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. 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. Skull of medium size and in proportion to the body; slightly rounded on top and tapering from the widest point to the eyes. 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. Lips are well pigmented and close fitting. Teeth closing in a scissors bite.

The original breeders of the Siberian Husky were more concerned with function than with form & looks, so early Siberians came in a bewildering mix of shapes and sizes. To be able to breed true, dedicated breeders  began to develop a conformation standard.

The Siberian Husky breed standard was first published in 1932: it has changed little since then. The Husky is a dog built for both speed and endurance. The Siberian’s smooth combination of grace and strength makes it a star wherever it goes. The keys to a good Siberian are balance, proportion, coat, and temperament. The Siberian Husky standard represents the ideal show dog, the goal toward which breeders strive.

General Appearance

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action. Its moderately compact and well furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest its Northern heritage. Its characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. It performs its original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances. Its 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.

©2017 Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. Illustrated Standard

Size & Proportion

Height at withers: Dogs: 53,5 to 60 cm; Females: 50,5 to 56 cm

Weight: Dogs: 20,5 to 28 kg; Females:15,5 to 23 kg

Weight is in proportion to height. The length of the body from the point of 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.

©2017 Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. Illustrated Standard

Head

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. 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. 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.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. 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. 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. Feet oval in shape but not long. The paws are medium in size, compact and well furred between the toes and pads.

Body

©2017 Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. Illustrated Standard

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. 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.

Color & Coat

©2017 Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. Illustrated Standard

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.

Temperament