So you want a Husky?
Some things to consider before getting one.
Is the Siberian Husky the right breed for you….???
There are energetic Siberians, and placid Siberians.
Hard-headed Siberians, and sweet-natured Siberians.
Serious Siberians, and good-natured goofballs.
Introverted Siberians, and Siberians who love everyone.
If you acquire a Siberian Husky puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm."
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
If you want a dog who...
Is medium-sized and furry, with a wolfish appearance
Is free-spirited and playful
Is athletic and agile and loves the great outdoors, especially in cold weather
Thinks that running full-speed, pulling carts and sleds, and/or carrying a backpack on a mountain hike is his purpose in life
Is usually good-natured with strangers and sociable with other dogs
A Siberian Husky may be right for you.
However...if you don't want to deal with...
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Massive destructiveness and howling when bored, left alone too much, or not exercised enough
Strong instincts to chase and grab anything that runs
Escaping from your yard in search of adventure
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Heavy shedding.
A Siberian Husky may not be right for you.
Some things to consider before getting one.
Is the Siberian Husky the right breed for you….???
There are energetic Siberians, and placid Siberians.
Hard-headed Siberians, and sweet-natured Siberians.
Serious Siberians, and good-natured goofballs.
Introverted Siberians, and Siberians who love everyone.
If you acquire a Siberian Husky puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm."
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
If you want a dog who...
Is medium-sized and furry, with a wolfish appearance
Is free-spirited and playful
Is athletic and agile and loves the great outdoors, especially in cold weather
Thinks that running full-speed, pulling carts and sleds, and/or carrying a backpack on a mountain hike is his purpose in life
Is usually good-natured with strangers and sociable with other dogs
A Siberian Husky may be right for you.
However...if you don't want to deal with...
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Massive destructiveness and howling when bored, left alone too much, or not exercised enough
Strong instincts to chase and grab anything that runs
Escaping from your yard in search of adventure
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Heavy shedding.
A Siberian Husky may not be right for you.
If I were considering a Siberian Husky - my major concerns would be:
PROVIDING ENOUGH EXERCISE
Siberian Huskies MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy, otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored – which they usually express by howling and destructive chewing.
Bored Siberian Huskies are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
Unless you specifically want an athletic dog for sledding, carting, backpacking, or other outdoor-related activities, preferably in a cool climate, I do not recommend this breed. Siberian Huskies were never intended to be simply pets.
Trying to suppress their "hardwired" drive to work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, can be difficult.
BOUNCINESS
Young Siberian Huskies (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Siberian Husky puppies. The temptation to play roughly is too strong in many young Siberian Huskies
STRONG CHASING INSTINCTS
Most Siberian Huskies have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures (including small dogs), also including deer and livestock.
If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals
To keep your Siberian Husky in, and to keep other animals out, fences should be high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks. Many Siberian Huskies are clever escape artists who will go over, under, or through fences in search of adventure.
STUBBORNNESS
Siberian Huskies are not Golden Retrievers.
They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train.
They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things.
You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
To teach your Siberian to listen to you – “Respect Training” is mandatory.
HEAVY SHEDDING
Siberian Huskies shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your counter tops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
NOISE
Unless you live way out in the boondocks and have no neighbors, Siberian Huskies should never be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. Their mournful howling will have your neighbors calling the cops to report the nuisance -- or quietly letting your Siberian Husky out of his yard so he'll wander away.
Frankly, most Siberian Huskies are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people can provide the types of athletic activities that keep this breed satisfied.
If you're considering a Siberian Husky...
He is very playful, athletic, agile, and light on his feet. He loves the great outdoors and requires vigorous exercise, especially in cool weather. He should be taken running, hiking, and/or biking every day, always on-leash, for he is independent and born to run. If something catches his interest, he'll be gone. Teaching him to pull carts and sleds gives him a purpose in life.
Without such exercise, mental activity, and lots of companionship, he can be incredibly, massively destructive.
Most Siberian Huskies are sociable with other dogs, but he has a very high prey drive and may destroy cats if not raised with them. Siberians should not be kept around rabbits, ferrets, or birds. Small dogs (lap dogs) are also not safe around Siberians because of the fact that Siberians are really rough when playing and might very well hurt small dogs unintentionally. Siberians are not tolerant of “yappers”…and one snap in a moment of irritation but be fatal to a small dog.
Fencing must be high and secure, for he can be an escape artist, and once loose, he may run deer and molest livestock.
Training is a challenge because the strong-willed Siberian Husky is inclined to use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes. Use food rewards -- jerking this breed can result in melodramatic theatrics, including screaming. Digging and howling are favorite pastimes."
PROVIDING ENOUGH EXERCISE
Siberian Huskies MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy, otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored – which they usually express by howling and destructive chewing.
Bored Siberian Huskies are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.
Unless you specifically want an athletic dog for sledding, carting, backpacking, or other outdoor-related activities, preferably in a cool climate, I do not recommend this breed. Siberian Huskies were never intended to be simply pets.
Trying to suppress their "hardwired" drive to work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, can be difficult.
BOUNCINESS
Young Siberian Huskies (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Siberian Husky puppies. The temptation to play roughly is too strong in many young Siberian Huskies
STRONG CHASING INSTINCTS
Most Siberian Huskies have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures (including small dogs), also including deer and livestock.
If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals
To keep your Siberian Husky in, and to keep other animals out, fences should be high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks. Many Siberian Huskies are clever escape artists who will go over, under, or through fences in search of adventure.
STUBBORNNESS
Siberian Huskies are not Golden Retrievers.
They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train.
They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things.
You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
To teach your Siberian to listen to you – “Respect Training” is mandatory.
HEAVY SHEDDING
Siberian Huskies shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your counter tops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
NOISE
Unless you live way out in the boondocks and have no neighbors, Siberian Huskies should never be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. Their mournful howling will have your neighbors calling the cops to report the nuisance -- or quietly letting your Siberian Husky out of his yard so he'll wander away.
Frankly, most Siberian Huskies are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people can provide the types of athletic activities that keep this breed satisfied.
If you're considering a Siberian Husky...
He is very playful, athletic, agile, and light on his feet. He loves the great outdoors and requires vigorous exercise, especially in cool weather. He should be taken running, hiking, and/or biking every day, always on-leash, for he is independent and born to run. If something catches his interest, he'll be gone. Teaching him to pull carts and sleds gives him a purpose in life.
Without such exercise, mental activity, and lots of companionship, he can be incredibly, massively destructive.
Most Siberian Huskies are sociable with other dogs, but he has a very high prey drive and may destroy cats if not raised with them. Siberians should not be kept around rabbits, ferrets, or birds. Small dogs (lap dogs) are also not safe around Siberians because of the fact that Siberians are really rough when playing and might very well hurt small dogs unintentionally. Siberians are not tolerant of “yappers”…and one snap in a moment of irritation but be fatal to a small dog.
Fencing must be high and secure, for he can be an escape artist, and once loose, he may run deer and molest livestock.
Training is a challenge because the strong-willed Siberian Husky is inclined to use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes. Use food rewards -- jerking this breed can result in melodramatic theatrics, including screaming. Digging and howling are favorite pastimes."
Please read all of this page if you are considering getting a
Siberian Husky.
Con’s
Not a one-man dog. Any human will do.
He will NOT guard your home or property.
Strong desire to run. If he gets free, he will run so far that he will be lost, if not hit by a car or shot by a farmer for straying onto his land.
Cannot be relied on to return to you on command. This breed will decide whether or not to return for himself, knowing that you cannot catch him.
Too independent and strong-willed generally to be a candidate for obedience work.
Keen and efficient hunter. Cannot be trusted with non-canine pets or livestock of any sort. On occasion has been known to accept a cat that he has been brought up with, but all others will be regarded as fair game. Please note – Siberian Huskies have been known to kill cats that they have lived with happily for many years – for no obvious reason.
Like any dog – MUST be exercised to keep him fit and healthy but this MUST BE DONE ON LEAD or in harness.
Can be very destructive – especially when young and/or left alone for long periods of time.
Needs company – either human or canine as they are NOT suited to being a single dog.
Needs a safely enclosed exercise area. The garden must be fully fenced and secure. 6-foot high fencing is USUALLY enough. Check that they cannot dig their way out under the fence. Do not leave objects (dustbins, etc) that he can use as a mid-way launching point. Keep the garden gate LOCKED – as the breed can open deadbolts with EASE and IN SECONDS. Keep the garden gate LOCKED in case humans open/leave gates open (visitors/garden services, etc).
Your garden is unlikely to remain in pristine condition with a Siberian Husky rampaging happily within!
They need correct feeding – any reputable breeder will be able to tell you which dog foods suit Siberian Huskies and which can cause problems.
Moults twice a year. The quantity of fur shed will surprise you, especially in spring when the winter coat is replaced by a shorter, thinner summer coat.
You need an understanding and experienced vet. Siberians are sensitive to some drugs, particularly anaesthetics, sedatives and tranquilisers. This is due to their relatively low metabolic rate and lack of body fat. Also the bulk of their fur can lead vets to over-estimate their weight and so overdose them. Siberians should always be weighed accurately beforehand to avoid tragedies.
Pro’s
Friendly with people of all ages.
Great with children – although under 3 years of age must be supervised as the Siberian Husky tends to be boisterous. Never aggressive but can knock small children down whilst playing. Adult supervision as with any medium/large size pet.
An honest dog – his body language and voice can be taken at face value. He “says” what he means.
He has NO guarding instincts and will greet and “kiss” an intruder the same way as any other visitor.
Gregarious – they love company!
Youthful in outlook – they often reach 14 and sometimes 16 years of age.
Robust athletic constitution.
Good travelers – new sights and sounds do not upset them.
Intelligent
Mischievous
Easygoing
Forgiving
Clean – little or no doggy smell. Humans that are normally allergic to dogs – will be absolutely fine with Siberians – they are “non-allergenic”.
Straightforward to groom.
Quiet breed. They do not bark – but they do howl – often just for the joy of howling. This may be a disadvantage in some neighborhoods.
They do not require as much food for their size as most other breeds.
Not fussy eaters BUT must be fed the correct food for their metabolic rate.
Get on well with other well-adjusted canines. However, they will take up a challenge if issued.
Now if after reading this you think the Siberian Husky is the right breed for you, then find a reputable breeder or consider a re home. Check out our welfare page for links to re homing organisations.
Unfortunately so many people think the Siberian Husky is the right breed for them until they find they no longer have the time or energy to cope and the dog ends up in the dog pound. Many people are breeding for money with no regard for the welfare of the pups they are selling.
Not a one-man dog. Any human will do.
He will NOT guard your home or property.
Strong desire to run. If he gets free, he will run so far that he will be lost, if not hit by a car or shot by a farmer for straying onto his land.
Cannot be relied on to return to you on command. This breed will decide whether or not to return for himself, knowing that you cannot catch him.
Too independent and strong-willed generally to be a candidate for obedience work.
Keen and efficient hunter. Cannot be trusted with non-canine pets or livestock of any sort. On occasion has been known to accept a cat that he has been brought up with, but all others will be regarded as fair game. Please note – Siberian Huskies have been known to kill cats that they have lived with happily for many years – for no obvious reason.
Like any dog – MUST be exercised to keep him fit and healthy but this MUST BE DONE ON LEAD or in harness.
Can be very destructive – especially when young and/or left alone for long periods of time.
Needs company – either human or canine as they are NOT suited to being a single dog.
Needs a safely enclosed exercise area. The garden must be fully fenced and secure. 6-foot high fencing is USUALLY enough. Check that they cannot dig their way out under the fence. Do not leave objects (dustbins, etc) that he can use as a mid-way launching point. Keep the garden gate LOCKED – as the breed can open deadbolts with EASE and IN SECONDS. Keep the garden gate LOCKED in case humans open/leave gates open (visitors/garden services, etc).
Your garden is unlikely to remain in pristine condition with a Siberian Husky rampaging happily within!
They need correct feeding – any reputable breeder will be able to tell you which dog foods suit Siberian Huskies and which can cause problems.
Moults twice a year. The quantity of fur shed will surprise you, especially in spring when the winter coat is replaced by a shorter, thinner summer coat.
You need an understanding and experienced vet. Siberians are sensitive to some drugs, particularly anaesthetics, sedatives and tranquilisers. This is due to their relatively low metabolic rate and lack of body fat. Also the bulk of their fur can lead vets to over-estimate their weight and so overdose them. Siberians should always be weighed accurately beforehand to avoid tragedies.
Pro’s
Friendly with people of all ages.
Great with children – although under 3 years of age must be supervised as the Siberian Husky tends to be boisterous. Never aggressive but can knock small children down whilst playing. Adult supervision as with any medium/large size pet.
An honest dog – his body language and voice can be taken at face value. He “says” what he means.
He has NO guarding instincts and will greet and “kiss” an intruder the same way as any other visitor.
Gregarious – they love company!
Youthful in outlook – they often reach 14 and sometimes 16 years of age.
Robust athletic constitution.
Good travelers – new sights and sounds do not upset them.
Intelligent
Mischievous
Easygoing
Forgiving
Clean – little or no doggy smell. Humans that are normally allergic to dogs – will be absolutely fine with Siberians – they are “non-allergenic”.
Straightforward to groom.
Quiet breed. They do not bark – but they do howl – often just for the joy of howling. This may be a disadvantage in some neighborhoods.
They do not require as much food for their size as most other breeds.
Not fussy eaters BUT must be fed the correct food for their metabolic rate.
Get on well with other well-adjusted canines. However, they will take up a challenge if issued.
Now if after reading this you think the Siberian Husky is the right breed for you, then find a reputable breeder or consider a re home. Check out our welfare page for links to re homing organisations.
Unfortunately so many people think the Siberian Husky is the right breed for them until they find they no longer have the time or energy to cope and the dog ends up in the dog pound. Many people are breeding for money with no regard for the welfare of the pups they are selling.
