Siberian Husky puppies

About the Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky descends from the sled dogs of the Chukchi people and was later refined as a racing and freighting dog, built to pull a light load at a moderate pace over great distances in extreme cold on very little food. They weigh 15.9 to 27.2 kg and stand 51 to 60 cm, moderate in every dimension, under a medium double coat. They are friendly with almost everyone, fastidiously clean, free of doggy odour, and mischievous well into old age.

Energy is very high and this is a working breed that wants a job rather than a stroll. They shed the undercoat twice a year and need raking out with a pin brush and metal comb, though they need bathing only a few times a year. They are vocal, rated five out of five, and they howl more than they bark. Rated five with children and other pets, with supervision and socialisation as always. Never trust one loose: a Siberian bred to run will run, and that is how owners lose their dog.

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a Siberian Husky puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. This is a very high energy breed. The mistake owners make is trying to tire them out physically. Training, scentwork and puzzles will do more than distance ever will. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything they meet calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of their life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

• Hip dysplasia, though the incidence in the breed is relatively low
• Inherited eye disease, though the incidence is relatively low
• Cancer, picked up on a veterinary examination with imaging and biopsy of any new lump
• Arthritis in older dogs, diagnosed on a veterinary orthopaedic exam and x-rays

Your Siberian Husky puppy's first six months

• Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
• Worming and parasite schedule.
• Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Medium for a Siberian Husky.
• Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 15.9 to 27.2 kg adult range.
• Puppy names and the first week checklist.

Kit sizes: crate 36 inch (36 x 24 x 26 in, 91 x 61 x 66 cm) for an adult of up to 27.2 kg; chew toys made for medium breeds. Worked out the same way as the crate size calculator. PetMD bases a crate on the dog's own measurements, not weight or breed alone, so measure once the puppy is home.

Buying guides for this

• Best crate for a puppy: wire, plastic or soft, and how to size one with a divider

Other medium breeds

More on the Siberian Husky

Previous: Shorkie · Next: Silken Windhound

Sources

• akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
• fci.be for country of origin
• Health notes from Siberian Husky breed information at https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.

Photo: Juan M. Anzola, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped. All photographers are listed on the photo credits page.