What is the Siberian Husky?

The Siberian Husky is one of the recognised sled dog breeds. The others are the Alaskan Malamute, the Eskimo dog, and the Samoyed. If you also want information of these other sled dogs you should contact their breed clubs, the addresses are available from the Kennel Club.

The Siberian Husky was the winter sled dog of the Chukchi people of Siberia. They were expected to travel fairly quickly for long distances pulling a moderate load in low temperatures, while not eating their masters out of house and home. They were welcome in the dwellings as playmates for the children and as hot water bottles at night. During the summer they ran loose, hunting and fending for themselves. This lifestyle, which continued unchanged for centuries, produced a breed of dog which retained the pack living and hunting attributes of the wolf, while being unaggressive and affectionate towards people.

The Siberian is little changed today and is still capable of fulfilling his original function and could if necessary survive in his historic self-sufficient lifestyle.

This is no problem to owners willing to adapt to and tolerate his natural instincts, but would be a liability to those who really want a more 'civilised' dog.

On the next pages is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of the Siberian Husky. To assist you in deciding whether he is the dog for you. Please pay particular attention to the 'minus' points - your Sibe is most unlikely to be an exception to the rule.

Date:01 Oct 2000