Is a Siberian Husky Right for You?
Siberian Huskies are absolutely beautiful, wonderful animals, and they can
make exceptional companions, but they are not for everyone! Many
Siberians end up surrendered to rescue associations, lost or abandoned
because their owners did not do their research, and fell for the
exceptional beauty of the breed. It is very important when purchasing
any kind of dog to do your research and be prepared. Some important
points to know about the Siberian Husky are:
1. Siberians BLOW COAT twice a year, meaning that they shed their entire under coat at one time. This means that you can groom the dog for hours and get a garbage bag full of fur, and the hair will still be coming out in clumps. A good vacuum is a must if you are going to own this breed. Consistent weekly grooming can keep the coat cycling and prevent or limit the "big blow".
2. They are escape artists. A minimum 6 foot fence, usually buried into the ground as well is essential to contain them, as Siberians have been known to dig under, climb over and even go through a fence. Some have even learned how to open gate latches, and others can leap 6 feet straight in the air, clearing your fence in a single bound!
1. Siberians BLOW COAT twice a year, meaning that they shed their entire under coat at one time. This means that you can groom the dog for hours and get a garbage bag full of fur, and the hair will still be coming out in clumps. A good vacuum is a must if you are going to own this breed. Consistent weekly grooming can keep the coat cycling and prevent or limit the "big blow".
2. They are escape artists. A minimum 6 foot fence, usually buried into the ground as well is essential to contain them, as Siberians have been known to dig under, climb over and even go through a fence. Some have even learned how to open gate latches, and others can leap 6 feet straight in the air, clearing your fence in a single bound!
3. They can never be trusted off leash. These dogs were bred to run and if let off leash will often disappear over the horizon, regardless of their strength of recall. Even Obedience Titled Siberians have been known to bolt when faced with an open area. Siberians must be either kept on leash or within a securely fenced area (see point number 2). at all times If you want a "farm dog" to roam your acreage, or a dog to play fetch with in the park, this will not be the breed for you.
4. Siberians dig to keep cool, to keep warm, and for sheer entertainment. They will often leave your yard pitted with deep holes. This habit can be redirected (see point number 5) but cannot be eliminated or trained out. If bored or anxious they may also sometimes dig to escape an enclosure, making a secure fence high on the priority list of any Siberian owner.
5. These dogs have lots of energy and need some sort of outlet for that energy, whether that is daily exercise in a big play-yard with you, long daily walks, or their traditional occupation: dog-sledding! If they are not given the necessary exercise, they will find a way to diffuse it by chewing your furniture, digging in your yard, and even chewing on themselves! It is not unheard of for a bored Siberian to chew their own tail hairs short out of boredom!
6. This breed has a high prey drive, and must be carefully watched with small dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals. When raised with small animals they can sometimes co-exist peacefully, but they have been known to catch and kill small animals if not socialized properly and carefully supervised. Even those that are normally good with small animals should be very carefully supervised and if necessary kept on leash. Many an owner have reported that their dogs have caught and killed the neighbor's cat even though they have never made so much as a move towards their own family's cat.
7. Siberians are GREAT with kids, but as with all dogs, must be supervised and never left alone with children. They can sometimes be over-exuberant during play so care must be taken that they are not allowed to knock children over or scratch them with claws that are too long. Children interacting with any kind of dog should also be taught how to properly interact with the dog.
7. Siberians are GREAT with kids, but as with all dogs, must be supervised and never left alone with children. They can sometimes be over-exuberant during play so care must be taken that they are not allowed to knock children over or scratch them with claws that are too long. Children interacting with any kind of dog should also be taught how to properly interact with the dog.
8. Training these dogs can be a challenge. They are very intelligent, and many consider them too smart for their own good! They are very much like people in that they will not work for nothing, and it is important to keep them from getting bored, at which point they will easily tune you out! A sense of humor is very important, as is a sense of creativity and excitement when working with these dogs. If you possess these qualities, you will find that working with a Siberian is both fun and rewarding.
9. Each Siberian has a very different personality, from the couch potato diva to the hyperactive athlete. Talk to a good breeder about finding a good match for your lifestyle and personality!
9. Each Siberian has a very different personality, from the couch potato diva to the hyperactive athlete. Talk to a good breeder about finding a good match for your lifestyle and personality!
If you are prepared for and can handle the above mentioned traits, then you may be able to handle having a Siberian in your home! Make sure to do your research and find a good breeder so that you get a dog that is the best match for you and your lifestyle, and that you are faced with as few temperament and health problems as can be possibly prevented. For more information on how to find a Reputable breeder, click here, or visit our Member Breeder list.