The Siberian Husky is a remarkably healthy breed. When well cared for, the Siberian is relatively "maintenance free", outside of normal checkups and vaccinations. The incidence of hip dysplasia in Siberians is fairly low. However, breeding Siberians should, among other things, be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified prior to breeding. OFA certification cannot be granted prior to 24 months of age.

Any large breed of dogs has a higher chance of developing dysplastic hips or elbows, but a good breeder will have had OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification done for both the sire and dam before considering breeding. The X-rays and certification cannot be done until a dog is twenty four months old, so obviously a dog under this age is not yet eligible for certification (nor should it be bred).

Radiographs need to be taken by the veterinarian of your choice. These are submitted to the OFA along with the completed application form and service fee. The application can be downloaded from this site. Detailed instructions on the correct radiographic positioning and required film identification are included on the application. Any licensed veterinarian can take OFA radiographs. The necessary forms and instructions for submitting OFA evaluations can be downloaded from this site.

No, hip dysplasia is a multiple gene, inherited disease. Environmental factors, like high caloric diet during the rapid growth phase, may exacerbate changes in dysplastic hips but will not create hip dysplasia. There also is no evidence in the scientific literature that supplements (i.e Vitamin C) will prevent hip dysplasia.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are 2 separate diseases that cause degeneration of the hip and elbows joints, and can only be diagnosed by X-ray. X-raying for the GSDCA Schemes must take place when the dog/bitch has attained 12 months of age or older. Evidence of passing the HD Scheme is an "A" stamp for hips, and the ED Scheme is a "Z" stamp for Elbows.

No. The Siberian Husky is a domesticated pure bred dog and has been for many centuries. They are sometimes mistaken for wolves, and they are sometimes used in movies to depict wolves, but they are most certainly not wolves or part wolf. This is called a "snow nose", and is fairly common in Siberians. A snow nose is a reddish or pink marking on a black or liver colored nose. Snow nose can disappear over warmer months and reappear over the winter months.

stated repeatedly throughout this document, Siberian Huskies are remarkably adaptable animals. So long as they have adequate shade, shelter, and water, the seem to do just fine in warmer climates. One important note: no matter how hot you think your Siberian is, DO NOT shave him/her! Their double coat insulates them against the heat as well as the cold. You would be doing more harm than good to shave the dog.

No. The Siberian Husky is a domesticated pure bred dog and has been for many centuries. They are sometimes mistaken for wolves, and they are sometimes used in movies to depict wolves, but they are most certainly NOT wolves or part wolf. See also the AKC Standard for the Siberian Husky (http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/sibhusk.cfm).

Siberian Huskies are rather quiet dogs. They do not typically bark. They do talk, however, in a "woo woo woo" sound. They can also howl quite well. Owners of multiple Huskies report frequent howling, starting and stopping simultaneously. Occasionally, at the most inopportune moments - like 3:00 am. Since the Siberian, like other northern breeds, is a very pack oriented animal, this behavior is typical.

Children, Siberian Huskies, and a family atmosphere all go hand in hand. Having a husky is honestly like having another child. They are your best friend and your big baby at the same time. They get jealous, demand attention, and crave playtime just as a kid does! Huskies are not aggressive by nature and do great with children of all ages.

First, the Siberian Husky instinctively has a high prey drive. They will hunt and even stalk something they are interested in. When it comes to cats they generally ignore them, until the cat runs from them. When this occurs it sets off that prey drive I mentioned. Immediatly the husky goes into a different mind frame. The instinct to run down their "prey" takes over. Secondly, a cat rather than a husky is primarily more meek and less self assured.

Oh my! Here on the farm, when pulling up to our home, you'd think it's Fort Knox! That's what it feels like. Initially, we didn't have any fencing. We parked a trailor and lived in it while we built our home. During that time we just had Sky. She had complete run of the farm. There were no problems with this until she was about a year old. Our neihbors had 16 ugly, smelly, stinky ducks. Sky took to eating them! Yep, she loved them.

The Siberian has a gentle and friendly disposition which may be a heritage from the past as the Chukchi people held their dogs in great esteem. They housed them in family shelters and encouraged their children to play with them. They are alert, eager to please and adaptable. The Siberian husky is not usually a one man dog, but are capable of showing strong affection for their family.