This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, May 2014 issue.
According to AKC registration statistics in 2013, the Siberian Husky is the 14th most popular dog breed in America. Could it be because the puppies are so adorable? Could it be because the people who get one generally end up with one, two, or even eleven more? Or perhaps it’s because this is an amazingly versatile breed? Whatever the reasons, it’s likely a combination of all three.
Siberians have been gaining in popularity over the past decade, and the people who love them are discovering sports they never knew existed. Siberian Huskies excel in the conformation ring, where owner-handlers often outnumber professional handlers. Both groups appreciate the breed’s wash-and-wear coat.
Siberians also shine in agility competitions, which combine their love of teamwork with their innate athleticism. While some believe the breed is hard to train, using a positive training approach that harnesses their desire to work as part of a team can lead to remarkable results. You’ll find Siberians earning top scores in obedience, rally, and agility competitions. They also do well in tracking and the Coursing Ability Test.
But there are many other ways to enjoy life with your Siberian Husky, and this article will give you just a few fun ideas. Before diving into lesser-known dog sports, let’s explore Siberians in conformation, obedience, and agility.
The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1930, twenty-eight years after being imported from villages in Siberia. The first Siberian to win Best in Show at an AKC all-breed show was CH Bonzo of Anadyr, achieving this milestone in 1955. To this day, only one Siberian has won Best in Show at Westminster: CH Innisfree’s Sierra Cinnar, in 1980.
In the conformation ring, Siberians are admired by judges for their soundness of movement and steady – if sometimes silly -temperament.
Though many trainers dismiss Siberians as dumb or stubborn, the opposite is true. This is evident from the number of advanced titles earned by Siberians. There are two OTCH Siberians, 22 MACH Siberians, and even one PACH. At least one Siberian has achieved a Tracking Championship.
These performance titles are placed in front of the Siberian’s registered name, just like a conformation Championship, highlighting the AKC’s emphasis on these achievements.
One standout Siberian team, Michelle Zenorini and her bitch Rachel, have reached the highest level of MACH within the breed—MACH10. This means they’ve achieved the requirements for a MACH (20 qualifying days in both Standard and Jumpers, plus 750 speed points) ten times over.
While there’s no rally Championship, Siberians have still made a mark in this sport, with 32 achieving the RAE title, the highest possible in rally.
Because Siberians are predisposed to run all day, many owners who compete in agility prefer indoor trials to reduce the chances of their dog taking off. While no breed is completely immune to the temptation of running off, there are ways to minimize the risk.
For example, I trained my dogs to run to their crates for a jackpot reward after finishing a course. My reasoning was that if they ever left the ring, I could yell “jackpot” and potentially lure them back to their crate. Fortunately, I never had to use this trick. However, it did backfire once. My dog Billy, mid-course, landed a jump, spotted his open crate, and decided it was time for his jackpot. He left the ring but, much to my delight, came back and finished the course when I called him. This breed does love to work!
Siberian Huskies make wonderful family dogs and thrive with another furry friend or two. Historically bred to work as part of a team, they often do best in households with multiple dogs. Having more than one Siberian allows them to burn off energy together and provides companionship when the family is away.
New owners should be aware of some potential challenges. Siberians are bred to run all day while pulling a sled, and if allowed to run loose, they are likely to run off—or as one long-time musher puts it, “run to.” They don’t always know what they’re running to, but they’ll do it enthusiastically! A fenced yard and a commitment to using a leash whenever outside the fence are essential to keeping your Siberian safe.
Siberians are not natural watchdogs. They tend to be friendly and are generally great with children. However, they are not so great with landscaping, as they delight in digging holes. Additionally, their double coat means that a couple of times a year, they will shed their thick undercoat. If you’re a fastidious housekeeper or wear a lot of dark clothing, a Siberian may not be the best choice for you.
Because of their high energy level, especially during their first two years, an active lifestyle is a great match for a Siberian Husky. They are adaptable and can live in any climate, but in hot, humid weather, exercise should be done early in the morning or after sunset. Regular exercise—both mental and physical—keeps them happier and easier to live with. Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience classes are highly beneficial, especially for first-time Siberian owners. And during those first couple of years, remember: a tired puppy is a good puppy!
Siberian Huskies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to eye problems (such as juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal dystrophy) and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders screen for these issues. They perform annual eye exams and evaluate hips once the dog is two years old. Before purchasing a puppy, ask to see current eye clearances (SHOR or CERF forms) and OFA certificates confirming that both parents are free of hereditary eye problems and hip dysplasia.
Once you’ve decided that a Siberian Husky is the breed for you, the next question is: what will you do with it? If you live in an area with snowy winters, consider sledding or skijoring, which are natural sports for the breed. Working your Siberian Husky in harness is rewarding for both body and soul—for both you and your dog.
As a highly intelligent and athletic breed, Siberians are happiest when doing what they were bred for: pulling sleds! As a working breed in North America, their heritage dates back to the Alaskan Gold Rush and beyond. Leonhard Seppala brought the breed into the limelight during the 1925 serum run to Nome, where dog teams raced to deliver diphtheria serum to the snowbound town, saving lives of many residents.
The working heritage of the Siberian Husky goes back much farther than their North American roots. Remains of sled dogs in harnesses have been found in eastern Russia, dated to 8,000 years ago. It is from this region that the Siberians who participated in the Gold Rush, the Nome Serum Run, and who dominated sled dog racing for decades originated.
Today, Siberian Huskies compete in sled dog races worldwide. They participate in sprint, mid-distance, and long-distance races, including the Iditarod. Many enthusiasts also run their dogs for pleasure. According to Susan Lavin, whose dogs excel in both show rings and sled dog races, being out on the trail with your best friends—enjoying the grandeur and solitude of nature—nurtures the human body and soul. Watching Siberians run together in front of a sled showcases their instincts and pure joy.
A typical sled dog team consists of four or more dogs pulling a sled on snow or 1-2 dogs pulling a cross-country skier (skijoring). Most races offer both sledding and skijoring events.
For smaller teams or areas without snow, dryland mushing is a great alternative. Numerous dryland events, such as canicross (running or walking with a dog in harness), biking, scootering, or carting, allow anyone to enjoy this sport. Regardless of the terrain, the teamwork experience is the same, and the joy of your dog is unmistakable. For help getting started, reach out to mushing clubs:
An easier, less equipment-intensive way to enjoy nature with your dog is pack-hiking. This activity is versatile, accommodating dogs at nearly any life stage, and can be tailored to your interests and energy level. Siberians, in particular, excel at it.
Sheila Goffe, head of the AKC’s Legislative Department, shares how pack hiking introduced her to Siberians and dog sports:
“In the early 1990s, if you’d told me I’d be out in the woods backpacking with my dogs, I wouldn’t have believed it. I loved hiking and dogs, but living in New York City, putting a backpack on a dog seemed ‘uncool.’
Shortly after moving to Virginia, I adopted Wolfie, a year-old Siberian Husky from a shelter. The shelter worker warned me: ‘Siberians need a lot of exercise. Adolescent males can be destructive without it.’
Wolfie proved her right—he destroyed my dissertation notes and chewed a hole in my kitchen floor. Desperate, we began visiting a dog park, where I met Siberian owners who invited me to a local breed club. My first event was a five-mile hike with 20 people and their dogs, many carrying backpacks.
That night, Wolfie was calmer and happier than ever. I’d found a way to tire him out while getting exercise and meeting new friends. A whole new world opened up for us.”
Pack hiking is best with at least one other human, following wilderness safety guidelines. With your dog carrying supplies, they become an equal team member, enriching the experience. To learn about the SHCA’s Working Pack Dog title, visit shca.org.
For those who prefer less strenuous activities, barn hunt might be a great fit. Siberians earned the nickname “Siberian rats” in early 1900s Alaska for their smaller size compared to other sled dogs. Today, they may earn the title “Siberian ratters” for their skills in this canine sport.
In 2013, “Revs” (CH Solocha Rev’d Up At Kasiq BN RAE AX OAJ AJP CA RATN CGC TDI) became the first Siberian Husky to earn a barn hunt title. By 2014, Revs was outpacing terriers, winning Fastest Open Dog on his way to an Open title. Barn hunt titles are now recognized on AKC pedigrees.
The Barn Hunt Association describes the sport as demonstrating a dog’s ability to find and mark vermin in a “barn-like” setting. Dogs navigate obstacles like straw bales for climbing and tunneling. Rats are safely confined in aerated PVC tubes and humanely handled.
To learn more about barn hunts, visit barnhunt.com.
“Siberians are an amazingly versatile breed,” said Revs’ owner, Patty Van Sicklen, who also competes in conformation, obedience, agility, coursing ability, and rally obedience with Revs, as well as doing therapy dog work with him.
“I took Revs to a barn hunt practice where he had to search out hidden rat containers and not be distracted by decoy tubes containing rat litter or all the sounds and smells of a real working barn. We did three good practice runs, then I brushed the straw from his fur, washed his paws, wiped him down with disinfectant, and drove to Ronald McDonald House for pet therapy. The dog that had been intently digging between hay bales less than an hour before stood calmly among a group of children, giving kisses and gentle high fives,” Van Sicklen said.
Speaking of therapy work, Siberian Huskies are wonderful at that, too. Many Siberian owners share their dogs on a regular basis in schools, nursing homes, and other facilities where a dog’s special touch is needed.
Mondays are special for three-year-old Cricket, whose registered name is Hilltop’s Summer Song at Northgate, BN, CGCA, TT, RN, THD. From the time she and her owner, Katie Fleming, back out of the driveway, she knows it is time to visit her friends at United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina, and her tail wags continuously. Katie and Cricket are active in rally and obedience, but according to Katie, it’s the therapy work they do that lights Cricket up the most.
The Development Coordinator with UCP of SC requested therapy visits through the local Therapy Dogs International group in 2013. Cricket began her journey with UCP in Columbia, SC, in August of that year with just a quick in-and-out to say “hi” to the UCP clients and staff.
Cricket interacts with people having differing levels of ability. Some are able to communicate verbally; some are not. Some can reach out to touch her furry coat; others can be helped to do so. Some are ambulatory, and others are confined to wheelchairs. During the first month, the staff liaison would ask them to describe Cricket. Simple words like “soft” or “nice” came easily for some, while others simply looked on.
As the friendships grew and the regulars learned that she is a Siberian, they learned about what her job would be—pulling a sled. Words became longer and more complex: “brave, adorable, precious, incredible.” They learned that her coat is huge and fuzzy and sometimes sheds a lot. They heard the story of her broken leg that healed crookedly.
Cricket’s friends look forward to her visits. Every week, Nate is waiting and ready to help Cricket perform tricks, giving her hand signals and commands. Bill and Alecia treat Cricket to their versions of songs—everything from The Wizard of Oz to Sunday hymns. Cricket listens to each and nods her fuzzy head in appreciation. Danny has taught Cricket to climb up on the wheels of his wheelchair for a kiss.
During a visit one Monday, the UCP clients were working on an art project. Many did well just to hold the crayons to the paper and struggled to make their hands do the bidding of their brains. As Cricket and Katie were ready to leave, Danny’s arm, usually stiff, shot up into the air.
Thinking that he wanted to say goodbye to Cricket, they walked back toward his table. He thrust his paper up proudly. In bold purple marker, he had written, “Cricket is Boss.” An enormous smile covered his face, and Katie says an overpowering sense of humility hit her heart.
Cricket has a number of obedience and rally titles to her credit, but according to Katie, no accomplishment compares to the honor of receiving Danny’s note.
Whether it’s sharing your Siberian through therapy dog programs, hiking, sledding, dryland mushing, coursing aptitude, tracking, barn hunting, rally, obedience, agility, conformation, or just having the most beautiful walking partner, life with a Siberian Husky will never be dull.
And if you decide to add a Siberian to your life, networking with other Siberian owners will put you on the fast track to furry fun!
