So, I was dropping the dogs off at a doggy day care today, and the guy behind me commented on Zhukov.  He also has a Husky and we started talking about the breed.  We got on the topic of breeding/overbreeding/mix breeding, when he commented that Zhukov is not a pure bred Husky.  He stated that his tail curls too much and should hang straight.  Zhukov's tail is ALWAYS curled.  To the point where the fur on his back right by his tail is indented.  The only time I have seen his tail straight is when he is scared, in trouble, or dead tired.

Not that it really matters to me since I will never show or breed him (he is neutered), but that got me thinking.  I got him from a breeder and his paperwork says that both of his parents are pure breed Huskys, however I never saw them or even met the breeder (he was in Missouri), but he came recommended to me from a friend who has gotten multiple Huskys from him.  Anyhow was just wondering what you guys have to say on this.  No matter what, I love my boy just the way he is!



Can you believe that I just went through about 300 pictures and can't find one with his tail hanging straight?

I believe the standard for a husky tail is that it is not supposed to curl. When up it should curve and be sickle shaped and should not touch their back. I am no expert but I believe I have read this before. Gabby's tail does not curl but I believe it is a bit to long and it does come down and touch her back.

Mark, Zhukov has become very mature looking, he is so very handsome.....to your question....it is more seen in malamutes, the curl of the tail going over the back, and indeed in the show world of huskies this is a fault. But, in the less than perfect breeders out there, who may not know it's a fault, or do not understand the betterment of the breed, by knowing all the breed standards, this is seen. Is he not pure, I will argue with that guy, Zhukov and other huskies out there with the curled tail are pure bred, it's just not show quality. This also would be the situation, where a show breeder, ends up with a dog or two that have this "fault" and is why they go to a "pet" home. Huskies come in so many shapes, sizes, colors, and "faults", faults are not bad, it is just a general consensus that is used for those who show, or again, try and better the breed. Is there something wrong with him, nope. I hope I helped with my explanation.

I would say he is purebred but simply not show quality, like its been mentioned here already...the very curled tail is a fault in the show world, thats all. So by that guy stating his disbelief in Zhukov's breed status just comes off as ignorant and maybe even just boasting on about his husky.

Mark, for my two cents worth ... I see nothing that says Zhukov is not a pure bred Husky, but as others have said his tail is too tightly curled to fit the standard ...
With my two, their tails curl when they're "at attention" or excited but when they're relaxed, their tails are as well - their tails hang loosely just behind their legs. Often when I've let them run in the bush out here the only way I can track them is by seeing their tails above the scrub ....

I agree strongly with David's comment, to tell you that your boy isn't a pure bred Sibe because his tail is different just comes off s ignorant - maybe a few minutes with him talking about breed standard and faults might be educational (ignorance is curable, stupidity is not)

Thank you all for your input! Like I said, I don't care one way or the other. I love my boy just the way he is. Personally, I like the curl. I think it adds to his character, like he needs any help in that department.....

What an odd thing for that person to say to you. He is definitely pure bred he looks husky through and though just with a tail curl (a small fault) no big deal he is super cute!

Haha, Zoe said exactly what I was thinking. Just such an odd thing to say to someone because of a tight curl to his tail. Pretty much every one of us here has a husky with a fault or two, so I'm pretty sure some faults coulda been pointed out on his husky as well

Now HERE is a full husky with faults...lots of them, probably every fault known to the breed (notice in particular the awful/wonderful waterfall tail that curls to the side), and I still love him to pieces:



And here is a husky mix that has a perfect sickle curved tail (with the cutest floppy ear tips that go "bouncy, bouncy bouncy" when he walks):

That is super interesting. My girl's tail does not do a curl that tight but I honestly believe she has some Malamute in her lineage. Her father was HUGE (imo) (I met the parents in person) and a lot of "poof" on him.. I have a very fuzzy pic of the ad I got her from, lol.

He is probably 'purebred' but not well bred. Missouri is a hot bed of puppy mills and Back Yard breeders who aren't breeding in the best interest of the breed. Please don't read any of this as diminishing his 'worth' as a companion, and you do recognize he would not be a breeding candidate (neutered or not), he's just not a dog bred to the breed standard

I agree strongly with David and  Zoe comments. he looks like a pure bred husky, just has a small tail fault it doesn't change him one bit, he just not show quality is all. but he looks so cute anyway.

Leo has his own set of faults but i love him just he way he is.

his him with a more relaxed tail.


him getting his prance on with his tail curl.

In the "show world" these are all acceptable tails



And these would be Faults



No dog is perfect every husky has a fault, even the best in show champions.

I will interject that the Breed Standard is not just applicable to the show dog...but rather the whole breed. The standard is actually much more applicable and important in a working dog than one who's only showing. Yes the standard is still applicable to the pet community, it is the blue print of how the parts should fit and work together. This could mean the difference between long hikes or play time in the park and a dog who's body physically fails them before the activity is concluded. Choosing activities based on those limitations brought on by those faults.

Ultimately understanding the standard will help you understand your breed, and choosing a breeder who understands why the standard is important to the puppies they are producing.

Mark, did you by chance get your boy from Rosekroh Siberians and Alaskan Malamutes in Missouri? Your boy looks an awful lot like our boy Atka( body structure, coat is all such the same)
He passed away at 1 year 8Mon from sudden start of grandmal seizures (2 in one and before we got him to the ER Vet he had a stroke and passed. I found your post while looking up breed standards for tails. I hope you and your boy are well and was hoping if you did use the same breeder that your pup is in better health.