Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was developed by the Chukchi peoples of Arctic north-east Asia as a fast, long-distance sled dog. Indeed, this is the fastest of all the sled-pulling breeds, and the dog seems happiest when performing this task. Although more lightly built than other sled dogs, the Siberian Husky is tough, strong and full of endurance.

This is a purposeful, medium-sized dog. The head is rather fox-like in appearance, with a slightly rounded skull and a medium-length muzzle. The nose is black in grey, black or tan dogs, liver in copper-coloured dogs, and flesh-colored in white individuals. The eyes are almond-shaped and may be brown, blue, or parti-coloured. The triangular ears are held firmly erect. The neck is arched and is carried on a medium-length muscular and deep-chested body. Well-muscular, powerful legs end in oval, slightly webbed feet with fur between the toes. The tail has a fox-like brush.

The outercoat is straight and smooth-lying; the undercoat is soft and dense. The coat may be of any colour, including white.

Friendly and extremely tolerant towards human beings, the same cannot always be said about the Siberian Husky's attitude to other dogs, which it will usually try to dominate. Indifferent to the coldest of weather, the breed is not a typical pet by any means. It will jump over almost anything, or dig under it, and will usually pull on the leash and then take off when released. The breed is mostly kept for sled racing.

The Siberian Husky is not the ideal pet, and will jump over fences and dig its way out of anywhere. It can also be agressive with other dogs and  because of its dense coat is not very happy kept indoors, having been bred to work outside in a harsher climate.