The Husky is a general term for the dogs that lived in the cold regions, especially with the Eskimos. They were very useful at helping people cover long distances and they would even protect them from wild creatures. The most popular breeds are the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. Nowadays, most of them are kept as pets.
These sled dogs are very powerful and resistant. Their athletic constitution helps them stand low temperatures and run not only long distances, but also very fast. In general, the Husky dogs look alike, with slight differences. Their body is compact with a well-kept aspect. Their head is of an average size and their skull has almost the same length as the muzzle. The top of the head is flat and the stop is quite abrupt, with pronounced forehead.
The eyes are oval and dark or light. The muzzle is straight, strong and narrow. Their ears are erect and have a triangular shape. The neck is thick and muscular and the back is straight. The body is longer than tall. The trunk is finely curved and the chest is subtly broad. The legs are very strong and stable. The tail is quite long, fluffy and carried low. The feet have fur between the toes.
The coat is thick, double and of medium length. The dense undercoat is the one that helps the body maintain a constant temperature. The colours of the coat vary - they can be any from black to pure white, with or without markings. The most common pattern is black and white, with white face mask.
As usual, the females are smaller than the males. The females weigh 35 to 50 pounds (16-23 kg) and are 20 to 22 inches (51-56 cm) tall. The males weigh 45 to 60 pounds (20-27 kg) and are 21 to 23.5 inches (53-60 cm) tall.
Even if these dogs are living in such harsh conditions, they are playful and fond of their owners. In fact, they are good with children and tolerant in general. They really need to be trained from an early stage, though, because they can become too independent. They also need a patient owner that knows how to handle them and to remain firm. The owner must present pack leader skills, or else these dynamic dogs will take over the owners tasks.
They can easily adapt to city life, but they must be walked daily. They do not like the loneliness, so make sure they have somebody to count on when you are gone. They are very active indoors too, but with a little training, they can become well-mannered at home. They prefer cool climates.
The coat is not very pretentious. It must be brushed weekly and washed occasionally only if necessary. However, the coat must be brushed daily in the shedding season, which is twice a year. They live about 15 years. The Husky is a great dog which can happily join a large and dynamic family.
