Siberian Husky
Also called husky.
Confused with the much larger Alaskan Malamute constantly. The tail settles it: a Husky's curves up in a sickle and never lies flat on the back, while a Malamute's waves over the back like a plume.
- Group
- Working
- Weight
- 16–27 kg
- Coat
- double
- Ears
- erect
- Muzzle
- medium
- Build
- Sturdy
- Origin
- Russia
What it looks like
Medium-sized and lightly built for its size, with a thick double coat, erect triangular ears, striking facial markings and a brush tail carried in a sickle curve when alert.
The characters that confirm it
- A brush tail carried in a sickle curve — up and over, but not touching the back.
- Erect triangular ears set high and close together.
- Blue eyes, brown eyes, or one of each. Blue eyes are common in this breed and rare in a Malamute.
- Light, efficient build. A Husky is a distance runner, not a freight hauler.
Temperament
Independent, escape-prone, vocal rather than barking, and almost impossible to recall off-lead reliably. High exercise needs.
Health
Hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, both with tests. Zinc-responsive dermatosis occurs. Generally robust otherwise.
Confused with
Much larger and heavier, with a plumed tail waving over the back and brown eyes — blue eyes disqualify a Malamute.
Husky-type mixes are extremely common. Without the build and tail carriage, it is a guess.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Siberian Husky?
A brush tail carried in a sickle curve — up and over, but not touching the back. Erect triangular ears set high and close together.
What is a Siberian Husky like to live with?
Independent, escape-prone, vocal rather than barking, and almost impossible to recall off-lead reliably. High exercise needs.
What health problems do Siberian Huskys have?
Hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, both with tests. Zinc-responsive dermatosis occurs. Generally robust otherwise.