How old is the siberian husky breed

The remains of polar bears and reindeer found on Zokhov show that hunters had a wide range and somehow transported large animal kills to their camp. Tools suggest even wider travel. Obsidian implements found here have been sourced to more than miles away.

For ancient Arctic peoples to cover such distances, the authors theorize, dog sledding might have been essential. Sinding and colleagues also found genes that appear to be unique among sled dogs when compared to their canine relatives. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the standout adaptations have to do with food. Sled dogs, like the Arctic peoples they live with, have eaten a steady diet of unusual fare, including fatty seal and whale blubber.

A husky can't be walked off-leash as they will be off exploring and chasing small animals. They need a sturdy physical fence that is high enough that they can't bound over it and is protected so they can't dig under it. Huskies can benefit from activities like running as long as it's not too warm outside. You may need to find creative ways to exercise your husky indoors when it's hot outside, as this breed is only moderately heat-tolerant.

Huskies like to dig and you can expect plenty of holes in your yard. A bored husky indoors or outdoors can be very destructive. Serious training is absolutely essential to help your husky focus its energy. Without enough training and exercise, a husky may seem out of control at times. Siberian huskies were bred as pack teams and they generally get along well with other dogs.

That can make them suitable for trips to a securely-fenced free-run dog park. They have a strong prey drive and that can prove to be a problem if you have pet rodents, rabbits, or even cats. However, if raised together with a cat, they may coexist well. This breed is loving with children and is usually a happy playmate and tolerant of their mischief. But children must treat any dog with respect and not treat the dog roughly.

Most Siberian huskies are also friendly with visitors and are not good watchdogs. Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC.

Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:. Siberian huskies were bred to require less food than some similarly sized breeds. Provide two meals per day of up to a cup of dry dog food per meal. Your dog's needs will depend on size, activity level, age, and other factors. Be sure to monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity and discuss your dog's nutritional needs with your veterinarian.

Siberian Huskies are in-demand dogs, so it's unlikely one will show up at the local animal shelter—though it's always worth checking. Keep an eye on local rescue groups, too. Breed-specific rescue groups include:. If you're interested in finding a reputable Siberian Husky breeder, visit the Siberian Husky Club of America's website, which has a referral directory of breeders that may have dogs available.

As with any breed, if you think the Siberian husky is right for you, be sure to do plenty of research before getting one.

Talk to other Siberian busky owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. However, because of their high prey drive, they might chase cats, rodents, rabbits, and livestock. Siberians can be diggers, especially in warm weather, when they will dig in order to make a cool place to lie down.

Although medium-sized breeds typically live between 10 and 13 years, the Siberian Husky itself has a longer life expectancy, typically living from 12 to 15 years. It is not uncommon to hear of members of this breed living to the ripe age of 16!

As with all breeds, early socialization and basic obedience training are recommended. These dogs are very social and love being in the company of their owners or other dogs. In addition, they enjoy running so for their own safety, they should be on a leash or in a securely fenced area at all times when exercising. Siberian Huskies are active dogs and require plenty of exercise. As a working breed, they do best when they have a job to do.

They also enjoy activities they can do together with their owners such as agility, obedience, and rally. In other words, these dogs need to be kept busy and active in order to be healthy and happy. If you live in an urban setting, daily walks or doggie playgroups can provide enough exercise. Huskies are remarkably self-cleaning and usually require only a few baths per year.

Their coat is less prone to matting than the coats of other northern dog breeds. Weekly brushings can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Their undercoat sheds twice a year, during which more grooming is needed.

Be sure to trim the nails regularly in order to prevent foot problems. Siberians were bred to require less food than other medium-sized dog breeds - about one cup of dry dog food twice a day is a commonly recommended diet for adult Huskies. Be sure to feed your Husky dog high-quality dog food in order to keep their coat and skin in good shape. Huskies can easily become overweight so be careful not to overfeed and make sure your pup gets enough exercise daily.

Considering the fact that this breed was developed under harsh conditions, it comes as no surprise that Huskies are fairly easy dogs to keep.