Safari LTD. Siberian Husky - NEW for 2017!

This girl along with the new dingo were actually both made available back in November but are new for the 2017 animal line-up as we already know.

Now...I am a lover of the Siberian Husky breed and once played a part in breeding them and raising them from pups. It was a long time ago, as my parents used to breed them, but as a kid, me and my sister had the joy of raising, playing  with and caring for these wonderful dogs before they were all sold and placed in furever homes. We stopped breeding in the early 2000's thanks to conflicting work schedules and school and put our last husky down in 2012 from old age. Since then, because none of us are ever home, we've had no huskies.

But it's always been my dream to someday own a husky again as this breed in particular has found a special place in my heart.

So, with all that being said, you can probably imagine that my love for the Siberian Husky breed goes hand in hand with collecting this breed in the form of miniature animal figures. For many years I've been on the lookout for a figure that truly represents the breed. And sadly have not found that perfect one yet, but have found one that is probably the best I've seen yet in the form of a figure.

That one would be Safari LTD's newest addition to their Best in Show dog line-up, the Siberian Husky.

From the first time I saw this husky in a preview picture posted by Takama, I wanted it in my hands. From the photo, the stance looked perfect as well as the head, ear set, and muzzle. But for my true opinon, I needed to have that figure in my hands...in which I finally do.

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I am not particularly wild about the paint work on this figure, but it is the most varied I've seen since most companies have a tendency to paint them only in black and white or gray in white with little to no markings.
I do like the markings on the face, although mine does have some paint splatter on her face, it gives her character and isn't entirely a false representation of the breed. Some Siberian Huskies, although not too common will display random spots on thier faces.
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While I love the stance of this figure, I wish they would have made the rear legs a bit thicker and the paws a bit bigger. Huskies tend to be a solidly built and are a strong breed. A true husky will be a meduim sized, with a sturdy and compact build.

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A bit of paint spatter on the face. But like I said it is not necessarily a bad thing since some Siberians do have spots on their faces, particularly on the muzzle.
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Again, not wild about the paint work but I do love the gray they used.
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Really, REALLY wishing the tail wasn't  two dimensional, it's a bit too flat for my tastes. But I will give them credit in resisting to curl it up over the back. Contrary to popular belief, a true husky with AKC's standards will not completely curl its tail over it's back. Instead, it should be carried over the back in an arc. Tail tip should NOT touch the back at all.
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My opinion of the rear in general is that it is entirely too narrow and bony. This is where the flanks and legs should have been thicker.
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I can say, the ears are at the correct set and the muzzle and forehead portray the correct stop for an AKC standard Siberian Husky. The only mistake was the eyes are a bit too large.
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My fear before getting this figure was the possibility of it being too skinny in general but the proportions are nice, minus the rear being a bit narrow. Not crazy about the paw pads paint job. At least they painted the serial number on the pad instead of inside the leg. Here you can also see just how skinny the rear legs  and flanks are.

Even with the few flaws though this is a very nice figure and probably the best I've seen yet. I will be touching up on the paint though as you may have guessed!

I can imagine this Husky in hand !! As with most safari figures they are most amazing and beautiful when in hand .. wonderful review and interesting information on of one of the best Husky miniatures made. !

I agree, James! The detail of these figures is astounding.

Here are a few comparison photos:

With Schleich's retired female husky.
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With Schleich's current husky.
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And a preview of my custom painted Safari LTD husky with the standard factory painted one.
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Excellent preview of the repaint Fallon , I did forget to add that the safari Husky needs to be bought in a pair or group !! and you did get them I too will have two of them to accompany the Bullyland Inuit sled set ( I love that set with the Huskies ) even though they are much smaller than most other husky figures made. Awaiting your final repaint of this Husky

Although the stripes on the fur are a bit rigid, the colours are still very nice.
And I like the friendly face.

Nice dog :)

What I like in this husky is that it is remarkably different from all previous husky figures we know. What I dislike is that it is hard to see a real dog when watching that figure. Eyes are particularly exagerated as you pointed and it gives a somewhat cartoon like to the figure. Other aspects seem very good however. Thanks again for such a nice walk around and all these comparison pictures.

Bloodrayne wrote:

Although the stripes on the fur are a bit rigid, the colours are still very nice.
And I like the friendly face.

Yeah, I was wishing they would have airbrushed this figure a lot nicer. I'm not crazy about the paint work either but it looks better with a good paint job.

widukind wrote:

Nice dog :)

Indeed it is.

Roger wrote:

What I like in this husky is that it is remarkably different from all previous husky figures we know. What I dislike is that it is hard to see a real dog when watching that figure. Eyes are particularly exagerated as you pointed and it gives a somewhat cartoon like to the figure. Other aspects seem very good however. Thanks again for such a nice walk around and all these comparison pictures.

Thanks! I think with a good custom paint job it will clear up that cartoony look it has. But those eyes are definitely over exaggerated!

Great review and really nice looking figure! I was hoping she would be male, but she's still quite gorgeous and looks like she's well worth hunting down. You really do know a lot about the husky breed standard and I hope you're able to find a real one someday.