GENERAL APPEARANCE :
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on
his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact and
well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern
heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly
effortless. He performs his original function in harness most
capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great
distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance
of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed
are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without
weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and
well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight.
IMPORTANT
PROPORTIONS :
In
profile, the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to
the rear point of the croup is slightly longer than the height of
the body from the ground to the top of the withers.
The
distance from the tip of the nose to the stop is equal to the
distance from the stop to the occiput.
BEHAVIOUR
/ TEMPERAMENT:
The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and
gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the
possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious
of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve
and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence,
tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion
and willing worker.
HEAD
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Of medium size and in proportion to the
body; sligthly rounded on top and tapering from the widest point to
the eyes.
Stop : Well defined.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Black in gray, tan or black dogs; liver in
copper dogs; may be flesh-coloured in pure white dogs. The
pink-streaked " snow nose " is acceptable.
Muzzle : Of medium length and of medium width,
tapering gradually to the nose, with the tip neither pointed nor
square. The bridge of the nose is straight from the stop to the
tip.
Lips : Well pigmented and close fitting.
Jaws/Teeth : Closing in a scissors bite.
Eyes : Almond shaped, moderately spaced and set a
trifle obliquely. Eyes may be brown or blue in colour; one of each
or particoloured are acceptable.
Expression : Keen, but friendly, interested and even
mischievous.
Ears : Of medium size, triangular in shape, close
fitting and set high on the head. They are thick, well furred,
slightly arched at the back, and strongly erect, with slightly
rounded tips pointing straight up.
NECK:
Medium in length, arched and carried proudly erect when dog
is standing. When moving at a trot, the neck is extended so that the
head is carried slightly forward.
BODY:
Back : Straight and strong, with a level topline from
withers to croup. Of medium length, neither cobby nor slack from
excessive length.
Loin : Taut and lean, narrower than the rib cage, and
with a slight tuck-up.
Croup : Slopes away from the spine at an angle, but
never so steeply as to restrict the rearward thrust of the hind
legs.
Chest : Deep and strong, but not too broad, with the
deepest point being just behind and level with the elbows. The ribs
are well sprung from the spine but flattened on the sides to allow
for freedom of action.
TAIL
:
The well furred tail of fox-brush shape is set on just below
the level of the topline, and is usually carried over the back in a
graceful sickle curve when the dog is at attention. When carried up,
the tail does not curl to either side of the body, nor does it snap
flat against the back. A trailing tail is normal for the dog when in
repose. Hair on the tail is of medium length and approximately the
same length on top, sides and bottom, giving the appearance of a
round brush.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : When standing
and viewed from the front, the legs are moderately spaced, parallel
and straight. Bone is substantial but never heavy. Length of the leg
from the elbow to ground is slightly more than the distance from the
elbow to the top of withers. Dewclaws on forelegs may be
removed.
Shoulders and arm : The shoulder blade is well laid
back. The upper arm angles slightly backward from point of shoulder
to elbow, and is never perpendicular to the ground. The muscles and
ligaments holding the shoulder to the rib cage are firm and well
developed.
Elbows : Close to the body and turned neither in nor
out.
Pastern joint : Strong, but flexible.
Pasterns : Viewed from the side, pasterns are slightly
slanted.
HINDQUARTERS: When standing and viewed from the rear, the
hind legs are moderately spaced and parallel. Dewclaws, if any, are
to be removed.
Upper thigh : Well muscled and powerful.
Stifle : Well bent.
Hock joint : Well defined and set low to ground.
FEET
:
Oval in shape but not long. The paws are medium in size, compact and
well furred between the toes and pads. The pads are tough and
thickly cushioned. The paws neither turn in nor out when the dog is
in natural stance.
GAIT
/ MOVEMENT:
The Siberian Husky's characteristic gait is smooth and
seemingly effortless. He is quick and light on his feet, and when in
the show ring should be gaited on a loose lead at a moderately fast
trot, exhibiting good reach in the forequarters and good drive in
the hindquarters. When viewed from the front to rear while moving at
a walk the Siberian Husky does not single-track, but as the speed
increases the legs gradually angle inward until the pads are falling
on a line directly under the longitudinal center of the body. As the
pad marks converge, the forelegs and hind legs are carried
straightforward, with neither elbows nor stifles turned in or out.
Each'hind leg moves in the path of the foreleg on the same side.
While the dog is gaiting, the topline remains firm and level.
COAT
HAIR : The coat of the Siberian Husky
is double and medium in length, giving a well furred appearance, but
is never so long as to obscure the cleancut outline of the dog. The
undercoat is soft and dense and of sufficient length to support the
outer coat. The guard hairs of the outer coat are straight and
somewhat smooth lying, never harsh nor standing straight off from
the body. It should be noted that the absence of the undercoat
during the shedding season is normal. Trimming of whiskers and fur
between the toes and around the feet to present a neater appearance
is permissible. Trimming the fur on any other part of the dog is not
to be condoned and should be severely penalized.
COLOUR : All colours from black to pure
white are allowed. A variety of markings on the head is common,
including many striking patterns not found in other breeds.
SIZE
AND WEIGHT :
Height at withers :
Dogs: 21 to 23, 5 inches (53,5 - 60 cm).
Females : 20 to 22 inches (50,5 - 56 cm).
Weight :
Dogs : 45 to 60 pounds (20,5 - 28 kg).
Females : 35 to 50 pounds (15,5 - 23 kg).
Weight is in proportion to height. The measurements mentioned above
represent the extreme height and weight limits with no preference
given to either extreme. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight
should be penalized.
SUMMARY:
The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian
Husky are medium size, moderate bone, well balanced proportions,
ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears,
correct tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone
or weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be
penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to
suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to
suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky
gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance. In
addition to the faults already noted, the obvious structural faults
common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Siberian Husky as in
any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned
herein.
FAULTS
:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered
a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded
should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Skull : Head clumsy or heavy; head too finely chiseled.
Stop : Insufficient.
Muzzle : Either too snipy or too coarse; too short or too
long.
Jaws/Teeth : Any bite other than scissors bite.
Eyes : Set too obliquely; set too close together. ·
Ears : Too large in proportion to the head; too wide set; not
strongly erect.
Neck : Too short and thick; too long.
Back : Weak or slack back; roached back; sloping topline. ·
Chest : Too broad; " barrel
ribs "; ribs too flat or weak. ·
Tail
: A snapped or tightly curled tail; highly plumed tail; tail set too
low or too high. ·
Shoulders
: Straight shoulders; loose shoulders.
Forequarters : Weak pasterns; too heavy bone; too narrow or too wide
in the front; out at the elbows.
Hindquarters : Straight stifles, cow-hocks, too narrow or too wide
in the rear.
Feet : Soft or splayed toes; paws too large and clumsy; paws too
small and delicate; toeing in or out.
Gait/Movement : Short, prancing or choppy gait, lumbering or rolling
gait; crossing or crabbing.
Hair : Long, rough, or shaggy coat; texture too harsh or too silky;
trimming of the coat, except as permitted above.
ELIMINATING
FAULT:
Dogs over 23,5 inches (60 cm) and bitches over 22 inches (56 cm).
N.B.
: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully
descended into the scrotum.
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General Appearance
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light
on his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact
and well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern
heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly
effortless. He performs his original function in harness most
capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great
distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance
of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed
are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without
weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and
well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height--
Dogs, 21 to 23½ inches at the withers.
Bitches, 20 to
22 inches at the withers. Weight--Dogs, 45 to 60 pounds.
Bitches, 35 to 50 pounds. Weight is in proportion to height.
The measurements mentioned above represent the extreme height and
weight limits with no preference given to either extreme. Any
appearance of excessive bone or weight should be penalized. In
profile, the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to
the rear point of the croup is slightly longer than the height of
the body from the ground to the top of the
withers. Disqualification--Dogs over 23½ inches and
bitches over 22 inches.
Head.
Expression is keen, but friendly; interested and even
mischievous.
Eyes almond shaped, moderately spaced and set a trifle
obliquely. Eyes may be brown or blue in color; one of each or
parti-colored are acceptable. Faults--Eyes set too obliquely; set
too close together. Ears of medium size, triangular
in shape, close fitting and set high on the head. They are thick,
well furred, slightly arched at the back, and strongly erect, with
slightly rounded tips pointing straight up. Faults--Ears too large
in proportion to the head; too wide set; not strongly
erect. Skull of medium size and in proportion to
the body; slightly rounded on top and tapering from the widest point
to the eyes. Faults--Head clumsy or heavy; head too finely chiseled.
Stop--The stop is well-defined and the bridge of
the nose is straight from the stop to the tip. Fault--Insufficient
stop. Muzzle of medium length; that is, the
distance from the tip of the nose to the stop is equal to the
distance from the stop to the occiput. The muzzle is of medium
width, tapering gradually to the nose, with the tip neither pointed
nor square. Faults Muzzle either too snipy or too coarse; muzzle too
short or too long. Nose black in gray, tan or
black dogs; liver in copper dogs; may be flesh-colored in pure white
dogs. The pink-streaked "snow nose" is acceptable. Lips
are well pigmented and close fitting. Teeth
closing in a scissors bite. Fault--Any bite other than
scissors.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck
medium in length, arched and carried proudly erect
when dog is standing. When moving at a trot, the neck is extended so
that the head is carried slightly forward. Faults--Neck too short
and thick; neck too long. Chest deep and strong,
but not too broad, with the deepest point being just behind and
level with the elbows. The ribs are well sprung from the spine but
flattened on the sides to allow for freedom of action. Faults--Chest
too broad; "barrel ribs"; ribs too flat or weak.
Back--The back is straight and strong, with a
level topline from withers to croup. It is of medium length, neither
cobby nor slack from excessive length. The loin is taut and lean,
narrower than the rib cage, and with a slight tuck-up. The croup
slopes away from the spine at an angle, but never so steeply as to
restrict the rearward thrust of the hind legs. Faults--Weak or slack
back; roached back; sloping topline.
Tail
The well furred tail of fox-brush shape is set on just below the
level of the topline, and is usually carried over the back in a
graceful sickle curve when the dog is at attention. When carried up,
the tail does not curl to either side of the body, nor does it snap
flat against the back. A trailing tail is normal for the dog when in
repose. Hair on the tail is of medium length and approximately the
same length on top, sides and bottom, giving the appearance of a
round brush. Faults--A snapped or tightly curled tail; highly plumed
tail; tail set too low or too high.
Forequarters
Shoulders--The shoulder blade is well laid back. The
upper arm angles slightly backward from point of shoulder to elbow,
and is never perpendicular to the ground. The muscles and ligaments
holding the shoulder to the rib cage are firm and well developed.
Faults--Straight shoulders; loose shoulders.
Forelegs--When standing and viewed from the front,
the legs are moderately spaced, parallel and straight, with the
elbows close to the body and turned neither in nor out. Viewed from
the side, pasterns are slightly slanted, with the pastern joint
strong, but flexible. Bone is substantial but never heavy. Length of
the leg from elbow to ground is slightly more than the distance from
the elbow to the top of withers. Dewclaws on forelegs may be
removed. Faults--Weak pasterns; too heavy bone; too narrow or too
wide in the front; out at the elbows. Feet oval in
shape but not long. The paws are medium in size, compact and well
furred between the toes and pads. The pads are tough and thickly
cushioned. The paws neither turn in nor out when the dog is in
natural stance. Faults--Soft or splayed toes; paws too large and
clumsy; paws too small and delicate; toeing in or out.
Hindquarters
When standing and viewed from the rear, the hind legs are
moderately spaced and parallel. The upper thighs are well muscled
and powerful, the stifles well bent, the hock joint well-defined and
set low to the ground. Dewclaws, if any, are to be removed.
Faults--Straight stifles, cow-hocks, too narrow or too wide in the
rear.
Coat
The coat of the Siberian Husky is double and medium in length,
giving a well furred appearance, but is never so long as to obscure
the clean-cut outline of the dog. The undercoat is soft and dense
and of sufficient length to support the outer coat. The guard hairs
of the outer coat are straight and somewhat smooth lying, never
harsh nor standing straight off from the body. It should be noted
that the absence of the undercoat during the shedding season is
normal. Trimming of whiskers and fur between the toes and around the
feet to present a neater appearance is permissible. Trimming the fur
on any other part of the dog is not to be condoned and should be
severely penalized. Faults--Long, rough, or shaggy coat; texture too
harsh or too silky; trimming of the coat, except as permitted above.
Color
All colors from black to pure white are allowed. A variety of
markings on the head is common, including many striking patterns not
found in other breeds.
Gait
The Siberian Husky's characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly
effortless. He is quick and light on his feet, and when in the show
ring should be gaited on a loose lead at a moderately fast trot,
exhibiting good reach in the forequarters and good drive in the
hindquarters. When viewed from the front to rear while moving at a
walk the Siberian Husky does not single-track, but as the speed
increases the legs gradually angle inward until the pads are falling
on a line directly under the longitudinal center of the body. As the
pad marks converge, the forelegs and hind legs are carried
straightforward, with neither elbows nor stifles turned in or out.
Each hind leg moves in the path of the foreleg on the same side.
While the dog is gaiting, the topline remains firm and level.
Faults--Short, prancing or choppy gait, lumbering or rolling gait;
crossing or crabbing.
Temperament
The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly
and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the
possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious
of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve
and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence,
tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion
and willing worker.
Summary
The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian Husky
are medium size, moderate bone, well balanced proportions, ease and
freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct
tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone or
weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be
penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to
suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to
suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky
gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance. In
addition to the faults already noted, the obvious structural faults
common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Siberian Husky as in
any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned
herein.
DISQUALIFICATION
Dogs over 23½ inches and bitches over 22
inches
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