Looking for a very active dog that still just adores its people? If so, consider the Siberian Husky, a breathtaking dog bred to pull loaded sleds over frozen lands without tiring. At the end of the day, whatever his occupation, the Husky will be a good friend to his owners.

The American Kennel Club classifies the Husky as a Working dog. Like most workers, a Husky needs a job to do to keep him from making mischief. Huskies are less domesticated than many other dog breeds, and are quite wolf-like. The mature Husky weighs between 35 and 60 pounds and stands 20 to 24 inches tall.

These dogs have a very thick, two-layer coat, pricked ears, and wolfish faces. This breed’s coat comes in mostly black, white or silver (or any mix of the three). The Husky’s most striking feature is his almond-shaped blue or brown eyes.

Because of its partial domestication, the Siberian Husky is impulsive, and can get into more dangerous situations than dogs with a longer history indoors. Some Huskies need to routinely visit the vet’s office to get patched up. These guys are good with older children, but not as good with infants or toddlers. Huskies are often aggressive towards cats and small animals, and as a result shouldn’t be trusted with smaller children.

As a Husky is a very energetic breed, they’ll do poorly in apartments and small-yards homes. In fact, during colder months, Huskies often overheat inside, and will prefer to spend time outdoors instead. Just be sure you keep your yard well-fenced – huskies, like many wolfish dogs, are natural escape artists.

It’s really important to train your Husky, since these dogs are constantly on the lookout for weakness. You’ll want to go to the obedience classes with your puppy to help train him. If you don’t stay dominant, your dog will become a real terror and will take advantage of you. It’s suggested that only experienced dog owners take on the Husky challenge.

Huskies can really put food away when they’re comfortable, but some don’t eat well if they’re nervous or tense. Of course, not all Huskies are prone to going off their food — some will eat everything they can cram down their throats.

A nice weekly grooming session is recommended in order to remove dirt and debris from your Husky’s coat. During the shedding period, you’ll need more frequent grooming to keep your pup looking sharp.

Huskies were bred to be hearty, and are therefore fairly healthy. Mostly the Husky’s problems are accident-related, although some can develop hip dysplasia or hypothyroidism.

If you’re looking for a challenge, and don’t think you’ll mind a dog who’ll keep you on your toes, then consider the beautiful Siberian Husky. They’re not only stunning dogs, they’re loyal, intelligent friends as well.