Beethoven! One Hundred and One Dalmatians! Turner and Hooch! Anytime a Hollywood movie comes out that prominently features dogs of a certain breed, unscrupulous dog breeders kick into action looking to profit from the free advertising. At the other end of the spectrum, purebred rescue and placement volunteers try to counter the interest by issuing press releases about the "true nature" of XYZ breed. With the current release of Disney's SNOW DOGS, Siberian husky supporters fear the movie might increase breed popularity. Personally, after seeing the movie, the last breed I would want to adopt - or inherit - would be a Sibe. This film portrays them as aggressive, destructive, manipulative, and hard-core working dogs - certainly not what I'm looking for in an urban canine companion! But how accurate is this portrayal compared to real Siberian huskies?

The Chukchis of Siberia needed a sled dog that could tolerate cold and provide maximum speed and the strength to pull a light sled over long distances with a minimal expenditure of energy, so they created a dog of moderate bone and medium length of leg that could work efficiently on little food. As dog care and breeding was left to the Chukchi women, the dogs were surrounded by children - and hence selected for a gentle, friendly temperament. Large numbers of Siberian huskies were brought to Alaska in 1909 to run in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race and made up the team that won the race by the following year. After witnessing such success, Alaskan mushers soon chose Sibes over the local sled dogs they had used in the past. Teams of Siberian huskies participated in The Serum Run of 1925 that brought supplies of anti-toxin to diphtheria-infected Nome. These dogs were later sent on "personal appearance" tours throughout the United States and won more fans when they beat local sled teams all over New England.

Siberian huskies live to run and will run every chance they get. This breed must be on a leash, harnessed to a sled or enclosed in a fenced yard when outdoors or they will take off. They are escape artists, so fences should be checked to ensure gates are closed and any holes dug along fence lines have been filled in before letting the dogs out in the yard.

Sibes have a natural proclivity for digging. Some dig to escape while others dig to create cooling pits. And for some, it's just something fun to do while out in the yard.

Winter is the Sibe's favorite time of year. Skijoring (pulling a cross-country skier), mushing (pulling a sled), and digging tunnels in the snow rank high on a Sibe's list of favorite activities. They want to go, go, go! People who also enjoy outdoor winter sports are a good match for this breed. As the weather gets warmer, the Siberian husky slows down to the point of lethargy during the dog days of summer. Warm weather activities include splashing around in plastic kiddy pools and zoning out in front of the air conditioner while blowing coat (heavily shedding).

Beyond their mushing abilities, Siberian huskies are extremely social dogs. They not only enjoy the adoration of their families, but see strangers as potential friends as well. They do not make suitable guard- or watchdogs. This breed is so out-going that any social isolation may result in howling and household destruction. The Siberian Husky Club of America does not recommend them "for those who work all day and only have room for one dog" for this very reason. If you can't be there, your Sibe needs a canine buddy that can be there in your absence.

Like many working breeds, the Sibe is a relatively healthy breed. Medical problems that affect the breed include a number of eye problems (glaucoma, juvenile cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy), discoid lupus, and a susceptibility to zinc deficiencies.

It takes a certain type of household to enjoy living with a Siberian husky. Fastidious housekeepers need not apply. These are rough and tumble dogs that play hard, shed profusely (especially heavy once or twice a year), and seek out mud baths. (They sound like a boy's best friend, don't they?) They are stubborn and independent at times and live life with an impish twinkle in their eyes and an enigmatic smile on their lips. A Sibe's guardian definitely needs a good sense of humor. If high spirits and wolfish good looks are more important to you than reliable obedience and a neat home, the Siberian husky may be the right dog for you.

Jacque Lynn Schultz, Director, ASPCA Special Projects
© 2002 ASPCA