The Siberian Husky descends from the Chukchi Sled Dog, which was bred in the Soviet Arctic for over 3000 years before it was introduced to North America. The nomadic tribes that bred the dogs used the Siberian Huskies to pull sleds and herd reindeer. Like all sled dogs, the breed is able to work hard for long periods of time with little food. In the late 1800's, a fur trader named Olaf Swenson brought the first Chukchi's to North America and began a successful breeding program. The Siberian Huskies soon gained popularity as excellent participants in the growing sport of sled-racing. The most famous team driver of the time was a Norwegian, Leonhard Seppala, who won the All-Alaska Sweepstakes three years in a row. He later moved to the States and contributed a great deal to the breeding programs of Siberian Huskies on this continent. The breed was officially recognised and renamed the Siberian Husky in 1939. Since then, the popular breed has worked its way into the hearts of many families as a devoted pet.

Appearance
Siberian Huskies share many outward similarities with the Alaskan Malamute as well as many other spitz breeds such as the Samoyed, which has a comparable history to the Huskies. Siberian Huskies have a thicker coat than most other breeds of dog. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common colors are black and white, grey and white, copper-red and white, and pure white, though many individuals have brown, reddish, or biscuit shadings and some are piebald spotted. Striking masks, spectacles, and other facial markings occur in wide variety. The Siberian Husky tend to have a wolf-like appearance. Though the breed is not related to the wolf any closer than any other breed of dog, it is thought they maintained this appearance through isolated breeding of Siberia.

Character
Siberian Huskies can be extremely affectionate, curious (like all dogs), and welcoming to people; characteristics that usually render them as poor guard dogs. Properly socialized Siberian Huskies are very friendly and tolerant with children, if they’re also careful and respectful to the dog. The Siberian is neither overly aggressive with other dogs nor suspicious of strangers, but you should be careful with other animals such as cats or rodents, because of the hunting instinct of the Siberian Husky.
 

Temperament
Despite their sometimes intimidating wolf-like appearance, Siberian Huskies generally have a gentle temperament. Being a working breed, Siberian Huskies are very energetic and enjoy the ability to explore and run. That, combined with their striking appearance, has made them popular as both family pets and as show dogs.

Exercise/Training
The Siberian Husky also needs a great deal of exercise to be happy. Any sled dog is never happier than when pulling a sled. This is as true of a Siberian Husky as any other Sled dog. While a Siberian Husky can feel absolutely at home in an apartment, a tent, or buried comfortably in the snow, it will never be happy unless it gets several very long walks or jogs a day, and most love a run every day. To a Siberian Husky, a day without a run is a day without joy. This is a very old and primal breed of dog, and its needs are simple, but primal. Food, water, and a run. It's simple, but often more than just anyone can give. It's better to get a dog that fits your life style, than to get a dog that requires a life style you cannot provide.

Color
The Siberian Husky's coat consists of two layers, a dense, cashmere-like undercoat and a longer coarser topcoat consisting of short, straight guard hairs. This top coat can actually be two different colors, and it's not unusual to find it growing white then black then white on the same piece of fur.

Grooming
Siberian Huskies typically shed their undercoat two times a year or with the change of seasons; the process is commonly referred to as "blowing their coat". Otherwise, grooming is minimal; bathing is normally unnecessary as the coat sheds dirt. When grooming, most of the work needs to be done on the rear legs, as this is an area which does not naturally lose as much fur as the rest of the animal. The Siberian Husky should be brushed when the fur starts to clump. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Siberian Husky as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Siberian Husky should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well. Healthy Siberian Huskies have little odor.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.