COMMENTARY ON THE SIBERIAN HUSKY STANDARD
by Michael Jennings
The following is the product of a decade’s long attempt to create a commentary on the Siberian Husky Standard for a proposed Illustrated Standard for The Siberian Husky Club of America, and was to be accompanied by simple drawings by Jo Lynn Stresing* done to my specifications, and many of these drawings can now be purchased from Jo Lynn at a fairly nominal price. Subsequently, the club opted for a much more expensive production without commentary and with more elaborate illustrations, but it seems to me that sufficient time has passed to allow this text to see the light of day. The commentary was intended to be interspersed with the words of the Official Standard, but since the SHCA owns those words, they are omitted here.
Michael Jennings, former Chairman of the Illustrated Standard Committee of the SHCA
Michael Jennings, former Chairman of the Illustrated Standard Committee of the SHCA
Introduction
HISTORY AND FUNCTION
In all probability, the breed we call today the Siberian Husky, in general form, is thousands of years old, but the first specimens seen on this continent were on a team entered in the newly established All Alaska Sweepstakes in 1909. This grueling 408-mile race was designed to test every aspect of a dog team over difficult terrain in harsh weather conditions. The Siberian team entered only placed third, probably due to driver error, but so impressed one of Alaska’s temporary residents, Fox Maule Ramsay, second son of the Scottish Earl of Dalhousie, that he imported sufficient numbers of these dogs to enter three teams in the 1910 race, taking first, second and fourth. And by the time this highly celebrated yearly event was cancelled after the 1917 race, the Siberians had managed to win the last four years, with the legendary driver, Leonhard Seppala, winning the last three.
That might have been all anyone ever heard of the Siberians had not their services been required to save the town of Nome from a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, a feat of incredible stamina that brought them world renown and came to be known as the Nome Serum Run.
Leonhard Seppala, who had come to own most of the early Siberians and their offspring, and who had driven the longest and most dangerous part of this “race against death,” then came to the lower 48 to march in parades and pose for “hero” photographs. He was then invited to New England to race against the famed Chinook dogs of Arthur Waldon in point to point races between towns. Seppala won with ease, and so won the hearts of New England sled dog enthusiasts that he established the first kennel in the United States, which in turn led to the recognition of the breed in 1930 by the American Kennel Club, the founding of the Siberian Husky Club of America, and to the writing of the first Breed Standard based on these early animals. This standard has been revised several times over the years in the interest of greater clarity or precision, but it remains based essentially on two elements: the ability to survive the harshest of polar conditions and the ability to perform “his original function in harness most capably.”
Thus, the phrase “form follows function” is absolutely critical to the understanding of the breed.
In all probability, the breed we call today the Siberian Husky, in general form, is thousands of years old, but the first specimens seen on this continent were on a team entered in the newly established All Alaska Sweepstakes in 1909. This grueling 408-mile race was designed to test every aspect of a dog team over difficult terrain in harsh weather conditions. The Siberian team entered only placed third, probably due to driver error, but so impressed one of Alaska’s temporary residents, Fox Maule Ramsay, second son of the Scottish Earl of Dalhousie, that he imported sufficient numbers of these dogs to enter three teams in the 1910 race, taking first, second and fourth. And by the time this highly celebrated yearly event was cancelled after the 1917 race, the Siberians had managed to win the last four years, with the legendary driver, Leonhard Seppala, winning the last three.
That might have been all anyone ever heard of the Siberians had not their services been required to save the town of Nome from a diphtheria epidemic in 1925, a feat of incredible stamina that brought them world renown and came to be known as the Nome Serum Run.
Leonhard Seppala, who had come to own most of the early Siberians and their offspring, and who had driven the longest and most dangerous part of this “race against death,” then came to the lower 48 to march in parades and pose for “hero” photographs. He was then invited to New England to race against the famed Chinook dogs of Arthur Waldon in point to point races between towns. Seppala won with ease, and so won the hearts of New England sled dog enthusiasts that he established the first kennel in the United States, which in turn led to the recognition of the breed in 1930 by the American Kennel Club, the founding of the Siberian Husky Club of America, and to the writing of the first Breed Standard based on these early animals. This standard has been revised several times over the years in the interest of greater clarity or precision, but it remains based essentially on two elements: the ability to survive the harshest of polar conditions and the ability to perform “his original function in harness most capably.”
Thus, the phrase “form follows function” is absolutely critical to the understanding of the breed.
Within these proportions the Siberian Husky should also exhibit long, sloping shoulders, upper arm and pelvis; as well as a strong, level top line. When these proportions are correct and the animal is balanced, the result is the nearly effortless, fluid motion that makes a sled dog able to perform tirelessly in harness at either a lope or a trot, and makes the show dog able to flow lightly and smoothly at the moderately fast trot on a loose lead described by the Standard.
FINALLY, the Siberian Husky is a hard, well-muscled athlete carrying no excess weight, and he is friendly and outgoing, never shy or aggressive. He gives the impression of great alertness, both in his keen, friendly, interested and even mischievous expression and in the wiry tautness of his body. The height and weight range prescribed by the Standard, which should be proportionate, with only the tallest specimens approaching maximum weight, represents the range of optimal function, with no preference given to any point within that range.
(Here begins commentary on the Standard but without the Standard Text)
TYPE
Almost every aspect of what is known as “breed type” in the Siberian is in the interest of survival in their particular climate — well-furred ears and feet, almond shaped eyes, tight fitting lips, equal length muzzle and back skull, the double coat that “does not obscure the clean outline of the dog,” the well-furred tail to warm the nose when sleeping — all these elements are essential to the basic survival of a dog in the most severe of Arctic conditions.
But there should be nothing “husky” about a Siberian Husky, a breed where often “less is more” in terms of bulk, bone and chest. “Husky” simply derives from the word “Esky,” a slang and probably pejorative term for Eskimo. Originally, the breed was referenced on this continent as “Siberian Wolf Dogs”— certainly a more apt descriptor, though early observers generally found them more fox-like than wolf-like.
Almost every aspect of what is known as “breed type” in the Siberian is in the interest of survival in their particular climate — well-furred ears and feet, almond shaped eyes, tight fitting lips, equal length muzzle and back skull, the double coat that “does not obscure the clean outline of the dog,” the well-furred tail to warm the nose when sleeping — all these elements are essential to the basic survival of a dog in the most severe of Arctic conditions.
But there should be nothing “husky” about a Siberian Husky, a breed where often “less is more” in terms of bulk, bone and chest. “Husky” simply derives from the word “Esky,” a slang and probably pejorative term for Eskimo. Originally, the breed was referenced on this continent as “Siberian Wolf Dogs”— certainly a more apt descriptor, though early observers generally found them more fox-like than wolf-like.
FUNCTION, PROPORTION, STRUCTURE
Bred in his native Siberia to pull light loads for as far as 100 miles in a single day, thus averaging 9-10 mph for hours on end with favorable trail conditions, the Siberian Husky proved, after coming to this continent, to be the most versatile of all sled dogs -- dominating races from 25 to 408 miles, breaking 1400 miles of Antarctic trails, and usually requiring about one-third fewer calories than other dogs to accomplish the same task. This remarkable blend of power, speed, and endurance is the hallmark of the breed. It requires medium size, moderate bone, great freedom, efficiency and effortless grace of movement, as well as correct body proportions.
The key to Siberian proportions and structure is the resilience, flexibility, and great freedom of action required to perform “his original function in harness most capably.” According to Seppala and all earliest Siberian enthusiasts, the Siberian’s most efficient gait is a single-suspension, endurance gallop or lope, requiring innumerable, accordion- like foldings and unfoldings of the body and liftings and settlings of the forequarters.
Thus, the chest cannot be so wide, deep or heavy as to limit resilience or the freedom of action and follow-through of the front legs, and the length of the front legs from elbow to ground must be noticeably longer than the distance from elbow to withers if the animal is to have the 20mph short-burst speeds typical of working Siberians. On the other hand, the body cannot be more than a couple of inches longer than tall, or the dog will lack endurance.
Seppala once famously remarked, “If you want to win races with Siberians, you can’t let them trot; they’re not fast enough at a trot.” But he was speaking to New Englanders at the time, where races were usually shorter than those held in Alaska, and trail conditions easier. Of course, Siberians do trot, often as a resting gait, but also over the very longest distances or roughest terrains — a quick, ground-covering gait, nearly effortless in appearance, facilitated by the same resilience and freedom of action as the lope.
Thus, the Siberian is a strong, sturdy dog but not bulky, more lithe than powerful in appearance, despite the softening and thickening effect of a dense coat. His purpose and gait is quite different from those of a Malamute, who is more a tractor or Clydesdale while the Siberian parallels a five-speed light pickup or Arabian. So relatively more leg and proportionally less chest is necessary for him to perform “his original function in harness most capably,” as well as a body only slightly longer than tall.
Bred in his native Siberia to pull light loads for as far as 100 miles in a single day, thus averaging 9-10 mph for hours on end with favorable trail conditions, the Siberian Husky proved, after coming to this continent, to be the most versatile of all sled dogs -- dominating races from 25 to 408 miles, breaking 1400 miles of Antarctic trails, and usually requiring about one-third fewer calories than other dogs to accomplish the same task. This remarkable blend of power, speed, and endurance is the hallmark of the breed. It requires medium size, moderate bone, great freedom, efficiency and effortless grace of movement, as well as correct body proportions.
The key to Siberian proportions and structure is the resilience, flexibility, and great freedom of action required to perform “his original function in harness most capably.” According to Seppala and all earliest Siberian enthusiasts, the Siberian’s most efficient gait is a single-suspension, endurance gallop or lope, requiring innumerable, accordion- like foldings and unfoldings of the body and liftings and settlings of the forequarters.
Thus, the chest cannot be so wide, deep or heavy as to limit resilience or the freedom of action and follow-through of the front legs, and the length of the front legs from elbow to ground must be noticeably longer than the distance from elbow to withers if the animal is to have the 20mph short-burst speeds typical of working Siberians. On the other hand, the body cannot be more than a couple of inches longer than tall, or the dog will lack endurance.
Seppala once famously remarked, “If you want to win races with Siberians, you can’t let them trot; they’re not fast enough at a trot.” But he was speaking to New Englanders at the time, where races were usually shorter than those held in Alaska, and trail conditions easier. Of course, Siberians do trot, often as a resting gait, but also over the very longest distances or roughest terrains — a quick, ground-covering gait, nearly effortless in appearance, facilitated by the same resilience and freedom of action as the lope.
Thus, the Siberian is a strong, sturdy dog but not bulky, more lithe than powerful in appearance, despite the softening and thickening effect of a dense coat. His purpose and gait is quite different from those of a Malamute, who is more a tractor or Clydesdale while the Siberian parallels a five-speed light pickup or Arabian. So relatively more leg and proportionally less chest is necessary for him to perform “his original function in harness most capably,” as well as a body only slightly longer than tall.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
In the interest of the balance of power, speed and endurance, the Siberian is a firm-muscled, medium-sized, moderately boned, moderately compact, extremely athletic dog who is “quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action” and “performs his original function in harness most capably.” Neither heavy nor bulky dogs nor long or squat dogs have the necessary balance to achieve both speed and endurance. Agility is the essence of the breed, moderation is the theme of the Standard (with no suggestion of coarseness or frailty), and proper proportions are crucial to function.
In the interest of the balance of power, speed and endurance, the Siberian is a firm-muscled, medium-sized, moderately boned, moderately compact, extremely athletic dog who is “quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action” and “performs his original function in harness most capably.” Neither heavy nor bulky dogs nor long or squat dogs have the necessary balance to achieve both speed and endurance. Agility is the essence of the breed, moderation is the theme of the Standard (with no suggestion of coarseness or frailty), and proper proportions are crucial to function.
SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE
The entire range of the Standard is equally useful in terms of function. Animals smaller or more refined than described by the Standard lack necessary strength while those larger or more substantial lack speed and endurance. The proportions indicated by the Standard are critical to function — only “slightly longer than tall,” moderately compact, and with enough daylight beneath him to allow for a swift ground covering gait at either a lope or trot. Although not a disqualification, dogs or bitches under the minimum height requirement should be faulted, while those appearing taller than the height disqualification must be challenged with the official wicket.
The entire range of the Standard is equally useful in terms of function. Animals smaller or more refined than described by the Standard lack necessary strength while those larger or more substantial lack speed and endurance. The proportions indicated by the Standard are critical to function — only “slightly longer than tall,” moderately compact, and with enough daylight beneath him to allow for a swift ground covering gait at either a lope or trot. Although not a disqualification, dogs or bitches under the minimum height requirement should be faulted, while those appearing taller than the height disqualification must be challenged with the official wicket.
HEAD
Almost all details of the medium-sized head are important to survival as well as function. Equal length muzzle and back skull allows warming of air before entering the sinuses. A well-defined stop serves the same purpose (although forehead should not be too high, nor stop too abrupt). The expression of ‘the Siberian Husky —“keen, friendly, interested and even mischievous”-- is given by the gradual taper of the skull and muzzle, the tight fitting lips (required in cold temperatures), the slightly oblique, almond eyes (that are most cold- resistant and most easily protected by cheekbone and frontal bone), and by the highly mobile, highly expressive, high-set, well furred, medium-sized ears. The ears of Siberians, which should be somewhat taller than their width at base (isosceles triangles rather than equilateral), are a matter of some historical interest. The rounded tips and high set were part of what distinguished them genetically from Malamutes, so that early breeders have always said it was the ear set more than the size that indicated type. And,
of course, they should be thick and well furred to withstand Arctic cold, as well as strongly arched at the back. In many ways, the size and contours of the head anticipate the body — medium sized, softly contoured, essentially elegant.
And eye color and markings simply do not matter.
Almost all details of the medium-sized head are important to survival as well as function. Equal length muzzle and back skull allows warming of air before entering the sinuses. A well-defined stop serves the same purpose (although forehead should not be too high, nor stop too abrupt). The expression of ‘the Siberian Husky —“keen, friendly, interested and even mischievous”-- is given by the gradual taper of the skull and muzzle, the tight fitting lips (required in cold temperatures), the slightly oblique, almond eyes (that are most cold- resistant and most easily protected by cheekbone and frontal bone), and by the highly mobile, highly expressive, high-set, well furred, medium-sized ears. The ears of Siberians, which should be somewhat taller than their width at base (isosceles triangles rather than equilateral), are a matter of some historical interest. The rounded tips and high set were part of what distinguished them genetically from Malamutes, so that early breeders have always said it was the ear set more than the size that indicated type. And,
of course, they should be thick and well furred to withstand Arctic cold, as well as strongly arched at the back. In many ways, the size and contours of the head anticipate the body — medium sized, softly contoured, essentially elegant.
And eye color and markings simply do not matter.
NECK, TOPLINE, BODY
Again, in the interest of a blend of power, speed and endurance: medium length, strongly arched neck; chest deep but tapering and not broad; level, strong top line of medium length; fairly short, taut loin; visible tuck-up, and visibly sloping croup (30-35 degrees). What is meant by "level top line" is, of course, the appearance of a level top line since, in fact (if felt by hand), the spine dips slightly downward from the withers above the shoulders before rising into the arch of the spine that creates the tuck-up in the loin. That arch is the main point of energy transference from the rear to the front, and in the efficient sled dog, the loin will be taut and powerful. Chest depth appears about level with elbows when dog is in coat but is actually slightly above elbows on most specimens if felt by hand. The shape of the chest allows for maximum freedom of elbows and so tapers downward from the point of greatest rib spring (as seen or felt from above the dog) and rises quickly toward the sternum from the deepest point behind the elbows (as seen or felt from the side). The chest should never extend below the elbows, or that freedom is lost.
Again, in the interest of a blend of power, speed and endurance: medium length, strongly arched neck; chest deep but tapering and not broad; level, strong top line of medium length; fairly short, taut loin; visible tuck-up, and visibly sloping croup (30-35 degrees). What is meant by "level top line" is, of course, the appearance of a level top line since, in fact (if felt by hand), the spine dips slightly downward from the withers above the shoulders before rising into the arch of the spine that creates the tuck-up in the loin. That arch is the main point of energy transference from the rear to the front, and in the efficient sled dog, the loin will be taut and powerful. Chest depth appears about level with elbows when dog is in coat but is actually slightly above elbows on most specimens if felt by hand. The shape of the chest allows for maximum freedom of elbows and so tapers downward from the point of greatest rib spring (as seen or felt from above the dog) and rises quickly toward the sternum from the deepest point behind the elbows (as seen or felt from the side). The chest should never extend below the elbows, or that freedom is lost.
TAIL
Proper tail is a matter of correct set and correct carriage. Correct set is just below level of top line, in keeping with the slightly sloping croup so necessary to an efficient sled dog. Correct carriage when the dog gaits may be above the back in a gentle sickle curve, or tailing, or anywhere in between, without preference. The important thing is that it does not snap to the back or curl down the loin, both of which are faults. When standing, the tail may be dropped or carried in a sickle curve above the back. At work, Siberians generally trail their tails; otherwise, their center of gravity is too high for maximum efficiency. The relatively even fur length that creates the “brush” shape is merely in keeping with proper coat length — never plumed or shaggy. The tail also serves as "nose warmer” for a Siberian sleeping in cold.
Proper tail is a matter of correct set and correct carriage. Correct set is just below level of top line, in keeping with the slightly sloping croup so necessary to an efficient sled dog. Correct carriage when the dog gaits may be above the back in a gentle sickle curve, or tailing, or anywhere in between, without preference. The important thing is that it does not snap to the back or curl down the loin, both of which are faults. When standing, the tail may be dropped or carried in a sickle curve above the back. At work, Siberians generally trail their tails; otherwise, their center of gravity is too high for maximum efficiency. The relatively even fur length that creates the “brush” shape is merely in keeping with proper coat length — never plumed or shaggy. The tail also serves as "nose warmer” for a Siberian sleeping in cold.
FOREQUARTERS
The endurance gallop or lope, sometimes called a canter or controlled gallop, is the Siberian’s most efficient working gait except over the very longest distances or roughest terrains. It depends on well-knit, well laid-back shoulders (30-35 degrees) with about three fingers space between blades (one and a half to two inches) and long, angled upper arm, as well as only about four fingers’ to a palm’s breadth (depending on hand size) of chest between the front legs (about 3-4 inches). The slight slope of front pasterns affords shock absorbency and smoothness of movement. Efficient Siberians have enough longer leg from elbow to ground than the distance from elbow to withers as to be noticeable even in full-coated animals (though chest depth should always be checked by hand). An oval foot is generally more efficient than a round foot for ground coverage, and more compatible with a flexible front pastern. And, of course, though dogs can certainly be set up in the show ring with their front toes pointing straight ahead, the more natural position for the feet on a well-built Siberian is with an approximate 10-degree toeing out. Otherwise, when the feet converge when moving, the strong middle toes do not land pointing straight ahead, so that one of the outer toes ends up taking the bulk of the stress. Tough, well-cushioned pads and slightly webbed toes are a must for winter trails, and Siberians are generally acknowledged to have the toughest feet of all sled dogs, often able to keep going even on thawed and re- frozen trails that cut most dogs’ pads.
The endurance gallop or lope, sometimes called a canter or controlled gallop, is the Siberian’s most efficient working gait except over the very longest distances or roughest terrains. It depends on well-knit, well laid-back shoulders (30-35 degrees) with about three fingers space between blades (one and a half to two inches) and long, angled upper arm, as well as only about four fingers’ to a palm’s breadth (depending on hand size) of chest between the front legs (about 3-4 inches). The slight slope of front pasterns affords shock absorbency and smoothness of movement. Efficient Siberians have enough longer leg from elbow to ground than the distance from elbow to withers as to be noticeable even in full-coated animals (though chest depth should always be checked by hand). An oval foot is generally more efficient than a round foot for ground coverage, and more compatible with a flexible front pastern. And, of course, though dogs can certainly be set up in the show ring with their front toes pointing straight ahead, the more natural position for the feet on a well-built Siberian is with an approximate 10-degree toeing out. Otherwise, when the feet converge when moving, the strong middle toes do not land pointing straight ahead, so that one of the outer toes ends up taking the bulk of the stress. Tough, well-cushioned pads and slightly webbed toes are a must for winter trails, and Siberians are generally acknowledged to have the toughest feet of all sled dogs, often able to keep going even on thawed and re- frozen trails that cut most dogs’ pads.
HINDQUARTERS
Some depth of thigh is crucial to any fast sled dog, and a low hock joint is critical to endurance. A hock joint set too low to the ground, however, makes an animal too slow; and animals over-angulated or too straight in the rear are inefficient. Correct angulation can be determined by imagining a plumb line dropped from the rear point of the pelvis when the dog is stacked with the rear pasterns perpendicular to the ground. The imaginary line should touch or come close to touching the forward aspect of the rear pastern or possibly as far forward as the tips of the toes. If it falls well in front of that pastern, the dog is over-angulated. The lower thigh should also be about a third longer than the upper thigh. Thus, nothing in the rear assembly should appear extreme in proportion to the rest of the dog. Pelvis should slope at 30-35 degrees for maximum efficiency.
Some depth of thigh is crucial to any fast sled dog, and a low hock joint is critical to endurance. A hock joint set too low to the ground, however, makes an animal too slow; and animals over-angulated or too straight in the rear are inefficient. Correct angulation can be determined by imagining a plumb line dropped from the rear point of the pelvis when the dog is stacked with the rear pasterns perpendicular to the ground. The imaginary line should touch or come close to touching the forward aspect of the rear pastern or possibly as far forward as the tips of the toes. If it falls well in front of that pastern, the dog is over-angulated. The lower thigh should also be about a third longer than the upper thigh. Thus, nothing in the rear assembly should appear extreme in proportion to the rest of the dog. Pelvis should slope at 30-35 degrees for maximum efficiency.
COAT
The coat of the Siberian Husky, which should be examined by hand, is unique among Arctic breeds in not obscuring the clean outline of the dog, but it is extremely dense and probably the most effective of Arctic breed coats against ice-balling (the buildup of small chunks of ice). A certain "neatly tailored” appearance is given by the relatively uniform length of the coat and by the taut, “dry” dog beneath. Trimming of whiskers is much less common than it once was since they are, in fact, sense organs; and trimming of coat anywhere but between the pads of the feet is a serious crime against this “natural” breed.
The coat of the Siberian Husky, which should be examined by hand, is unique among Arctic breeds in not obscuring the clean outline of the dog, but it is extremely dense and probably the most effective of Arctic breed coats against ice-balling (the buildup of small chunks of ice). A certain "neatly tailored” appearance is given by the relatively uniform length of the coat and by the taut, “dry” dog beneath. Trimming of whiskers is much less common than it once was since they are, in fact, sense organs; and trimming of coat anywhere but between the pads of the feet is a serious crime against this “natural” breed.
COLOR
No comment seems necessary here except to point out that some specimens of the more primitive brown-gray shades of coat with dark face-markings are often overlooked by judges in the show ring when they shouldn’t be. Certain colors and coat markings, however, can deceive the eye, so every effort should be made to remove color and markings from the mind when appraising a specimen. There simply are no “bad” colors or markings in the Siberian Husky.
No comment seems necessary here except to point out that some specimens of the more primitive brown-gray shades of coat with dark face-markings are often overlooked by judges in the show ring when they shouldn’t be. Certain colors and coat markings, however, can deceive the eye, so every effort should be made to remove color and markings from the mind when appraising a specimen. There simply are no “bad” colors or markings in the Siberian Husky.
GAIT
Gait is where “the whole equals the sum of its parts,” and the Siberian is nothing if not balanced, resilient, highly flexible and nimble. Since the most efficient working gait for the Siberian Husky is an endurance gallop or lope, he has somewhat longer leg than a natural trotter who generally has leg length about equal to depth of chest. So, although the Siberian should exhibit reach and drive, this should not be confused with a flying trot where all four feet are off the ground at the same time. The forward reach of the front foot may appear as far forward as the nose, but the point of contact with the ground should never be forward of the eye or ear. Likewise, the furthest upswing of the rear foot
should never be higher than the standing height of the opposing hock joint. A smooth top line and shoulder, combined with ease and grace of movement (with head carried somewhat forward), is the desired effect — not the animal who appears to fly around the ring because its legs are too short and croup too flat. The tendency to converge toward a single track as speed increases, along with the alignment of front and rear legs at any speed, is again in the interests of efficiency. A dog bred to cover as much as 100 miles in a single day must be beautifully balanced and extremely light on his feet.
Anything ponderous or mincing, or with proportions outside the height to length parameters of the Standard, is simply too inefficient. A loose lead is required to present the natural ease and grace of the Siberian gait, likewise, a moderately fast not.
Gait is where “the whole equals the sum of its parts,” and the Siberian is nothing if not balanced, resilient, highly flexible and nimble. Since the most efficient working gait for the Siberian Husky is an endurance gallop or lope, he has somewhat longer leg than a natural trotter who generally has leg length about equal to depth of chest. So, although the Siberian should exhibit reach and drive, this should not be confused with a flying trot where all four feet are off the ground at the same time. The forward reach of the front foot may appear as far forward as the nose, but the point of contact with the ground should never be forward of the eye or ear. Likewise, the furthest upswing of the rear foot
should never be higher than the standing height of the opposing hock joint. A smooth top line and shoulder, combined with ease and grace of movement (with head carried somewhat forward), is the desired effect — not the animal who appears to fly around the ring because its legs are too short and croup too flat. The tendency to converge toward a single track as speed increases, along with the alignment of front and rear legs at any speed, is again in the interests of efficiency. A dog bred to cover as much as 100 miles in a single day must be beautifully balanced and extremely light on his feet.
Anything ponderous or mincing, or with proportions outside the height to length parameters of the Standard, is simply too inefficient. A loose lead is required to present the natural ease and grace of the Siberian gait, likewise, a moderately fast not.
TEMPERAMENT
An aggressive dog is not a good team dog, and a shy dog lacks the playful exuberance that makes the Siberian Husky such a pleasure to live with and work with. But the Siberian is a primitive, strong-willed (though often clownishly affectionate), independent, excitable, somewhat fidgety breed, so a soft hand in the ring, especially with puppies, is to be recommended. Some patience should be accorded the slightly standoffish animal, but no tolerance should be granted any animal who is aggressive toward other dogs or, more especially, toward people, and judges should exercise their right to excuse such animals.
An aggressive dog is not a good team dog, and a shy dog lacks the playful exuberance that makes the Siberian Husky such a pleasure to live with and work with. But the Siberian is a primitive, strong-willed (though often clownishly affectionate), independent, excitable, somewhat fidgety breed, so a soft hand in the ring, especially with puppies, is to be recommended. Some patience should be accorded the slightly standoffish animal, but no tolerance should be granted any animal who is aggressive toward other dogs or, more especially, toward people, and judges should exercise their right to excuse such animals.
SUMMARY
Good temperament and type, along with a balance of power, speed, and endurance compose the essence of the Siberian Husky — moderation in all parts — the ability to run far and fast. No single element is more important to the functionality of the breed than the overall body proportions, which should be only “slightly longer than tall” (or just a bit off square) with leg length from elbow to ground noticeably greater than the distance from elbow to withers, especially if examined by hand.
Tirelessness, courage, and the ability to work enthusiastically on a team in arctic conditions are the principal attributes of the Siberian Husky, a breed where often “less is more” in terms of bulk, bone and chest, and where form should absolutely follow function.
Good temperament and type, along with a balance of power, speed, and endurance compose the essence of the Siberian Husky — moderation in all parts — the ability to run far and fast. No single element is more important to the functionality of the breed than the overall body proportions, which should be only “slightly longer than tall” (or just a bit off square) with leg length from elbow to ground noticeably greater than the distance from elbow to withers, especially if examined by hand.
Tirelessness, courage, and the ability to work enthusiastically on a team in arctic conditions are the principal attributes of the Siberian Husky, a breed where often “less is more” in terms of bulk, bone and chest, and where form should absolutely follow function.
SOURCES
The position that the Siberian is most efficient at a lope relies on the descriptions of Julian Hurley, one of the earliest observers/breeders/exhibitors of Siberians and the author of the first Official Standard, Leonhard Seppala, greatest Siberian driver of all time, who logged an estimated quarter of a million miles behind dog teams, as reported and reinforced by Dr. Charles Belford, DVM, who learned dog driving from Seppala and won more races with Siberians than anyone, Elizabeth Nansen (formerly Ricker), Seppala’s kennel partner in New England, who refused to judge Siberians at any gait other than a lope; Dr. Roland Lombard, DVM, a founding member of the Siberian Husky Club of America and often considered second only to Seppala as a Siberian driver; Richard Moulton, kennel manager of the Seeley’s famed Chinook Kennels, Head Dog Handler on Byrd’s second Antarctic expedition and Bronze Star and Medal of Honor recipient for acts of heroism performed by dog team; and Curtis Brown in his enlightening book Dog Locomotion and Gait.
The perspective on general proportions relies on the research of Leigh Gilchrist on scores of working Siberians, on Dr. Charles Belford’s habitual measurements of his own dogs, on the recorded measurements of Siberians closely related to direct imports, and again on the research and analysis of Curtis Brown in his book.
The position that the Siberian is most efficient at a lope relies on the descriptions of Julian Hurley, one of the earliest observers/breeders/exhibitors of Siberians and the author of the first Official Standard, Leonhard Seppala, greatest Siberian driver of all time, who logged an estimated quarter of a million miles behind dog teams, as reported and reinforced by Dr. Charles Belford, DVM, who learned dog driving from Seppala and won more races with Siberians than anyone, Elizabeth Nansen (formerly Ricker), Seppala’s kennel partner in New England, who refused to judge Siberians at any gait other than a lope; Dr. Roland Lombard, DVM, a founding member of the Siberian Husky Club of America and often considered second only to Seppala as a Siberian driver; Richard Moulton, kennel manager of the Seeley’s famed Chinook Kennels, Head Dog Handler on Byrd’s second Antarctic expedition and Bronze Star and Medal of Honor recipient for acts of heroism performed by dog team; and Curtis Brown in his enlightening book Dog Locomotion and Gait.
The perspective on general proportions relies on the research of Leigh Gilchrist on scores of working Siberians, on Dr. Charles Belford’s habitual measurements of his own dogs, on the recorded measurements of Siberians closely related to direct imports, and again on the research and analysis of Curtis Brown in his book.
About the Author
MICHAEL JENNINGS
Michael Jennings got his first Siberian in 1970 and has been a breeder since 1976, producing 50+ conformation champions, including National Specialty and Best-in-Show winners. He is author of three books on the breed and recipient of the Dog Writers Association of America Award for “Best Breed Book of the Year” in 1979. He has judged National and large Specialty Shows in Italy, France, Austria, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and believes that, first and foremost, the Siberian is a long-distance sled dog. He served a span of 18 years as an officer and director of the Siberian Husky Club of America where he chaired the Standard Review Committee and the Illustrated Standard Committee, and has served on the Judges Education Committee since 1990.
Michael Jennings got his first Siberian in 1970 and has been a breeder since 1976, producing 50+ conformation champions, including National Specialty and Best-in-Show winners. He is author of three books on the breed and recipient of the Dog Writers Association of America Award for “Best Breed Book of the Year” in 1979. He has judged National and large Specialty Shows in Italy, France, Austria, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and believes that, first and foremost, the Siberian is a long-distance sled dog. He served a span of 18 years as an officer and director of the Siberian Husky Club of America where he chaired the Standard Review Committee and the Illustrated Standard Committee, and has served on the Judges Education Committee since 1990.
- The Siberian Husky: Able Athlete, Able Friend
- The New Complete Siberian Husky
- The Complete Siberian Husky (co-authored with Lorna Demidoff)
*Jo Lynn Stresing