Siberian Huskies are graceful yet mischievous and originally bred as sled dogs.
this breed was developed by the Chukchi tribe in Northeast Asia over 3,000 years ago, with the main purpose of helping them as sled pullers.
Today, Siberian Huskies are loved by many, making them great house and working dogs.
But how do we tell if a Siberian Husky is purebred?
There are many unreliable breeders out there that may claim that their Siberian Huskies are purebred, when in fact, they are not.
While these dogs are still as loveable and loyal as purebreds, you may also feel as if you got scammed.
To avoid this, there are different factors and characteristics of a Siberian Husky which you can look out for to determine if they are indeed purebred.
Read on to find out how to determine a purebred Siberian Husky!
Importance of Determining a Purebred
Knowing if your dog is purebred can help provide you with further information about them.
Including how they will look in the future, their temperament, and even potential health conditions.
Knowing that your Siberian Husky is purebred can help you understand them better, without any surprises.
You will know how they will act, their exercise requirements, and even their ancestors.
So, here is how you can determine if your Siberian Husky is purebred.
Siberian Huskies’ Appearance
These purebred Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs that can stand up to 24 inches tall.
They have erected and triangular ears, with brown and/or blue eyes.
Having a blue and brown eye is common for purebred Huskies.
These dogs vary in color, from black to pure white.
Their double coat is medium-length, dense, and plush.
They also have a small ruff around their neck without long fringe along their tail and legs.
Purebred Siberian Huskies typically, have white markings on their legs and chest while their tail is well-furred.
While markings do not appear on all purebred Siberian Huskies, these markings can’t be found in any other breed.
Temperament
While Siberian Huskies’ temperament may differ according to various factors such as how they are trained and their parents’ temperament, there are some behaviors that you can look out for in a Siberian Husky to determine if they are purebred.
Although Siberian Huskies are stubborn, they can be intelligent and independent.
This means that they require early training and socialization, for them to grow to become well-behaved dogs.
These Siberian Huskies are also great house pets as they are generally friendly and loyal to their owners.
This also means that they are willing to listen to your commands, making them great to train.
As they have a high prey drive, Siberian Huskies love to run around and chase small animals such as cats and livestock.
They also love digging, especially in warm weather, to find a cool place to lie in.
Fortunately, Siberian Huskies do not like to bark, while they may howl occasionally.
Check Certificates
As you can’t distinguish a purebred Siberian Husky on appearances alone, another way to check if your Siberian Husky is purebred is to take a look at their pedigree papers.
These papers are proof that your dog is purebred and also highlight their pure ancestry.
You can obtain these pedigree papers from your dog’s breeder.
If they are reliable, they will issue you their papers willingly.
Reputable breeders will register all their purebred dogs with the American Kennel Club.
Do make sure that the papers which you receive are legit, as unreliable breeders may issue out fake certificates.
If your Siberian Husky does not have a pedigree paper, you can presume that they are not purebred.
DNA Testing
An accurate way to show if your Siberian Husky is purebred is through a DNA test.
DNA tests can not only tell you if they are purebred, but they can also tell you more about their ancestry, physical appearance, temperament, and any potential health problems.
There are various ways to test your Siberian Husky’s DNA — through a home kit or by a vet.
Alternatively, bringing your Siberian Husky to the vet can also allow your vet to distinguish its breed.
Health
Purebred Siberian Huskies are a generally healthy breed, as compared to other breeds.
They are known for their ability to maintain a healthy weight, being clean, and free from odor and parasites.
However, they are still prone to certain illnesses, including:
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Corneal dystrophy
- Zinc deficiency
- Hypothyroidism
Being aware of these health conditions and their symptoms can help you identify the problem at an early stage.
Especially if your Siberian Husky is purebred, it is important for you to read up on these diseases to ensure that your Siberian Husky is healthy.
Overall Thoughts
Knowing if your Siberian Husky is purebred can help you understand them and their needs better.
There are many ways to determine if they are purebred from their physical appearance to receiving pedigree papers.
Ultimately, regardless of whether your Siberian Husky is purebred or not, it is important that you love them the same.
