The history of the Siberian Husky is similar to that of other members of the Spitz group such as the Chow Chow and Pomeranian. This breed descended from Arctic sled dogs and was purebred in an isolated area of Siberia for hundreds of years. An Eskimo Siberian Husky breeder selected the most attractive and brightest-eyed huskies for breeding. This may be why the Siberian Husky so closely resembles the wolf, even though it is no closer related to wolves than other dog breeds. These dogs, along with the Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed, are directly descended from the Eskimo dog and have been utilized throughout history as sled dogs.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Siberian Husky as a breed in 1930. Since that time, huskies have been used more for show than sledding. However, the breed retains wolf-like physical and behavioral traits. Typical Siberian Husky characteristics include high-set, pointed ears, thick, double coats of fur, a furry, sickle-shaped tail, and wolf-like personality traits such as stubbornness, independence and suspicion. Siberian Huskies have distinctive facial markings, medium sized compact bodies, and blue or brown eyes (or one of each color).

Siberian Huskies have specific behavioral traits as well as physical traits. Some can be deciding points on whether or not a potential owner buys a purebred Siberian Husky. Every Siberian Husky breeder has a responsibility to warn and inform buyers of typical behavioral traits of Siberian Huskies.

The AKC does not disqualify the Siberian Husky for certain pigmentation issues that would disqualify other breeds such as bi-colored or parti-colored eyes and "snow-nose" in which part is black and part is flesh-colored. The AKC states that coloring is not important in pulling a sled.

A good Siberian Husky breeder retains both the breed standard traits and good health and behavioral traits in their huskies. Like other larger dogs, huskies can be prone to hip dysplasia and a good breeder will not breed dogs with this issue. There are many other health and behavioral traits common to huskies that Siberian Husky breeders must watch for and educate potential buyers about.

The first question a Siberian Husky breeder needs to ask is why a potential buyer wants a Siberian Husky. This is not just a beautiful dog breed. Siberian Huskies require regular exercise, stimulation and training. If a buyer cannot provide these things, a Siberian Husky is not the appropriate dog breed for them.

The second question the potential Siberian Husky breeder needs to ask is what buyer knows about the breed. Any questions about the breed should be answered before buying. The next questions can be directed at the Siberian Husky breeder. The breeder should be an expert on the breed and should be able to effectively answer all questions the buyer has about the history of the breed, common medical and behavioral traits of the breed, how to train, discipline, and care for the breed, and the pedigree associated with the particular Siberian Husky they are selling.

Good breeders will take the dog back if the buyer cannot keep the dog rather than see the dog go to a shelter. Professional breeders will also quiz potential owners to weed out unqualified, unrealistic or unprepared buyers.