A brief history of the breed and it's beginning as well as a standard for the breed can be found at the Siberian Husky Club of America website.  Our objective here is to tell you what the standard doesn't and why careful consideration must be given before you decide to add one to your family.

While the Siberian is a medium sized breed, they do need exercise which will require a yard.  They like to run so this yard must be fenced, preferably with a block wall.  They are curious and always like to see what is going on and a determined Siberian may not be detained by a wooden fence.  Ideally, the fence should be 6' tall, and care must be taken to advise those who may enter that this breed likes to run!  They need to be leashed at all times when not in your yard because once loose they only look back to see if you are coming so they can run faster!

As a family pet they are excellent with children and generally get along well with other dogs.  Cats may be another matter and it is best to keep them separated unless they are raised with them.   While Siberians are not determined "cat killers" they do like to play and when they play it can be rough resulting in severe, sometimes fatal, injuries to cats.

Part of the beauty and allure of the Siberian is it's coat, which can be seen in a variety of colors and varying shades.  This is a double-coat consisting of a dense, thick undercoat and a slightly longer outer, or guard coat.  Many people do not want the grooming required when the Siberian sheds.  Shedding usually occurs twice a year when they will loose their undercoat resulting in a "moth-eaten" look until it either comes out or is brushed out.  During this time they require extra grooming to remove the dead coat before your backyard looks like snowfall in mid-summer.  They are a clean dog and do not have the usual doggy odor therefore do not need frequent bathing.

The Siberian is a social animal and usually does best with another dog.  If you are looking for a dog to live in the backyard without daily interaction with you, this is not the breed.  They are intelligent and will get bored which leads to destruction as they will dig and chew to amuse themselves.  They are not a barking breed consequently they do not make good watchdogs.  They can be obedience trained but it takes a bit more patience than with some other breeds due to their inquisitive nature and they bore easily, always looking for new challenges. 

So, if you don't mind the extra care it takes to secure your Siberian, if you don't mind a little extra brushing at shedding time, if you don't mind the excited tail-wagging as they see you and the wet husky kisses, if you aren't looking for a watch dog, if you are looking for a great family pet, if you want a dog to be a part of your family on a daily basis then this just may be the breed for you.