Page 224 - Showsight March 2013

In judging the Siberian Husky,
the first thing to remember is
his job: carrying a light load at
a moderate speed over great dis-
tances in a very cold climate.
The essence of breed type
for the Siberian includes all of the char-
acteristics required of an athletic, endur-
ance sled dog. Standing back to form that
initial impression of the dog, the judge
should be asking if the length of the dog is
slightly longer than the dog is tall; if there
is slightly more daylight under the dog
than the apparent depth of the body; if
the dog has well laid-back shoulders and
matching angles in the rear; if the neck
is well arched and of sufficient length; if
the topline is strong and level; if there is
a slope to the croup and a well set-on tail;
if the head is in balance and pleasing; if
the coat does not obscure the outline of
the dog. This observation should give the
judge an idea of how the dog will move,
and what the judge will discover during
the physical examination; the judge will
form an impression of the dog’s strengths,
and potential concerns.
When approaching the dog, it is best
done from the front so as not surprise
the dog. A Siberian could greet you with
kisses or reserve. Be aware that few Siberi-
ans will stand still as statues! You should,
however, not expect shyness or aggression.
Although Siberian breed type is not
limited to his head, you will find a num-
ber of our treasured breed characteristics
in the head. The Standard for Siberian
Huskies calls only for a scissors bite. So,
checking the bite is a very quick process.
In looking at the Siberian’s head, you
should see an intelligent, interested, even
mischievous gaze—which is significantly
due to the almond-shaped, trifle obliquely
set eyes. If the eyes are round, the quizzical
expression will not be there. The length of
muzzle and distance from stop to occiput
should be approximately equal. And,
although a treasured Breed characteris-
tic, Siberians’ ears are often a barometer
of their mood; as Siberians can do many
things with their ears.
The Standard calls for an ear that is
high on the head, medium, thick, trian-
gular, strongly erect, pointing straight
upward, and well furred.
The head attaches to the body by a well
arched medium length neck. Although the
Standard does not mention the proster-
num, a correctly built Siberian needs a pro-
sternum that you should easily be able to
feel. The width of chest between the front
legs should not be broader than the width
of your hand.
The Siberian Standard calls for well
laid back shoulders, and although not spe-
cifically mentioned in the Standard, the
shoulder blade and upper arm should be
approximately equal in length. Due to the
coat, you will need to use your hands to
“measure” these bones, as well as the angle
of the shoulder layback. Look for the posi-
tion of the forelegs, which should be “well
under” the dog. Never forget the impor-
tance of the front assembly in a working
sled dog.
The feet of a Siberian are one of his
greatest assets in the snow. They should be
medium sized, oval in shape, toughly pad-
ded, compact, and well-furred.
Although proportion is easier to see
from afar, the physical examination helps
determine the depth of chest, and distance
from elbow to top of withers. Thick fur at
the withers may make a dog appear taller
than he actually is. The Siberian Standard
has an upper height disqualification, but
no preference should be given to either
extreme OR the middle of the provided
range. If you have ANY doubt an exhibit’s
height, please measure the dog!
A correct Siberian coat is a smooth-
lying, dense, double-coat, and should nev-
er obscure the overall outline of the dog. In
order to be assured of the limits of the body
and the overall structure of the dog, feel
through the coat. In doing so, you can also
determine the dog’s muscling, weight, the
correctness of the coat, as well as the shape
of the Siberian’s rib cage. The ribs should
be sprung, but flattened on the sides for
freedom of movement. Remember that the
Standard for Siberian Huskies states that
weight is in proportion to height. A correct
Siberian Husky should NEVER appear
“husky” in his build.
JUDGING THE SIBERIAN HUSKY
By Donna Beckman
The Siberian Husky’s ears should be of
medium size, triangular in shape, and set
high on the head. The eyes should be almond
shaped and set a trifle obliquely.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Hubbach.
“A correct Siberian Husky
SHoUlD NEVER AppEAR
‘HUSKY’ IN HIS BUIlD.”
224 • ShowSight Magazine, March 2013