The Standards of Siberian Huskies

When someone refers to a "Breed Standard", their talking about what the acceptable characteristics of that dog (IE: color, size, attributes, temperaments). There are always what the AKC & SHCA consider faults (disqualifications). If your worried about what the exact standards are for this breed, please read the Standards at both AKC & SHCA sites so you know what your exactly looking for.

Here is the summary of overall direct from SHCA site, simple and to the point.

• The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact and well-furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. He performs his original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight.
• The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker.
• The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian Husky are medium size, moderate bone, well balanced proportions, ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance. In addition to the faults already noted, the obvious structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Siberian Husky as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned herein.

Not too bad right? The eye color of blue and brown or one of each and even parti-colored. Coats are dual layer with medium length. Tails are fox-brushed and carried over the back in a graceful sickle curve while at attention. A trailing tail is normal in repose. Like I mentioned above, their are more details on the site if your interested in purposes of breeding or showing. Just for a pet, its best to judge by personality and anything that would create a red-flag in your mind that may show up later, which could cause problems (IE: temperament, bad breeding, etc...).

The SCHA has composed a listing of books on their website, I found these on the site geared for new owners. I think this would be worth wild to read to have a deeper understanding of the breed outside of reading my blog. These publications are for sale (some are out of print and available from used book stores).

• How to Raise and Train a Siberian Husky, Lorna Demidoff
• A New Owner's Guide to Siberian Huskies, Kathleen Kanzler (THF Publications)
• The Siberian Husky Primer, Siberian Husky Club of Southern California
• Mother Knows Best, the Natural Way to Train your Dog, Carol Lea Benjamin (Howell House)
• Your Siberian Husky: Its Hips and Its Eyes, SHCA -- pamphlet produced by SHCA; also on website

Thank you for reading. Best Regards,
SocialBeatz