Huskies, also known as Siberian sled dogs, are an ancient breed of dogs originating from Siberia. The name “Husky” is said to have originated as a slang term used by the Inuit people to describe the dogs’ hoarse bark. Because the dogs’ barks were more low and hoarse back then, they were given this wonderful title. As working dogs, Huskies can pull sleds, guide reindeer, and guard. As pet dogs, Huskies are very friendly towards humans and are a great choice for keeping as a companion for family members. Here are some aspects of Huskies for you to explore:
Basic Care Tips for Siberian Huskies
Wool fiber analysis
Huskies are known for their incredible endurance, and in the cold Siberian region, they must adapt to huge temperature differences of several tens of degrees between day and night.
A good Siberian husky must have a unique coat to withstand harsh environments. The Siberian husky has two layers of fur, outer fur and underfur. The outer fur is divided into two sections, and you can usually see the top section is dark and shiny, while the bottom section has coarse and relatively light-colored fur. The top shiny fur is called the silver tip, which is used to protect against ultraviolet light and the heat emitted by the sun. The thick hair root is tightly grown in the skin, so generally Siberian huskies have outer fur that is less prone to shedding. The ratio of underfur to outer fur is usually 8:1, and these thick underfurs secrete a type of oil to repel water. It is also because of this oil that a very scientific insulation layer is created, which effectively blocks the heat and cold from the outside world.
Because of this protective coat, Siberian Huskies can adapt to various climates and be kept in a dry environment as much as possible. After bathing, it should be dried with a hair dryer as much as possible. The fur and skin are simply too important to Siberian Huskies. If they suffer from skin problems and lose a lot of hair, they will suffer from the heat agony. In severe cases, direct exposure to ultraviolet rays can even lead to skin cancer. With your careful care, Siberian Huskies can be the healthiest and most gentle and beautiful pets, no matter where they are kept, in Guangdong or in Northeast China.
Gastrointestinal function
Siberian Huskies have a unique digestive system, requiring higher protein and fat intake, so it is recommended to feed puppy food until 18 months of age before switching to adult dog food. Fish or beef, lamb, or pork can be supplemented occasionally to promote growth, and calcium requirements are also relatively high. Taking calcium tablets or powder a few times a week is essential for Siberian Huskies. As for the brand of dog food, due to the large variation in digestive systems among Siberian Huskies, it is best to choose the one that suits the dog’s individual needs, and look for high-quality dog food with high protein and fat content. If necessary, you can add chicken, lamb, beef, pork, or seafood to the dog food to supplement some protein.
Sports Training
Siberian Huskies compete in sled dog races based on speed rather than strength, so the main focus of their physical training is speed. Daily speed runs and occasional slow runs are essential for show dogs, and extending the legs of both front and rear legs during the entire exercise will undoubtedly help the dog’s body shape. Daily exercise of more than three times a day, each lasting 20 to 30 minutes, is recommended. It is suggested that pet dogs exercise once or twice a day, for about half an hour each time.