Appearance

The Siberian Husky is an arctic breed with striking blue or brown eyes – or one eye of each color. The skull is medium sized and should be proportionate to the body, slightly rounded on top and tapering from the eyes forward. The muzzle is medium length and with, tapering gradually to the tip which is neither completely round nor completely square. The nose is black for gray, tan or black dogs, liver in cooper dogs, and can be flesh-colored in white dogs. Some dogs have a nose that has pink streaks, referred to as “snow nose.” The ears sit high atop the head, are triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips that should point straight up in the air. The back is long and straight. The Husky's tail is covered in thick fur and is fox-brushed shape. It is carried over the back in a sickle curve when the dog is alert, and trails when the dog is relaxed. The coat comes in many colors including various shades of gray and silver, sand, red, and black-and-white, often with striking markings on the head that are not found in other breeds.

Size and Weight

The ideal height for adult male Siberian Huskies is from 21 to 23.5 inches at the withers. For females, the ideal is from 20 to 22 inches at the withers. The weight of the individual dog should be in good proportion to the height, but typically males should weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and females should weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Huskies are slightly longer than they are tall.

Coat and Color

The Siberian Husky spots a thick double coat of medium-length hair. The undercoat is dense and sort, while the top coat is straight and the top coat is made up of straight guard hair. The coat shed's heavily year round, and twice a year the dog will blow his entire coat.

Huskies come in many colors and patterns, many are unique to the breed. Regardless of color, they usually sport white paws, legs, faces and tail tips. The most common Husky colors are black and white, gray and white, copper and white or pure white.

Grooming Needs

Huskies are heavy shedders – they lose hair year round. Shedding is especially heavy twice per year as they seasonally blow their coats. Dogs in cooler climates typically shed less than dogs who live in warm areas. Brushing the Husky once per week at a minimum can help keep shedding under control and prevent mats from forming, though daily brushing is required during shedding season.

Siberian Huskies are odor free, naturally clean animals who, like cats do, will clean themselves on a regular basis. This means that it's only necessary to bathe a Siberian Husky as needed.

Check the ears on a weekly basis for signs of infection, irritation, or wax build up. Cleanse regularly with a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton ball. Brush the teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and fight gum disease. Additionally, nails should be trimmed once per month if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally.