky Colors
According to AKC, a Husky may have a solid color or multiple shades of Red, White, Black, Gray, Sable, and Agouti. It is also common for this breed to have a variety of asymmetrical or symmetrical markings and patterns.
Husky Nose | Nose Color
A Husky that participates in conformation shows should neither have a squared nor pointed nose. The nose color of Huskies also depends on the coat color. A gray, sable, black, or agouti color coated Huskies have a black nose while red dogs have a liver colored nose. A white coated Husky may have a liver, black, or fresh-colored nose.
Are Huskies Hypoallergenic
No. Huskies shed heavily once or twice a year and minimal all-year round. This allows the spread of hair around the house. A Husky is also double-coated and is likely to produce more dander. Hair, dander, saliva, urine, and mucus contain a protein allergen that causes allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies.
What Is a Siberian Husky Lifespan
A Husky has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Although, some may live up to the age of 15 or 16 years.
Are Huskies Dangerous
No, they typically have no aggression towards humans. However, if taught aggressive behavior it may develop mental issues which might be dangerous to the owners.
Siberian Husky Quick Facts
- From a DNA study in 2015, A Husky share a close genetic relationship with the Alaskan husky and Alaskan Malamute.
- Canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranked Huskies 77th out of 138 compared breeds for their intelligence.
- A Husky is a medium to large sized breed that eats very little food as compared to other dog breeds of its size.
