Siberian Huskies are gaining in popularity. Over the last decade, they’ve gone from the 25th to the 12th most popular dog breed in the U.S.
Saddleback Huskies have a distinctive appearance that is easy to recognize, which makes them a popular choice for dog lovers.
Saddleback Husky Facts
A Saddleback Husky has a distinctive pattern. They have lightly colored fur, with a dark patch on their back, or saddle area. They are pretty common.
However, Huskies have a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. In fact, Huskies can have 13 potential colors and 8 patterns. This means that no one color or pattern is very common, because there’s so much variation.
Like the snowflakes they love, it’s safe to say that no two Huskies look exactly the same.
Siberian Husky History
Siberian Huskies have a long and interesting history. The breed dates back at least 4,000 years, when they were domesticated by the Churchi tribe.
Siberian Huskies are often considered to be closely related to wolves. They certainly have a very wolf-like appearance. The truth is, all of today’s dog breeds originated from wolves, with some breeds also containing dna from other canines, like dingos.
In fact, Siberian Huskies are the descendants of Taimyr wolves, which existed in Siberia 35,000 years ago. The modern Husky has a loving friendly personality, which is at odds with its coat and appearance, which is still very similar to that of a wolf.
The Churchi tribe domesticated Huskies. They were surprisingly similar to today’s dog owners. Huskies worked alongside the tribe, pulling sleds and doing other needed tasks. They were also close companions, and slept alongside the tribe members.
The first Huskies came to the U.S. in 1908 and 1909. They were a sled team in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes race held in Nome Alaska. The team earned 3rd place, which certainly caught the eye of local sledders.
In 1925, they earned a different type of fame. A diphtheria epidemic had broken out in Nome. The Alaskan town was very isolated, so medicine had to be brought in from Neana. Some of the sled teams that participated in the lifesaving journey were Huskies.
One of these teams, led by Leonhard Seppala, went on a national tour afterwards. He also participated in New England sled races, where the rest of the country began to learn about the Husky, and their sledding skill.
New England teams began importing and breeding Huskies for sledding. In 1930, Huskies were recognized by the AKC.
Saddleback Husky Appearance
Saddleback doesn’t refer to a specific color or type of Husky. Instead, it’s a color pattern.
Typically, a Saddleback Husky is mostly white, with a dark colored area on their back and sides. This is also known as the saddle area, because it’s where a saddle sits on a horse.
The pattern makes the Husky look like they are wearing a saddle, which gives them a charming appearance. Some Huskies have a red body, rather than white. Since it’s a pattern instead of a color, Saddleback still applies.
Saddleback Husky Price
The price of a Husky will depend on several factors. These include the breeder, color of the Husky, and the purpose for the puppy.
Registered Siberian Huskies that are intended as pets typically range from $600-$1,300. Pups that are considered show quality will cost more, typically $1,000-$3,000.
Saddleback isn’t a rare color pattern, so you can expect to pay about $1,000.
The dog’s lineage can also affect price. Huskies from prestigious bloodlines can be more expensive, particularly if they are show quality pooches.
Saddleback Husky Rarity
Saddleback Huskies are common. They are typically bi-color, which means their coat has two colors.
Saddleback Husky Life expectancy
You can expect a Saddleback Husky to live for 12 to 14 years. Life expectancy is determined by genetics, but lifestyle factors also have an impact.
A healthy diet and weight, and regular exercise, can help your Husky to live their best, and longest, life.
Saddleback Husky Size and weight
Siberian Huskies are medium sized dogs. Huskies can come in two different sizes, which are standard and miniature.
Standard Huskies are a bit longer than they are tall, with females being smaller than males. Females typically weigh 35-50 pounds, and will grow to 20-22 inches tall. Males weigh 45 to 60 pounds, and grow to 21 to 24 inches tall.
Miniature Huskies are smaller, of course. Technically, they are not a separate breed. Breeders bred the smallest Huskies, and eventually developed the Miniature Husky.
They weigh between 20 and 35 pounds, and reach 13-17 inches tall. Since they are not considered a separate breed, they are not part of the Siberian Husky standard, due to their smaller size.
Saddleback Husky Health
Saddleback Huskies are a healthy breed, but they are prone to a few health problems. Some of these can be avoided with proper testing and breeding.
Genetic testing can reveal diseases that can be passed on to the dog’s offspring. Breeders then avoid breeding these dogs, preventing the disease from being passed on.
Over time, this can greatly reduce the number of Huskies with genetic health issues.
Eye Conditons
Siberian Huskies are famous for their striking eyes. They are often blue, but they can also be brown or green. It’s common for Huskies to have two differently colored eyes as well, which is known as heterochromia.
One eye condition that is common in Huskies is Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This disorder causes the eyes to stop functioning and go blind, usually at 2 to 3 years old.
Glaucoma is another common eye problem for the breed. Glaucoma causes increased pressure in the eyes, which causes pain and affects vision. In severe cases, surgery is required.
Lastly, Huskies can develop cataracts, which causes a film to form over the eyes. This impairs vision. Cataracts typically affect older dogs and humans.
However, Huskies can develop juvenile cataracts, which affects them at a young age.
Joint Conditons
Joint conditions are another Husky issue you should be aware of. The most common joint issue that affects Huskies is hip dysplasia.
This is a condition that is passed down genetically. However, lifestyle also impacts the odds of your Husky developing the condition. A healthy weight and exercise can reduce your Husky’s risk of the problem.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly. This allows it to slip out of place. This can cause pain and loss of mobility, depending on the severity.
Another condition Huskies can develop is arthritis. Just like humans, dogs with arthritis have joint swelling and pain. Medication can help manage arthritis in dogs.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is also a concern for Huskies. There are three types of epilepsy. Reactive seizures occur due to metabolic issues, including low blood sugar or toxin ingestion.
Secondary seizures are caused by trauma, including physical trauma or a stroke.
The last type is primary epilepsy. This means there’s no apparent cause for the condition. This is the type that Huskies are at a higher risk for.
The symptoms of epilepsy include involuntary movements and drooling. They may fall, kick their legs, or lose control of their bowels or bladder.
Seizures can last for 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Primary epilepsy typically develops between 6 months to 3 years old. It can be managed with medication, but can’t be cured.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal Paralysis causes the vocal cords to become paralyzed. Its’ a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time. It is typically seen in older Huskies. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, particularly during exercise, and lethargy.
Saddleback Husky Behavior/Characteristics
Saddleback Huskies are beautiful inside and out. They are extremely friendly dogs. If they are well trained and socialized, you can expect them to get along well with everyone, including strangers and other pets.
They are excellent with children. They have a gentle temperament, and they are always up to play. They need lots of attention and affection, which makes them perfect for families.
They are working dogs, so they prefer to stay busy. Allow them to feel needed and useful, and they will be an excellent companion.
They are easily excited, and seem to be enthusiastic about life. This is part of the Husky’s charm.
How to care for a Saddleback Husky
Caring for a Saddleback Husky isn’t particularly easy, but it is very rewarding. They are a high energy breed so they require more care than most breeds.
Special Husky Needs
Huskies are a unique breed, so they have a few unique needs as well. One of these needs is space. Huskies do best when they have plenty of room to play and run.
A fenced in yard is the best for them. If you live in an urban area, plan to spend lots of time at the dog park.
They also need socialization.They are very pack oriented. They need regular socialization with other dogs, and their humans. Without it, they can become bored and lonely, which leads to behavioral problems.
Before you get a Husky, be sure that you can meet these needs. Do you have a plan for puppy playdates, or another dog to be their companion? Do you have the time to spend with them yourself?
Exercise
Huskies were bred to pull a sled across miles of frozen land, so they are a high energy breed. In fact, they are capable of going 150 miles in a day, and can run at speeds up to 30 mph.
Dont’ worry, you won’t have to take your Husky on a cross country trek. However, they do need at least one,and preferably two, hours of exercise daily.
Some experts put it into different terms, stating that they should walk or run 3 to 5 miles at least 4 days a week.
Having a Husky in a large fenced in yard can help them stay active. Many owners find having two Huskies to be easier than one, because they will tire each other out somewhat. However, you will still need to exercise your Husky, even in these circumstances.
Grooming
Huskies are double coated, which means they need regular grooming. You should brush them at least once a week. Start with a comb to remove any tangles. Then use a paddle brush to remove any hair and dirt from their coat. Begin with the undercoat, and then groom the overcoat.
When the seasons begin to change, your Husky will shed. You can speed up the process, and minimize the mess, by brushing them daily during this time.
Training
Like all dogs, it’s important for Huskies to be properly trained. They are highly intelligent, so you may expect training them to be a simple process.
Due to the personality of Huskies, this isn’t the case. Huskies are very independent. When sledding, they must know what needs to be done, with little direction from their owner.
This makes them difficult to train. They aren’t accustomed or bred to take a lot of orders. When training a Husky, it’s best to work with them as a partner, rather than simply ordering them. Always use positive reinforcement when training.
How do you buy a Saddleback Husky?
When buying a Saddleback Husky, it’s important ot purchase them from a reputable breeder. Unfortunately, there are unethical breeders and puppy mills who do not have the best interest of the dogs at heart.
Using a Breeder Registry
The simplest way to ensure you have a reliable breeder is to go through a breeder registry. Breeder registries require breeders to meet high standards, which eliminates unethical breeders.
You can check out the AKC Siberian Husky Registry. The Siberian Husky Club of America is closely affiliated with the AKC, and also has a breeder registry.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
If you cant’ find a Husky through a breeder registry, it’s best to find one who registers their dogs and puppies. This isnt’ a requirement if you simply want a Saddleback Husky for a pet, but it does help ensure that the breeder is ethical.