Owning a Siberian Husky: Things to Consider
Are You Sure?
Huskies live in a different universe than the rest of the dog breeds out there. They are very focused and extremely determined. They are considered a working breed because of their high endurance and energy. If you are not an outdoor person, you might consider another type of dog to own.
I have bred AKC Siberian huskies for over 20 years. I no longer show my dogs; I found that to be very expensive and time consuming. I just want a good pet that I can love and will love me. So what is it about owning huskies (that come with a warning) that is so challenging? Well, if you want one of those dogs that can run free in the back yard and come as soon as you call, forget about huskies. They have very strong, independent minds. Most dogs hover on every word of their owner, huskies hover over the open road. These dogs love to run and 10 miles is just a warm up. They are energy-packed canines. If you do not allow these dogs to get the exercise they need daily, you may find some reconstruction going in and around the house that you did not expect.
Here as some or the pros and cons of owning a husky:
Pros
-Loyal and loving, (on their terms).
-Soft fur with a thick undercoat
-No shedding, except the yearly molt.
-No strong dog smell, even after rolling in the dirt.
-Fun loving and adventurous.
-Do not eat very much in relation to their energy level.
-Great for letting us know someone is coming to the door. They bounce around happy to have the new attention.
-Need bathing only once a year after molting.
-Do not bark when outside.
-Extremely intelligent and train quick when a pup.
Cons
-Totally deaf until the refrigerator doors opens.
-Runners-can go for miles on a tank full.
-Only come when bribed.
-Great diggers. Would be a great aid in putting in fence poles, if they only dig where you want them to.
-Extreme concentration on anything that moves-except you.
-Chase any thing that moves-except you.
-Love to serenade in groups howls.
-The yearly molt consists of reams of fur flying around for weeks.
-Totally forget all training after 7 months.
The secret of owning a husky is making your home a place where a husky will want to be. If given the energy release, affection and attention they need, they are the best pet anyone can want.
So if you love challenges, are adventurous, and love the outdoors, these dogs are for you. If not, back to research!
Published by Jannnie
Horticulturist working in tropical greenhouses for 37 years. Consult and instructor of plant design and maintenance. Author of "How to be Successful with Houseplants From the Plant's Perspective". Owner of W... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentEvery husky, like ever other breed, has independent personalities. Depending where you live, sheding can be all the time, like in the warmer southern states, or once or twice a year, like in the colder climates. If your dog is a house dog or is in an outside kennel, like ours, will make a difference as to when and how they shed. The breed is demandint and you really have to love huskies to have them in your life. And even when you love then, there are those times you would like to "shoot" them. (not really, of course, but they can be trying!)
I dont knw about your dog, but my husky sheds all the time not as bad as molting but enough to be all over everything..he sheds like any other dog but does molt like a husky should. My puppy ignores me when he wants, be prepared to have a stubborn dog, he comes when he wants and does not fetch only sometimes. Also he is an attention hound you can play with him all you want and he will not leave your side.. hes a great dog i love the breed but sometimes training him can be a hassle because of his personality.
I know what you are saying about the hearing part. The way I described it in the article is to underline the fact that this breed has convient hearing--they only respond to what they want to hear!! I have one come-on-call female that I used to take hiking with me until I had the surgery on my right leg. I can let her out and she comes instantly. Can you let your dog run loose in the yeard or in the forest and it comes right back when you call?
Many of our pups are come-on-call and are very obedient.
I can train my pups by two months, but by a year they decide what training they remember and respond to and what to ignore!! Very independent nature!
They can be a very trying breed and the way I describe owning a huskty to future owners is to tell them to make the dog's home a place where they do not want to leave. if you give them all the dicipline, exercise and love they need, they will not want to leave and they will be one of the best pets of any dog breed. That is the key t
I am sure not ALL Huskies have the exact traits, but I completely disagree on some of your cons! LOL
Deaf? My Zoe actually became a HEARING EAR DOG when she adopted us. She just picked up that her momma (me) could not hear the phone, door, etc...and she made it VERY clear what sound was occurring for me. Interesting additon to this story...when I later got a Cochlear Implant, she figured out that I could hear and "retired" from being my ears!
She also comes INSTANEOUSLY when I call her name...a SNAP of my fingers tells her that whatever command I am giving, means NOW and she responds to such. She was TRAINED at 18 months when she adopted us...trained AND broken of some very bad behaviors that were a result of her poor treatment. (Maybe she was just uber grateful, but she is VERY well trained!)
I must have an ADHD Husky...lol...she does not have extreme concentration on anything that moves!
She is LOYAL...and she MOLTS like mad, but is more indoor than out, which