Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Siberian Husky is an ancient northern breed developed by the Chukchi people as an enduring sled dog capable of covering long distances in harsh climates. For centuries, selection focused on strength, economical movement, stable temperament, and the ability to work in a team. In the early 20th century, Huskies were brought to Alaska, where they quickly gained fame in sled races and rescue expeditions. The breed gained international recognition thanks to its working qualities, harmonious build, and expressive appearance, while preserving its natural type.
General Appearance
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized, harmoniously built, light and agile dog of northern type. It has strong bone, balanced musculature, elasticity, and economical movement. The body is compact and free of coarseness. The head is proportional, with smooth lines. The coat is dense, of medium length, with a thick undercoat. Movement is light, free, and springy. Overall appearance reflects endurance, working energy, and natural beauty, making the Husky a distinctive sled breed with a vivid breed expression.
Important Proportions
The format is compact and balanced. The height at the withers is slightly less than the length of the body. The depth of the chest reaches the elbows, providing sufficient respiratory capacity. The head is proportional: the muzzle is of medium length and slightly tapers toward the nose, but is not pointed. The neck is strong, of medium length. The limbs have balanced angulation, allowing lightness and long stride. The tail is moderately high-set and carried in a sickle shape. All proportions serve movement economy, endurance, and the ability to work long hours in harness.
Behavior and Temperament
The Siberian Husky has a balanced, friendly, and energetic temperament. The breed is independent yet cooperative, with well-developed social behavior and team-working ability. The Husky is not prone to aggression; it is attentive, sociable, and highly energetic. It requires regular physical and mental stimulation. In the family it is affectionate, playful, and gentle with people. Nervousness, shyness, or aggression are unacceptable. The correct temperament combines steadiness, curiosity, and working motivation.
Head
The Siberian Husky’s head is proportional to the body, with soft, clean lines. The skull is of medium width and slightly rounded. The stop is moderately defined. The muzzle is of medium length, tapering harmoniously toward the nose but not pointed. The cheekbones are moderately developed and dry. The lips are close-fitting without looseness. The jaws are strong, with a correct scissor bite. The head should convey alertness, attentiveness, and confidence. Coarseness, a narrow skull, or insufficient pigmentation are undesirable.
Facial Region
The muzzle is of medium length and width, with a straight profile. The nose is pigmented, with slight winter fading permitted. The lips are dry and close-fitting. The jaws are strong, with large, even teeth. The cheeks are smooth without heavy musculature. The chin is moderately developed. The facial region should emphasize the northern type: clean lines, harmony, and a working expression. Weak jaws, an overly pointed or coarse muzzle, incomplete pigmentation, or visible asymmetry are faults.
Eyes
The Siberian Husky’s eyes are almond-shaped, slightly oblique, and medium-sized. Expression is lively, attentive, and sometimes mischievous. Eye color ranges from dark brown to blue; heterochromia is permitted. The eyelids are tight and well pigmented. Too round, protruding, very light, or widely spaced eyes, as well as signs of irritation, are unacceptable. The correct eye shape highlights the breed expression: energetic, intelligent, and open.
Ears
The ears are small, triangular, erect, high-set, and fairly close together. The tips are slightly rounded. The ears are thick, well-furred, mobile, and quick to react to sound. When alert, the ears are directed forward, enhancing the breed’s expressiveness. Large, low-set, soft, or outward-turned ears are unacceptable. Correct ear shape emphasizes the dog’s compactness and northern type.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, muscular, with a natural arch. The neck set is confident without excessive verticality. During movement, the neck extends slightly forward, aiding balance and running efficiency. The skin is tight, without dewlap. A neck that is short, overly long, coarse, or weak disrupts the breed outline. The neck should emphasize the Husky’s endurance and working type.
Body
The Siberian Husky’s body is compact, strong, and balanced, reflecting the breed’s ability to work long distances in harness. The withers are well defined, flowing into a straight, strong topline. The back is of medium length, without sagging or excessive rise. The loin is short, strong, and moderately muscular. The croup is slightly sloping, providing correct drive and balance. The chest is deep and well developed, reaching the elbows; the ribs are moderately sprung and not barrel-shaped. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, emphasizing lightness and functionality. Overall, the body should combine strength, endurance, and movement economy, without heaviness or coarseness.
Tail
The Siberian Husky’s tail is moderately long, high-set, and well covered with dense fur forming the characteristic “northern plume.” In repose, the tail hangs down in a gentle curve. In movement or excitement, the dog carries the tail in a sickle shape over the topline, but not in a tight curl and not lying on the back. The tail must preserve a natural curve and mobility. Too short, too long, coarse in texture, or rigidly curled tails are faults. A correct tail highlights balance, breed outline, and the northern type, reflecting natural origin and working purpose.
Description of the Exterior
Forelimbs
The forelimbs are straight, parallel, with strong but not coarse bone. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back, allowing wide reach and smooth movement. The upper arm is of similar length to the shoulder blade, with a correctly expressed angle that increases stride efficiency and reduces running impact. The forearms are vertical and strong, the pasterns slightly elastic but not weak. The feet are oval, compact, with tight pads and well-developed fur between the toes for insulation and traction on snow. Turning elbows, weak pasterns, east-west stance, or narrow placement are faults. The forelimbs must reflect balance, strength, and the Husky’s ability to move effortlessly in harness.
Hindlimbs
The Siberian Husky’s hindlimbs must be strong, well angulated, and powerful, providing optimal drive and movement efficiency. The thighs are long and broad, with developed but dry musculature, allowing endurance over long distances. The stifle joints are strong with correct angulation, without weakness or straightness. The lower thighs are moderately long and muscular, transitioning to strong, low-set hocks. The rear pasterns are vertical and resilient, neither turning inward nor outward. The feet are oval, compact, with tight pads and insulating hair between the toes. The hindlimbs must work harmoniously with the forelimbs, providing stable drive, freedom, and elasticity. Weak joints, straight angles, cow-hocks, or pigeon-toes are faults.
Gait and Movement
The Siberian Husky’s gait is light, free, and springy, perfectly suited to long-distance work in harness. At the trot, the dog demonstrates economical movement, maintaining a stable topline and straight action. The forelimbs reach forward confidently while the hindlimbs provide powerful but smooth drive, allowing the Husky to maintain rhythm and speed without fatigue. The elbows must move parallel to the body without turning out. The movement shows coordination and balance, giving the impression of a “gliding” gait. Short stride, east-west, cow-hocks, heavy movement, or excessive reach that breaks efficiency are faults. Correct movement reflects the breed’s natural ability for long-distance travel, mental stability, and optimal structure.
Coat
The Siberian Husky’s coat is a key breed feature, providing protection in harsh northern climates. It consists of a dense, soft, extremely thick undercoat and a medium-length, harsher outer coat that forms a smooth, close-fitting layer. The coat should not be long or overly plush, as this reduces function and impairs heat dissipation. A moderate “ruff” on the neck is common, especially in males. The tail is heavily furred, forming a full plume. The coat must be clean in texture, without curliness, silkiness, or excessive softness. Absence of undercoat, overly short, sparse, or wavy coat are serious deviations that compromise the breed’s ability to withstand cold, wind, and moisture.
Acceptable Colors
The Siberian Husky is acceptable in virtually any color, reflecting its natural origin and broad genetic range. Black, gray, silver, sable, red, brown, white, and any combinations of these with various mask patterns and markings occur. Pure white is also acceptable. The pattern may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, though clean lines and harmonious distribution of color are preferred. Nose, eyelid, and lip pigmentation must be full; seasonal lightening (“winter nose”) is allowed. Colors associated with lack of pigmentation or health problems are not allowed. Correct color emphasizes northern type and natural breed expressiveness.
Size
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog. Males typically stand 53–60 cm at the withers; females 50–56 cm. Weight is proportional to height and condition. The dog must appear strong, light, and capable of endurance without heaviness. Excessively large or small dogs are undesirable as they disrupt balance and movement economy. The correct size supports endurance, efficient gait, and the breed’s purpose as a sled dog.
Faults
Faults include any deviation reducing function or distorting breed type: weak bone, loose body, insufficient musculature, narrow chest, or flat ribs. Soft topline, weak hocks, straight angulation, unstable pasterns impair movement. Light, round, or protruding eyes, weak pigmentation of eyelids, lips, or nose spoil expression. Incorrect bite or weak jaws are serious faults. Overly long, soft, or curly coat, absence of undercoat, or uneven covering are deviations from the standard. Temperament faults—shyness, aggressiveness, nervousness, or lack of stable character—are undesirable as they impair working ability.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations affecting health, working ability, or breed type. Complete depigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids; structural defects of the eyelids; pronounced strabismus; absence of ocular pigmentation. Severe bite faults—overshot, undershot, absence of multiple teeth (except age-appropriate). Limb deformities, severe lameness, major coordination issues. Absence of undercoat, excessively long or curly coat. Colors associated with skin or pigment disorders. Cryptorchidism in males. Serious behavioral deviations: unwarranted aggression, panic-level shyness, unstable psyche.
Important Notes
In the Siberian Husky, evaluation prioritizes functionality, endurance, and movement economy rather than decorative appearance or coat volume. Minor aesthetic deviations are acceptable if they do not affect working ability. Seasonal nose fading or slight coat color changes are not faults. Artificial alteration of coat, color, ears, tail, or undercoat structure is not allowed. Judges must consider age, sex, condition, and overall health. Temperament is crucial: a Husky must be confident, outgoing, and stable. Nervousness, malice, or apathy are serious drawbacks.
Conclusion
The Siberian Husky is a harmonious, enduring, and highly functional northern sled breed combining natural energy, working potential, and expressive breed type. To participate in exhibitions and breeding under the ICCF system, the dog must have official documents confirming origin, absence of disqualifying faults, and compliance with the standard. Evaluation includes exterior, coat quality, temperament stability, movement correctness, and overall functionality. Only individuals fully meeting ICCF requirements—healthy, typical, stable, and demonstrating the working northern type—are permitted for breeding.
