In memory of Tuk

Siberian Husky Rescue Site


Breed InfoFinding A HomeSiberian TraitsChicago Story
What is in store for you when owning a Siberian?
Is There a Siberian in Your Future?

DON'T LEAVE YOUR CHOICE TO CHANCE.
BE AN INFORMED OWNER, NOT A SORRY ONE.

History

The Siberian Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi, a tribe of Siberian nomads, to provide fast, economical transportation over the vast frozen land. Unusually strong and agile, this medium size dog was able to swiftly cover long distances on a minimum amount of food. Known for its gentle nature, the Chukchi dog often served as a soft, furry bed for the tribal children. Chukchis knew many a "three dog night".

A special relationship born of mutual need and nurtured by mutual respect existed between this dog and its people, thriving in virtual isolation for centuries before the outside world discovered and fell in love with this magnificent animal.

Although the present day Siberian has changed since entering this country around 1900, the breed still maintains many of the qualities that made the Chukchi sled dog such a prized possession.


General

Adult and child alike are captivated by the Siberian's childlike eagerness, stately beauty, and million dollar smile. However, as appealing is the Siberian may be, it is not THE breed for every dog owner. Too many Siberians have ended up lost, in dog shelters, under the wheel of a car, the neighborhood nuisance, or mistreated simply because the owner did not understand the breed.

THE SIBERIAN HAS TRAITS AND NEEDS THAT EVERY PROSPECTIVE OWNER SHOULD BE AWARE OF. Take a close look at these traits--their advantages and disadvantages--then decide if this is the breed for you.


Escape Artist


That Desire to Dig


Nature Lover


Vocalizing


Nomad


Not Quite Obedient


Very Affectionate


Curiosity


Athletic


Natural Beauty


Economical to Feed


Finding Your Siberian

After weighing all the pros and cons of owning a Siberian, do you still feel that it is the breed for you? If so, may we congratulate you on your good taste and offer some advice on choosing that special Siberian.


One Final Observation

The more you learn about the Siberian psyche, the more you will understand there is usually a reason behind even the most outlandish behavior. For instance, the compulsive desire to dig holes, while appearing to be destructive behavior, is but instinct developed centuries ago from the need to make shelter, gather and store food and exercise.

There is even a logical explanation for the Siberian's seemingly casual indifference to commands. The Siberian can easily sense any uncertainty or nervousness you may be experiencing and will quickly question your leadership ability. Every breed is guided to one degree or another by the pecking order, and while some breeds will submit more quickly to the will of man than others, the Siberian will insist you prove a good and reliable leader before he accepts your dominance. The Siberian will always give freely of his love and affection. However, his respect must be earned.

As you gain confidence, become more skilled in handling dogs, and acquire some Siberian tricks of your own, you will probably find your Siberian listening and, yes, even obeying more.

Given generous amounts of love, plus proper care and training, your Siberian will give you years of enjoyment--Siberian style, of course.


This site is a reprint of a pamphlet prepared by the Seneca Siberian Husky Club, a group of people dedicated to the promotion of better understanding and protection of the breed we love so dearly. It is reprinted here with permission of the Club Secretary, Janet Triplett. Janet requests that if you find this material useful and plan to distribute it to others you send a donation to the club at the following address:

SENECA SIBERIAN HUSKY CLUB

c/o Pat Kingsley, Newsletter Editor

1475 Latta
Road

Rochester, NY
14612

pkingsly@rochester.rr.com

www.senecasiberianhuskyclub.com

Illustrations by Sharon P. Scott
Text by Nancy B. Kaplan

Copyright 1983 by the Seneca Siberian Husky Club, all rights reserved.


Corrections (like typos) to this information should be sent to: editor@siberianrescue.com .
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