Currently, the Siberian Husky is a very popular breed with an extraordinary history. At one time, these dogs gained worldwide fame, as they saved the whole town of Nome in Alaska from the terrible disease of diphtheria. And this is not surprising, since the animals of this breed have a wonderful mind and quick wits.
Breed history
Husky is a short name for the Siberian Husky breed. It was bred by the Chukchi people in a very difficult and unfavorable climate. Husky dogs are very hardy dogs that can quickly travel long distances while carrying loads. Since the animals are small in size, the Chukchi harnessed them to teams of fifteen to seventeen individuals.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, a register of all breeds living in the country was compiled in the USSR. For some reason, Husky was not included there because of its size, as an unsuitable breed for transporting goods. Soon she assimilated with other breeds and almost disappeared.
It was possible to preserve the purity of the breed only due to the fact that the huskies were brought to the USA to take part in the annual races in Alaska. And now, these beautiful and smart dogs have finally gained well-deserved popularity.
Breed description
Husky dogs are medium sized dogs. Male individuals reach 53 to 60 centimeters at the withers. Husky girl has a more modest size (up to 56 centimeters). The weight of the animals does not exceed 28 kilograms.
The most common black and white and gray-white color, but the brown-white color is much less common. Very often, representatives of this breed have a white or black mask around their eyes and a double vertical strip in the forehead.
Adult husky is a very hardy animal with a strong and compact physique. Dogs have a very thick, short coat. Ears are erect.
Animal character
Although the Husky are used to living in harsh climates, their character is very friendly. This is due to the fact that the Chukchi kept dogs in their homes in the winter, so animals are used to living side by side with a person. They relate to outsiders with some caution, but without undue aggressiveness. Husky love communication with children, get along well with other animals.
Once upon a time in nature, Husky lived on their own and in the summertime they hunted themselves food, so they have no protective instincts. This point should definitely be considered if you decide to get a puppy. In addition, the team leaders made their own decisions, choosing the road. Therefore, it must be understood that modern huskies inherited stubbornness and independence from their ancestors. Please note that the opinion of your dog will not always correspond to yours. And here only two ways are possible. Either the person must become an authority for the dog, or simply not let it go from the leash so that the animal does not equal. In any case, with a husky you need to find a common language and make friends. With their friendly nature, this is not at all difficult. Much more effort will be required to teach the animal to listen to you.
Keeping huskies in the apartment, it should be understood that they still have strong hunting instincts. Therefore, some difficulties may arise. If there is already a cat in the room, then most likely the dog will not touch its neighbor in the home. But as for extraneous animals, then at the sight of a husky cat will certainly rush to catch up with him. With pleasure, the dog also hunts chickens. Therefore, in villages with a husky, one must not lose vigilance.
Husky puppies
If you decide to get a dog of this breed, then you should first study the conditions of detention. And then decide on whether you can provide her with the proper conditions. How to care for huskies, we will further consider.
How to choose a puppy? When choosing a baby, you need to decide on the goals: it will be just a friend or you plan to participate in various exhibitions. What does it matter? Very large, because depending on the goals, the sex of the animal is selected. Husky males are stronger and more resilient, and girls have a stronger hunting instinct.
In addition, husky puppies, like adult dogs, cannot stand loneliness. They will miss you all day and wait for your arrival. Husky - sociable domestic pets. However, it is better to take a puppy from a breeder who is raising him at home. Such an animal will initially be adapted to live in a house or apartment and will be more socialized.
Choose a puppy should be no earlier than eight weeks. At this age, you can already see what an adult animal will be like. For a show puppy, all the outward signs should be perfect. However, do not discount that in the future some parameters may change.
Dog training
A wonderful characteristic of the husky does not exclude some difficulties in content. You need to understand that this is a very active animal. Husky puppies love to dig holes, nibble things. Living in an apartment, such a baby is able to inflict a lot of damage, because he is very active and needs loads, classes, long walks. Of course, the charm cannot be taken away from the breed, but when thinking about acquiring such a dog, you should know how to care for husky dogs in order to avoid further unpleasant and unexpected surprises for you.
The puppy should be raised regularly, using educational and cognitive games. So you can become an authority for the dog and achieve its obedience. In no case should you punish the puppy. Otherwise, he will believe that the one who is stronger is right, and this is not true. Having matured, such an animal will cease to obey you.
Husky food
Inexperienced owners often wonder how to feed a husky puppy . In the diet, you can include ready-made food - canned or dry. But it is better to prefer a more natural feeding. To do this, you yourself have to cook food for the dog. With this kind of nutrition, at least sixty percent of the food should include meat.
At the first feeding, you can give the puppy low-fat kefir and cottage cheese. Every week, you should definitely give a quail egg along with the shell. For the second feeding, you should definitely give meat with buckwheat or rice porridge.
For dinner, you can offer the dog meat and vegetables, and for the fourth, limit yourself to meat or offal.
You can also use special feeds for puppies, based on tips on nutrition manufacturers. How to feed a husky puppy : with food or natural food is up to you. However, not everyone speaks positively of dry feed. Still preferable to natural nutrition. True, it will require large expenses from the owners.
It must be remembered that when using dry food, the puppy should always have a lot of water in an accessible place for him. Experts do not recommend adhering to a combined diet, i.e., to alternate between natural food and feed.
How to care for husky dogs?
It is worth noting that this is a great domestic breed and a great companion. Husky characterization and good disposition make the dog so popular among breeders. This breed is neat and clean. Therefore, the content of the husky does not cause much trouble. Animals do not leave slobbery streams after themselves, and skin and hair have no unpleasant characteristic smell. They molt twice a year, but the problem is not of such a pronounced nature. This is not to say that the whole apartment is covered with wool ... For this breed it is uncharacteristic.
Animals do not need special care. But periodically they need to be combed out thoroughly. For these purposes, a thick comb should be purchased. But the teeth must be cleaned daily. Every week it is necessary to check the condition of the husky pads and claws.
Living in an apartment
Husky in the apartment feel comfortable. However, it should be remembered that the animal needs physical activity and walks. If all this can be provided to the dog, then the city apartment will become for her a normal alternative to a private house. The animal does not require special living conditions, but a husky should have his own personal space. It can be a low or spacious sofa.
Since huskies are riding animals by their nature, they need heavy loads. A simple walk once a day will not be enough. Therefore, for the breeder, the question of how to care for husky dogs should not be so important, as the issue of rational education and the right loads is considered.
Animals of this breed love to travel long distances, while there must be some kind of load behind their shoulders. Therefore, to form a beautiful dog body, you will have to deal with it regularly. In the summer, you can take a dog for cycling, and in winter you can go to the forest. Often dog breeders negotiate and put together their huskies for sledding competitions. This is a great leisure activity for the animal.
Mental capacity
Husky dogs are very smart dogs. They intuitively feel and understand the meaning of so many words. Animals even understand human facial expressions. Their intelligence is enough to solve simple puzzles. With a certain preparation, a husky is even able to open simple bolts on the doors. Dogs even try to manipulate a person, wanting to get praise and goodies. Sometimes they try to hide their bad deeds. In general, animals are smart enough and have a sense of humor, you won’t be bored with a husky.
Husky features
It should be remembered that the distant ancestors of the husky were not only ancient dogs, but also real wolves. Therefore, freedom and large spaces are so important for this breed. Don’t be fooled by the cute, blue-eyed image of a dog. At heart, this is not a simple animal, but a real hunter.
Of particular note is the tendency of this breed to stubbornness. Inexperienced breeders, this trait of the animal is extremely surprising. Meanwhile, this is understandable, if you recall the history of the husky. Even such situations are possible when the dog makes spite for the owner. Thus, she seeks to show her superiority. This behavior is characteristic of young individuals. But do not be scared. Similar nuances are solved with the help of physical activity and training. An active lifestyle is an indispensable condition for the existence of the breed. Therefore, choosing your home friend, consider your abilities.
Instead of an afterword
Husky are very gentle to their owners. Communication with people is very important for them. Such a breed is not suitable as a guard, but it will be a great friend who will bring only joy and warmth from communication.
Husky has a completely unusual timbre of voice. They make soft and melodic sounds, it does not look like barking at all. There is an opinion that their voice can even calm a crying child. If you are ready and can provide the dog with good care and proper upbringing, then you will not find a best friend. Moreover, animals are wonderful for children.