Siberian Standard - windshot

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HEAD	BODY	LEGS & FEET
SIZE		COAT
GAIT		TAIL
TEMPERAMENT		TRAINABILITY
Standard of the Siberian Husky Approved by the American Kennel Club. October 8 1990 Effective November 28 1990

General Appearance

The Siberian Husky is a medium sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and graceful in action. He is moderately compact and his well-furred body, erect ears, and brush tail suggests 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 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, the Siberian Husky is typically with muscle firm and and well developed.

The Siberian does not carry excess weight.

Overview

The Siberian Husky is an arctic breed with striking blue or brown eyes – or one eye of each color. The skull is medium sized and should be proportionate to the body, slightly rounded on top and tapering from the eyes forward. The muzzle is medium length and with, tapering gradually to the tip which is neither completely round nor completely square. The nose is black for gray, tan or black dogs, liver in cooper dogs, and can be flesh-colored in white dogs. Some dogs have a nose that has pink streaks, referred to as “snow nose.” The ears sit high atop the head, are triangular in shape with slightly rounded tips that should point straight up in the air. The most important breed characteristic of the breed are medium size, moderate bone, well-balanced proportion, ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail and good disposition.The back is long and straight. The Husky's tail is covered in thick fur and is fox-brushed shape. It is carried over the back in a sickle curve when the dog is alert, and trails when the dog is relaxed. The coat comes in many colors including various shades of gray and silver, sand, red, and black-and-white, often with striking markings on the head that are not found in other breeds.

Any appearance of excessive bone or weight, constricted or clumsy gait or long, rough coat should be penalised. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or so coarse as to suggest a freighting animal nor is it 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. Obvious structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Husky as in any other breed even though they are not mentioned herein.