All About Siberian Husky Breeders
Siberian Huskies have an ancestry that dates back five thousand years. Part of the Spitz family, these dogs descended from sledding dogs used by Eskimos in the Arctic regions. Eskimo Siberian Husky breeders selectively bred huskies and, due to each Siberian Husky breeder being geographically isolated huskies maintained their close resemblance to wolves. Siberian Huskies were mainly used as sledding dogs and hunting companions. They required very little food for their level of activity and their high endurance allowed them to run for hours through packed snow while pulling a moderately sized load.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Siberian Husky as a breed in 1930. Since that time, huskies have been used more for show than sledding. However, the breed retains wolf-like physical and behavioral traits. Typical Siberian Husky characteristics include high-set, pointed ears, thick, double coats of fur, a furry, sickle-shaped tail, and wolf-like personality traits such as stubbornness, independence and suspicion. Siberian Huskies have distinctive facial markings, medium sized compact bodies, and blue or brown eyes (or one of each color).
Siberian Huskies have specific behavioral traits as well as physical traits. Some can be deciding points on whether or not a potential owner buys a purebred Siberian Husky. Every Siberian Husky breeder has a responsibility to warn and inform buyers of typical behavioral traits of Siberian Huskies.
The AKC does not disqualify the Siberian Husky for certain pigmentation issues that would disqualify other breeds such as bi-colored or parti-colored eyes and “snow-nose” in which part is black and part is flesh-colored. The AKC states that coloring is not important in pulling a sled.
They will also escape from a home, pen or yard and are capable of climbing up ladders and under fences. Fourth, huskies are energetic and need vigorous daily exercise. They can become ill if not exercised properly and they have a tendency to run, and to keep running, for miles if they escape the owner’s home or leash.
The first question a Siberian Husky breeder needs to ask is why a potential buyer wants a Siberian Husky. This is not just a beautiful dog breed. Siberian Huskies require regular exercise, stimulation and training. If a buyer cannot provide these things, a Siberian Husky is not the appropriate dog breed for them.
Buyers should ask the following questions of Siberian Husky breeders: Can I visit your kennel to make sure it is clean and appropriate? Can I meet the parents of the puppy? (the mother should be on-site/the father may not be) Have puppies and parents been screened for genetic defects? Is there a pedigree? (there should be a lengthy pedigree for any purebred puppy) Can you tell me about the breed? (breeders should be experts) Are you affiliated with rescue centers? (breeders should refer buyers to rescue animals) What are common husky health/behavioral problems? (breeders should educate buyer) How do I train/care for/discipline my husky? Is there a warranty?
Good breeders will take the dog back if the buyer cannot keep the dog rather than see the dog go to a shelter. Professional breeders will also quiz potential owners to weed out unqualified, unrealistic or unprepared buyers.
