Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is generally a healthy, hardy breed. However, as with many breeds, they can suffer from hereditary eye disorders and occasionally hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

This breed does need a considerable amount of exercise but this must be done in a safe, enclosed area, or on a lead, as they do have a strong desire to run if free and cannot be relied upon to return when called. A very well-fenced garden is a necessity and, as they can jump anything from a standstill, height is also important. An adult Siberian needs two-plus hours of exercise daily and an appropriate opportunity to run.

A Husky needs a decent sized house (without central heating or at least not too warm) but most importantly they need space to run and so a rural setting suits them best. It also means the neighbours are less likely to be disturbed by the inevitable howling.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

Grooming is particularly easy: a brush and comb through two or three times a week normally, but daily grooming during the moulting period - which in a warm house, will be pretty much all the time. This is a clean breed with little or no 'doggie' smell.

Siberian Huskies see no point in training whatsoever - their joy is to run and their view is that they don’t need to be trained to do that! They should however be well socialised and trained to walk on a harness and lead. Walking without pulling can be a challenge for this breed given that is what they were bred to do. A good recall should also be taught but this is for emergencies and not generally to be relied upon. This is a breed who will hunt small animals and so owners should watch out for that.

The Siberian Husky is somewhat of a specialist dog who needs to run and who is probably far too high maintenance for most families.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.