The Siberian Husky's ancestor was developed by the Chukchi, a native tribe in the eastern Siberian Arctic. The Siberian Husky's thick, luxurious double coat, pleasant personality, and love of action make him well-suited for the climate of deep, penetrating cold and perpetual night of Arctic winters and for his labor as a draft dog, guardian, and family companion.

Hundreds of years ago, the Chukchi carved their villages out of northern Siberia's difficult and unforgiving terrain. Starvation and freezing to death were always possibilities; hunters left the villages to travel to the Arctic Coast, searching for seals for meat, skins, and blubber to fuel their life-saving fires. They needed tough, intelligent, and with a lot of endurance, swift dogs to pull the kills back to the villages, no matter what the weather, and so developed the beginning of today's Siberian Husky, eventually producing a medium-sized dog that could work in a team, pull moderate loads, and complete the job with minimum energy. 

The dogs' speed and endurance saved the Chukchi from being conquered by the Cossacks who expanded into the rich fur territory; the Chukchi loaded their possessions and families on dog sleds and kept ahead of the invaders from the south. Eventually, the invaders were trapped, surrounded, and vanquished by the Chukchi, and the tribe was left in peace.

We now have a breed standard to distinquish them from other northern dogs. Full-grown males measure 21-23.5 inches at the withers. Full-grown females measure 20-22 inches which is slightly smaller. Weight ranges from 35-50 pounds for females and about 10 pounds more for males; bone substance should be moderate, never slight, light, or too heavy. The dog's body is slightly longer than it is tall; the total picture is one of balance, grace, and athletic ability.

The eyes are brown or blue and can be one of each or marbled. Often enhanced by a white mask; the facial expression is friendly, alert, and even roguish. The ears are triangular and erect and should not be large.

The Siberian Husky can be any color from all white to all black; most common are black, red, or gray with white markings. Color is far less important in the breed, the ability of the dog to perform with speed, ease, stamina, and correct movement.

The Siberian Husky temperament is outgoing, friendly, and gentle. However, puppies can be a handful until they learn who is boss in the family pack. They can also be destructive, particularly if they don't have enough to keep their minds occupied. A Siberian Husky left alone for long periods may eat sofa or dig through a door to get to the other side.

Today's well-bred SIBERIAN HUSKY maintains the personality, the stamina and the courage of his ancestors, but he is more playmate than guardian and is definitely not a watchdog!