Siberian Huskies, perhaps unsurprisingly, hail from northern Siberia, where snow was a given and temperatures would regularly hit around minus 40C. It’s believed the breed originated 3,000-4,000 years ago, when Chukchi tribe members trained the dogs to haul sleds and do jobs for them. Over time the dogs integrated themselves with the tribe’s people, becoming faithful companions. 

The breed was brought to the U.S. for sled dog races in Alaska in 1909, and rapidly began to dominate the events, winning most races outright due to their speed, endurance, and unmatched sled-pulling ability. 

Huskies became known across the country in 1925 when a team of more than 100 dogs  made the national news for transporting a diphtheria serum 674 miles through blizzards and snow to Nome, Alaska, helping to save many local residents.

Since that point, the Siberian Husky’s friendly personality, distinctive appearance, unique ice-blue eyes and endless energy have won them over with dog lovers across the world. 

You know a Husky when you see one thanks to their unmistakable fuzzy fur, which is usually predominantly white with bands of brown, red, black or gray. 

They make excellent companions due to their loyalty, mischievousness and gentle nature, to humans and dogs alike. This is the reason why they’re the 24th most popular breed in the U.S. as ranked by the American Kennel Club.

Read more about the Best Dog Food for Siberian Huskies.

General Characteristics of the Siberian Husky:

• Origin: Siberia.
• Size: Medium.
• Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female).
• Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female).
• Lifespan: 12-14 years.

Appearance:

• Coat: Medium length and double-layered.
• Colors: White, white and brown, white and gray, white and red (in various combinations).
• Build: Athletic, powerful and muscular.

Siberian Husky Temperament:

• Gentle: Huskies are great with children and other dogs.
• Energetic: Energy and excitement levels are high in the breed. 
• Intelligent: Training can take some time due to their independence and love of running, but perseverance and regularity pay off.

Training and Exercising:

• Training: The earlier you start training and socializing Huskies, the better as they are well-known for being difficult to train due to their independence and stubborn nature. 
• Exercise: They’re built to run, so require plenty of daily exercise and love nothing more than having a job to do.

Grooming:

• Shedding: Siberian Huskies have a double coat, and the undercoat sheds twice a year so requires regular grooming to remove the old hair.

Interesting Facts About Siberian Huskies: 

• Huskies are not part-wolf — this is a myth that sometimes gets confused with fact due to their wolf-like appearance.
• One of the dogs on the famous race to Nome mentioned in the above article was called Balto, and there’s a statue in New York’s Central Park commemorating his efforts as lead dog on the final leg of the journey.
• The famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has been run annually since 1973 to mark the famous Nome Serum Run.

Siberian Husky Price:

The average cost of a Siberian Husky in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Siberian Husky:

Price Range: $1,000-$2,000

If buying a Siberian Husky puppy or specific breeds of Siberian Husky, the price will be towards the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $400

A Siberian Husky adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.