How to Identify a Siberian Husky

One of the most popular dog breeds,^[1] the Siberian Husky is known for being a sled dog. It can easily be confused with an Alaskan Malamute, another dog sometimes used to pull sleds, if you don't know the differences; however, the Siberian Husky does have some key traits. This wikiHow will help you understand whether a dog is a Siberian Husky.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Inspecting the Body Structure

1. Check the dog's size. Siberian Huskies are medium-sized members of the working group.^[2] Males are tall and weigh , while females are tall and weigh .^[3]
   
2. Look at the ears. Siberians have thick ears that are triangular. They are medium in size, set high, strongly erect, and slightly rounded at the tips.^[4]
   
3. Inspect the eyes. The eyes of a Siberian Husky are almond-shaped and moderately spaced. They may be blue or brown, or a dog may have one of each color.^[5]
   
4. Notice the tail. Siberian Huskies don't have curled tails; however, their tails may stand sickle when the dog is at attention.^[6] The tail usually hangs down from the back otherwise. It is fox-brush-shaped and well-furred, the fur medium in length.^[7]
   
5. See the dog's overall body structure. A Siberian's body is well-furred and moderately compact. They have firm muscles, a straight back, and a smooth, seemingly effortless gait.^[8]
   

[Edit]Looking at the Coat

1. Check the length of the coat. Siberian Huskies have double coats of medium length, giving the dog a well-furred appearance. The undercoat is dense and soft, though it may be hidden during shedding season.^[9] The outer coat is straight and somewhat smooth lying.^[10]
   
2. Understand that a Siberian's coat may be any color. A Siberian Husky may be any color, from black to solid white.^[11] Other colors seen include grey, brown, and red.
   
3. Notice white markings. Many Siberians have white markings. These can be found on the tail, stomach, chest, and legs. It is common to see a variety of markings on the head, as well.^[12]
   
4. Look for the agouti coat. "Agouti" is a special term used to describe a Siberian Husky with a coat of "alternating bands of light and dark" along the fur of the coat.^[13] Not all Siberians are seen with this coat resembling wolf-coloring, but it may appear.
   

[Edit]Checking Temperament

1. Notice high energy levels. Siberian Huskies are very energetic. As sled dogs, it is natural for them to need lots of exercise to release their energy.^[14]
   
2. Watch for independent thinking. Siberians are intelligent but won't necessarily be quick to follow commands. They are clever and good at solving problems, so training may take some extra effort.^[15]
   
3. Look for a desire to be around others. Siberian Huskies are pack dogs. They enjoy being around people and other dogs, if they have been properly socialized.^[16]
   
4. See if the dog has a high prey drive. Siberians enjoy the company of people and other canines, but when it comes to other small animals, Siberians can demonstrate a high prey drive.^[17] It is important to train a Siberian Husky to get along with these other animals.
   
5. Check for friendliness. Siberian Huskies are generally very friendly. They can make good family pets if they are socialized and get enough of an energy release.^[18]
   

[Edit]Tips

• If you're trying to identify the breed of your dog, consider using a DNA test. A DNA test can confirm whether or not your dog is a Siberian Husky.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Identify an Alaskan Malamute from a Siberian Husky
• Identify an Alaskan Malamute

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
10. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
11. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
12. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SiberianHusky.pdf
13. ↑ https://www.akc.org/about/glossary/
14. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/siberian-husky-temperament/
15. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/siberian-husky-temperament/
16. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/siberian-husky-temperament/
17. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/siberian-husky-temperament/
18. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/siberian-husky-temperament/