Recognizing What a Siberian Husky Is (and Isn’t)

In this chapter, we aim to clarify any misconceptions regarding Siberian Huskies and their identification as other animals, such as wolves or Malamutes. To achieve this, we will provide a detailed explanation of the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, outlining the unique characteristics that distinguish a Husky from other breeds. For those unfamiliar with this breed, we encourage you to continue reading.

Examining the Siberian Husky Breed Standard

The original breeders of Siberian Huskies prioritized function over form, resulting in a variety of shapes and sizes among early Siberians. In order to establish a consistent breed, dedicated breeders in the United States developed a conformation standard. This standard ensured that similar parents would consistently produce offspring who resemble themselves, a trait known as breeding true.

In 1930, the AKC officially recognized the Siberian Husky as a breed and placed it in the Working Group alongside other diverse breeds such as Akitas, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Rottweilers. The Siberian Husky is classified as a Spitz-type dog, a term that references its northern heritage (Spitzbergen being a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean north of Norway). Other Spitz-type breeds include Akitas, Samoyeds, Malamutes, and even the smaller Pomeranian.

Technical stuff

The Siberian Husky is a remarkable breed with a rich history. Fairbanks Princess Chena, a bitch born on September 16, 1927, was the first AKC registered Siberian Husky. Her father, Bingo, was a less distinguished breed. Pola and Northern Lights Kobuk, from the Northern Lights Kennel in Fairbanks, Alaska, became the first Siberian Huskies to become AKC Champions in 1931 and 1932, respectively.

The Siberian Husky breed standard was first published in 1932 and has undergone minimal changes since then. This breed is known for its speed and endurance, despite being one of the smallest working dogs. Pound for pound, the Siberian Husky is the strongest of all sled or draft dogs.

The Siberian Husky's graceful yet robust physique makes it an exceptional breed. In 2019, it ranked 14th in popularity among all 195 AKC breeds, which is a desirable position. Striking a balance between popularity and overbreeding is crucial. The ideal Siberian Husky should possess a well-proportioned body, a thick coat, and a stable temperament. Males should embody masculinity without appearing coarse, while females should be delicate without being frail. The Siberian Husky standard represents the ideal show dog, and breeders strive to achieve it. While no two Siberians are the same, observing how close a dog comes to the standard is always intriguing and occasionally entertaining.

Remember

It is important to note that not all Siberians may meet the standard, however, it is important to remember that many exceptional obedience, racing, and companion dogs may not excel in a show ring setting.

Please refer to Figure 2-1 for an illustration of the external features of a Siberian Husky. Kindly use it as a reference as you proceed to read about the Husky's various body parts in the following sections.

Size

Male dogs should ideally measure between 21 and 23½ inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds. Similarly, female dogs, referred to as bitches, typically measure slightly smaller, ranging from 20 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. It is important to ensure that weight is proportionate to height.

FIGURE 2-1: The external features of a Siberian Husky.

Dogs that exceed the standard height requirement may be disqualified from participating in the show ring due to their size, but this does not diminish their overall quality as a pet. Judges do not show favoritism towards dogs at either end of the size spectrum, as both larger and smaller dogs have an equal chance of winning.

Body

It is important for a Siberian Husky to have a rectangular body profile, with the length from the point of the shoulder to the base of the tail being longer than the height to the shoulders. The ribs should not be completely flat or oversprung. The renowned arctic explorer and Siberian Husky enthusiast, Olaf Swenson, believed that a good flank is essential for providing energy during long pulls, a principle that is still upheld in present-day standards. Swenson also noted that dogs with great stamina have higher vertebrae with deep depressions between the knobs. This advice should be taken into consideration.

In terms of the Husky's topline, it should be level from the shoulders to the rump. The Siberian's body should also be slightly longer than its tail, with the croup sloping away from the spine at an angle.

The chest should be deep to accommodate the heart and lungs, but not overly broad. The shoulder should be set at a 45-degree angle to the ground, as a straight or loose shoulder is considered a fault.

Front view

It is recommended that the legs of the Siberian Husky be straight and parallel, moderately spaced, with the elbows positioned close to the body.

Back view

The ideal positioning for a Husky's hind legs is parallel and moderately spaced, featuring well-developed upper thighs. It is recommended to remove any rear dew claws, as they serve no functional purpose and can potentially cause harm to the animal if caught on something during regular movement.

Neck

The neck of the Husky breed should be well-arched and of medium length. It is crucial to note that a good neck is highly significant as it serves as a pathway for numerous muscles that control the front of the dog.

Skull

The ideal head for this breed is of medium size, featuring a slightly rounded top and a gradual taper from the widest point to the eyes. The muzzle should be straight, with a point that is neither pointed nor square. A pronounced stop where the muzzle meets the forehead is expected, and the head should display a clean-cut appearance. A heavy or clumsy head and a too-thin muzzle are both considered faults.

Teeth

It is expected that Siberian Huskies possess a scissors bite, wherein the upper teeth fit closely over the lower teeth. This type of bite is considered the most efficient for catching and consuming prey. Conversely, a level bite, where the teeth meet evenly on the top and bottom, is deemed a fault within the breed.

Expression

The Siberian breed is widely recognized for their sharp, playful countenance that emanates intellect and a zest for existence. They maintain a constant, pleasant demeanor, and the dark markings encircling their eyes, nose, and ears serve as a unique feature of the breed.

Eyes

The Siberian breed is known for its unique eye colors which can range from brown, blue, green, or even parti-colored. The breed standard accepts bi-eyes, where each eye is a different color. While there is no preference for a specific eye color, many owners favor the striking ice-blue eyes.

It is important to note that regardless of color, the eyes should be almond-shaped and set at a slightly oblique angle. Eyes that are set too close together are considered a fault. Additionally, brown eyes are dominant over blue or green, meaning that offspring of blue or green-eyed parents will likely have similar-colored eyes.

Puppies born with dark blue eyes are more likely to have brown eyes as adults, while those born with light blue eyes will likely retain their color into adulthood. Lastly, except for white and copper Huskies, the rims of the eyes should be black, although white and copper Huskies may have eye rims that match their coat color.

BLUE-EYED MYSTERY

The pigmentation of eye, coat, and skin is determined by the amount of melanin present in the tissue. Melanin pigments are produced through a complex chemical process involving the oxidation of tyrosine and are developed in specialized cells called melanocytes. DNA studies have shown that a genetic mutation near the ALX4 gene is responsible for blue eyes in Siberian Huskies and non-merle Australian Shepherds. This mutation causes a loss of pigmentation in the eyes only, not the coat, allowing even dark-coated Huskies to have blue eyes.

Over 6,000 dogs were tested in the study, revealing that blue eyes are a common trait in Siberians. At birth, most Siberian puppies have blue eyes as their bodies are still learning to produce melanin. However, by the fourth or fifth week of life, the color may begin to change. Heterochromia, or bi-eye, is a condition where melanin is unequally distributed in the body, resulting in one brown eye and one blue eye. This is not a medical condition and does not affect a puppy's health or vision. Roughly 15 percent of Siberian Huskies have heterochromia, and an even smaller percentage have parti-colored or split eyes, which is a mixture of blue and brown.

Technical stuff

It was once believed that dogs were colorblind, however, this is not accurate. While their daytime eyesight may not be as advanced as a human's, they are able to distinguish green, yellow, and orange as yellowish, and blue and violet as blue. Blue-green appears gray to them. Interestingly, their night vision surpasses that of humans.

Ears

The Husky breed is characterized by its strongly erect, medium-sized ears that are triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips. These ears are set high and not too far apart and should be well covered with fur, both inside and out. The furry ears of an Arctic dog are of paramount importance, as they help to keep the ears dry and clean. Additionally, erect ears are better for hearing than floppy ones, allowing Huskies to hear a wider frequency range than humans. While humans can hear frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz, Huskies can hear a range of 40 to 60,000 Hz.

Feet

Proper foot structure is crucial for sled-pulling dogs. Siberian dogs require ample fur between their pads and toes to protect against the cold. It is imperative that their pads are thick and well-cushioned to withstand the rigors of sled pulling. Additionally, their feet should be oval-shaped, with no turning in or out, and be of appropriate size.

Tail

The Siberian Husky is recognized for its distinctive fox-like tail, characterized by its full and bushy appearance that extends all around. Its coat should be of moderate length. Typically, the Husky carries its tail low while at rest, walking, or pulling a sled. However, during moments of heightened excitement, the tail may curl over the dog's back. The technical term for this carriage is sickle tail. The sickle tail shouldn’t bend either to the left or right but remain curled (not too tightly) over the center of the dog’s back.

Technical stuff

The curl and furriness of the tail are characteristic features of arctic dogs. These attributes serve a functional purpose, enabling the animal to sleep in a curled position with its sensitive nose nestled in the thick, warm tail fur, thus protecting it from the harsh arctic climate. This phenomenon is known as the Siberian swirl.

Coat texture

The Husky breed is characterized by a double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and an outer coat of guard hair. It is essential that the under- and outercoats have contrasting textures, with the guard hairs lying straight and smooth. A harsh or silky outercoat is deemed undesirable. It is important to note that the hairs are of medium length and should not obscure the Husky's profile, as opposed to other northern breeds that have long hair. While conformation (show) dogs may have longer hair than working dogs, it is essential to maintain a well-groomed appearance, and a shaggy coat is never acceptable.

Color

Siberian Huskies exhibit a wide range of colors, from pure white to pure black, and may also have unique color combinations. The breed standard does not favor any specific color. It is important to note that while merle is an acceptable color for Siberians in the AKC standard, it is not permitted in the British standard. Additionally, Siberian Huskies are known for their striking coat patterns that are not commonly found in other breeds.

Technical stuff

The topic of canine color genetics is complex and multifaceted. It is important to note that there is no single gene responsible for determining a dog's coat color. In fact, researchers have identified at least ten genes that influence hair color patterns, type, distribution, and intensity. Additionally, genes play a role in the distinctive Siberian mask, where the undercoat and top coat of guard hairs may exhibit two different hues. It is not uncommon for young dogs to undergo color changes as they mature, with masks appearing and disappearing and coats shifting from dark to light or vice versa. Some dogs even experience a shift from dark to red. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some Huskies may change color with each shedding cycle.

Many dog breeds are defined by specific colors or patterns outlined in their breed standards. For instance, Samoyeds are uniformly white, while Labradors can be yellow, black, or chocolate. However, the Siberian breed does not adhere to this convention.

A GOOD DOG IS A GOOD COLOR

Siberian breeders adhere to the belief that a good dog is defined by its quality rather than its appearance. This principle was also learned by the arctic explorer Olaf Swenson during his trip to Siberia to purchase dogs. Swenson had a specific vision of an all-white sled team comprised of large, well-matched dogs with striking red harnesses and sleds. Although the Chukchis, the native Siberian people, found this notion amusing, they obliged and found the dogs for Swenson. The team looked impressive, but unfortunately, they lacked the necessary qualities to function as a sled team. Swenson eventually replaced half of the team with dogs that possessed the necessary stamina, speed, and intelligence. The Chukchis continued to joke with Swenson about the white team for years, but he took it in good humor.

A canine with individual hairs of the same color is referred to as a monochrome dog, regardless of the presence of white or yellow hairs. The individual hairs of a monochrome dog are not banded, even if the dog has hairs of multiple colors. Monochrome dogs may present with white, copper, or black coats, while colors such as gray, sable, and agouti are never classified as monochromes. The antithesis of a monochrome coat is a banded coat.

Technical stuff

The color of a Siberian Husky's skin and coat is determined by the production of melanin in specific skin cells, which is influenced by genetics. These genetics allow for a wide range of colors and banding patterns, including piebald, where irregular patches of another color, typically black or brown, appear on a predominantly white coat, sometimes only on the ears. While some breeders have previously not considered piebalds suitable for showing, this perception may be shifting as several have recently received championships. As a result, piebalds may be available at a reasonable price.

The Board of Directors of the Siberian Husky Club of America has officially sanctioned the following color descriptions for the breed: black and white, gray and white, red and white, sable and white, agouti and white, and solid white. It is customary to omit the word "white" when referring to a dog's color, unless the animal is entirely white.

» Black and white: Black and white Siberians come in the following shades:

• Jet black: The coat of the guard dog is uniformly colored in solid black, with an undercoat that may range from black, charcoal, to dark gray. Such a coat is commonly referred to as monochrome. While rare, a few white hairs may be present. In addition, the majority of jet black dogs exhibit black pigmentation on their paw pads and oral cavity roofs.
• Black: The black guard hairs may exhibit banding and there may be some white coloration near the roots. The undercoat is of a lighter hue compared to that of a jet black dog, and it is possible for some buff-colored hairs to be present.
• Dilute black: The guard hairs exhibit a whitish banding pattern, with black tips. The undercoat presents a whitish hue, while the longer hairs on the back and head are black. The flanks possess a silvery cast, attributed to the presence of shorter white hairs in the undercoat.

» Gray and white: Gray and white Siberians come in the following shades:

• Silver gray: The canine's guard hairs exhibit a range of white tones, while its undercoat is whitish, contributing to its silvery appearance with slight darkening along the spine. This particular hue is referred to as the chinchilla factor.
• Gray: The outermost layer of hair on this particular breed of dog displays cream or buff tones with black tips in a banded pattern. Meanwhile, the underlying coat exhibits a beige or yellow hue, resulting in an overall yellowish-gray appearance.
• Wolf gray: The canine's guard hairs exhibit a buff banding near their roots and are adorned with black tips. The undercoat, on the other hand, is cream in color, contributing to the dog's warm brown/gray appearance.

» Red and white: Copper dogs, also known as red and white dogs, are characterized by the absence of black hairs and the presence of guard hairs banded with various shades of solid colors other than black. In the case of red and white Huskies, liver-colored points are always present in their eye rims, ears, noses, and lips. When two copper Siberians are bred, their offspring are highly likely to be copper as well. It is noteworthy that copper Siberians may have eyes of either amber or blue, but never brown.

» Sable and white: The guard hairs exhibit a distinctive banding of red near the roots, which is complemented by a black tipping. In the case of sable and white Siberians, the fur always features black points and black tipping. The overall appearance of the dog is characterized by a reddish hue, which is considered to be a rare coloration.

» Agouti and white: The guard hairs of the Siberian Husky are characterized by black bands at the roots and tips, with bands of yellow or beige in the middle. Meanwhile, the undercoat is a shade of charcoal. The saddle area of the dog may appear grizzled. Agouti is the term used to describe the wild color seen in the breed. According to the Siberian Husky Club, this color is most commonly observed in wild rodents, specifically the agouti, a tropical South American rodent of similar size to a rabbit with barred hairs resulting in distinctive alternating light and dark bands. Interestingly, the agouti color is more prevalent in racing lines than in other Siberians. Agoutis typically possess black whiskers and black toenails.

» Solid white: The guard hairs of the Siberian Husky breed can appear as either pure white or banded with a very pale cream at the roots. It is worth noting that an occasional black hair may be present. The undercoat is typically solid white or silver, while the points may be either black or liver-colored. While most Siberian Husky enthusiasts prefer white dogs to have black points, there is no hard and fast rule regarding this. It is important to note that white is a recessive color in Siberians, and if two white Siberians are bred, all the puppies will be white as well. Many breeders believe that the best color (solid white with black points) is achieved by breeding a dark parent (which carries a white gene) to a solid white. This results in 50 percent of the puppies being solid white.

Nose

The ideal color of a Siberian Husky's nose varies depending on the dog's coat color. For gray, tan, or black dogs, a black nose is preferred, while copper or red dogs should have a liver-colored nose. White dogs should have a flesh-colored nose, although a pink-streaked snow nose is also acceptable. It should be noted that the snow nose may be seasonal and may disappear during the summer months, although only the pinkish color fades. This characteristic, appropriately named the snow nose, is quite prevalent among Siberian Huskies.

Remember

Canines possess a heightened sense of smell in comparison to humans, making it their most important sense. They can detect scents that are undetectable to humans and possess the unique ability to determine the age of a scent due to the subtle alterations in its characteristics over time. This ability proves to be incredibly useful, as it allows them to discern the freshness of prey and determine whether or not it is worth pursuing.

A DOG’S NOSE KNOWS

According to a recent study, dogs have a preference for the scent of their human family members over other scents. The study involved examining brain scans of dogs trained to remain still during an MRI. During the experiment, dogs were exposed to various scents including their own, that of an unknown dog, another dog in the household, an unknown person, and a person they lived with. Although all scents elicited a positive response in the brain, the strongest emotional response was associated with the scent of a known human. The study found that therapy and service dogs, who have a closer relationship with people, recorded the most intense responses.

Remember

It is interesting to note that the noseprint of every dog is unique, much like human fingerprints. In fact, noseprints have been utilized as a means of identifying individual dogs. It should be noted that unlike microchipping, the nose pattern cannot be altered or removed.

Gait

The Siberian breed is expected to exhibit a smooth and effortless gait, with good reach in the front and drive in the back, while maintaining lightness and agility on its feet. During trotting, the head should be slightly forward. Any short or prancing movements are considered faults, as well as crabbing or crossing, which are subject to penalty.

Temperament

The Siberian Husky breed was specifically bred for team work, and as such, their temperament is expected to be alert and friendly. Aggression is strongly discouraged and penalized. Siberian Huskies are known for their welcoming nature towards all individuals, including strangers. It is important to note that a well-bred Siberian Husky is not suitable for guard dog duties. The most fitting adjective to describe their temperament is "exuberant."

Comparing the Lookalikes and Imposters

There is a common misconception that wolves, Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, and “Alaskan Sled Dogs” are all interchangeable. However, this is not the case. The original breeders of the Siberian Husky intentionally maintained its wolf-like appearance, with the exception of its size. The goal was to produce a domestic animal that was intelligent, robust, and capable of running quickly without displaying aggression towards its owners. The breeders did not prioritize nonessential, purely aesthetic traits. This is why the unique physical features found in other breeds, such as the Shar Pei’s wrinkles or the Irish Setter’s floppy ears, are not present in Huskies. It should be noted that the occurrence of blue eyes in Huskies is likely coincidental. The subsequent sections will delve deeper into the breeds that are frequently mistaken for Siberian Huskies.

Alaskan Malamutes

Although the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky may appear similar at first glance, their histories are quite distinct. The Alaskan Malamute was developed by the Mahlemiut Eskimo people, whose dogs were highly sought-after as freighting animals during the Alaska Gold Rush of 1896. Unlike Huskies, Malamutes are larger, slower, and more powerful, and they do not typically have blue eyes. Additionally, Malamutes can have a more challenging temperament compared to the cheerful and relaxed Siberians. Today, Malamutes are commonly used for drafting and are recognized by the AKC, just like the Siberian Husky.

Samoyeds

The Samoyed is a well-known and AKC recognized breed with a striking all-white appearance. Unlike Siberian Huskies, the Samoyed requires this characteristic. This breed was also traditionally used for sled hauling, although they are slightly larger and less speedy than their Husky counterparts. While not commonly seen in the Iditarod, Samoyeds are known for their perpetually happy expressions, with enthusiasts suggesting that their upturned mouths prevent drool from freezing into icicles. While the veracity of this claim is uncertain, it is a popular anecdote among Samoyed admirers.

“Alaskan Huskies”

Currently, I am delving into the intricacies of the Alaskan Husky breed, which is not formally recognized as a breed by major kennel clubs. This breed is a mixed breed with a diverse ancestry and unique physical characteristics that make them well-suited for sledding. There are two main varieties, with most being a cross between Pointers, Setters, Greyhounds, and Salukis for the sprinting group, and Siberian Huskies and Malamutes for the long-distance group. Anatolian Shepherd dogs, known for their exceptional work ethic, have also been utilized in both groups. Despite their admirable qualities, the Alaskan Husky is not acknowledged as a breed by any major kennel club.

“Miniature Huskies”

The Miniature Husky made its debut in the 1990s. While some individuals may perceive it as a distinct breed from the Siberian Husky, the Siberian Husky Club of America does not acknowledge it as such, and it is not presently recognized as a breed by the AKC. The Kennel Club in Britain regards the Miniature Husky as a mere size variation of the standard Siberian Husky.

Compared to the recognized breed, Miniature Huskies are approximately half the size. The original breeder, Bree Normandin, aimed to develop a more manageable version of the well-known Husky. It is important to note that this breed is not suitable for pulling sleds.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The miniature version of the Alaskan Malamute, also known as the "Alaskan Husky," bears a striking resemblance to the Miniature Siberian. This breed was developed in the latter half of the 20th century and comes in three sizes, ranging from 5 to 22 pounds. Linda Spurlin was responsible for its creation in the 1970s, and although it has garnered a following, it is not officially recognized by the AKC.

Northern Inuit Dog

The Northern Inuit Dog, while bearing a name that may suggest an ancient and indigenous origin, is in fact a crossbreed that was developed in the 1980s by Eddie Harrison. Harrison's objective was to create a dog that closely resembled a wolf, and in pursuit of this goal, he utilized a combination of Siberian Huskies, German Shepherd Dogs, Alaskan Malamutes, and occasionally Samoyeds or wolf-hybrids as foundation sires. It is worth noting that the Northern Inuit is not recognized by any reputable breed club worldwide.

Wolves and wolf-hybrids

Warning

While some individuals may perceive owning a wolf-hybrid, which is a cross between a wolf and a Siberian, Malamute, Akita, or German Shepherd, as a symbol of masculinity or trendiness, it is not a wise decision. The reality is that wolf-hybrids, as well as wolves and wolf mixes, are not suitable as domesticated animals due to their potential to pose a significant threat to human safety.

Consider the absence of wolves in circus acts, as they cannot be trained to perform. While lions, tigers, and elephants can be trained, wolves have already chosen to live a life independent of human ownership. It is not uncommon for individuals to acquire wolf hybrids by breeding Huskies with wolves, under the misconception that the offspring will inherit the friendly temperament of the Siberian. However, this notion is misguided, and the resulting mix often exhibits negative traits from both species, including fear and aggression. Owning such an animal is prohibited in many areas, and even where it is not, it is unwise to do so. The same applies to dog-coyote hybrids, which are also an unfavorable trend.

Warning

Wolf-hybrids pose a significant risk to human safety, as they have a history of attacking and killing people, particularly children. Unlike their wild counterparts, who typically avoid human contact, wolf mixes lack a natural fear of humans and may exhibit aggressive behavior. Despite this, some individuals still choose to keep wolf-hybrids in homes with children, often with tragic consequences. While some may appear docile, it's important to remember that no wolf or wolf mix can be fully domesticated or trained to read human behavior like a dog. Additionally, it's worth noting that wolf-hybrids cannot be reliably housetrained. It's crucial to consider these factors carefully before bringing a wolf-hybrid into your home.