The Siberian Husky featuring Okarmi

Wagging Tales

HISTORY: Although DNA tests confirm the Siberian Husky as one of the oldest dog breeds, the history of them is relatively unknown. They are believed to have originated among a tribe of Siberian nomads named the Chukchi. The Huskies were a family dog, often sleeping with the children to provide warmth, and were also used as fast transportation by the tribe. During the gold rush in Alaska, the Husky was used as a sled dog, after being imported to the country in 1908. The breed was exported from Siberia until 1930 when the Soviet government closed their borders. Since this time, Huskies have continued to thrive in North America where they still continue to be an active competitor in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes which is a 408 mile dogsled race!

HEIGHT: Males 53-60cm (21-23.5 INS)  Females 51-56cm (20-22 INS)

WEIGHT: Males 20-27kg (45-60lbs)  Females 16-23kg (35-50lbs)

LIFESPAN: 12-14 years

CLASS: Working

HEALTH: A generally healthy breed that does not suffer from too many common issues. Things to watch out for are seizures and defects of the eyes such as juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, canine glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. Huskies used for sled racing can be prone to other ailments such as gastric disease and bronchitis.

COAT: The Husky coat is thicker than most other breeds. Two layers with a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat of short, straight guard hairs. Requires weekly grooming. The most common coats are black and white, with less common copper-red and white. Usually with white paws and legs, facial markings and tail tip.

EYE COLOUR: The eyes of a Siberian Husky are striking- colours are pale blue, dark blue, amber, green, or brown. In some dogs, one eye may be brown and the other blue, or one or both eyes may be parti-coloured meaning they are half brown and half blue.

TEMPERAMENT: Gentle nature and good with children, the husky needs frequent companionship and to feel like part of a pack. Playful and athletic. Tend to howl rather than bark. Can have a tendency to roam, and are often described as escape artists, jumping over, chewing through and digging under fences! High energy dogs who need exercise, and respond well to positive reinforcement training programmes. Sociable with other dogs, but have a high prey drive so not suitable to be kept around small animals.


Viewpoint of dogs owners, by Lesley-Ann

Michelle and Tony wanted a medium size dog to join their family and both having had dogs individually in the past they considered themselves experienced dog owners. After researching different breeds the Siberian Husky was the breed they both felt was right for them, with Michelle admitting the striking looks were very appealing too.

Confident that they could offer a good home and provide for the needs of this breed, they found a reputable breeder and Okarmi was brought home at 9 weeks old. Grey and white with odd coloured eyes,”he was the most adorable puppy” says Michelle.

Now 10 years on, they feel they did make the right choice for them. Michelle tells us about Okarmi’s needs, temperament and personality.

“From bringing him home he wasn’t a destructive puppy and soon became housetrained. Okarmi has a harness and away from roads he was let off the lead from a young age so he could run freely, even though my heart was in my mouth the first few times. Tony reassured me Okarmi would return and he always has, but he does like to run and run. We adapted to his exercise requirements as he grew until at a mature age he was given 2x 2 hour sessions a day. Now Okarmi is getting on in his life he has 2x 1 hour sessions a day.

He’s on a good quality dried food and eats the same as any other dog his size with no special dietary needs. He does moult and the vacuum is out every day, even more twice a year when he sheds which lasts for a few weeks.

Siberian Huskys are known to be the Houdini of the dog world – we have a big fence but he has never tried to scale the fence or been a digger on a mission to escape. Most of the time he likes to sit outside in the cool and when inside he is perfectly happy looking out of the window watching the world go by.

He has never barked but howls instead, his own way of talking. He’s excellent with children and other dogs, we got another dog Mowgli who is a Staffy, which I know have a bad reputation but I can honestly say he is lovely too and both dogs love each other’s company. In the last few weeks Okarmi hasn’t been well and has had to have surgery for a liver problem. We have been really worried, fearing the worse but have now been reassured the treatment is working thanks to the team at Beechwood Vets. Other than this recent health scare, in the 10 years he has had a few ear infections and has twice pulled muscles in his leg whilst play fighting but in general he has been a healthy dog – but for his breed he’s getting old now.

We adore him to bits, he always goes to Tony when he wants something, placing his paw on him and talking to him in his howling voice. He is a great companion, a great dog and 100 % the right choice for us”.

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