The Siberian Husky is No Guard Dog

Many times I have been asked if my Husky is mean or ferocious. To this I actually have to laugh. Not only is she not at all ferocious she is down right goofy. Think Snoopy atop his dog house fighter pilot style, surveying all around him. Or better yet doing the "happy" dance, if you are old enough to get the reference you know exactly what I'm talking about. My Husky can actually achieve that look of total and complete joy. This is definitely not guard dog material.

When deciding on a dog to bring into your home this is one of the things to consider. Do you expect your new family member to act as your early warning system? Do you expect the animal to go beyond that and take action against an intruder should the situation arise? If so this is probably not the dog for you. My Husky has been known to make all sorts of conversation, she sings really. But never once has anyone ever walked into my house for the first time or the hundredth time and been confronted by eighty pounds of angry Husky. Just not going to happen. I have visions of an intruder entering the house, Mirabella raises her lovely head off her sofa, calculates the chances of said intruder having treats, sees little possibility and back to peaceful slumber she goes. Unless of course he decides to rob the refrigerator. That would get her attention! She'd Help!

I have had dogs all my life. I have taken great pride in training them to be not only lovely members of the family but to do some really great performances. This animal is in a class by herself. Never have I ever owned a dog with a sense of humor. I have had animals that were funny, but Mira has an actual sense of humor. She seems to be able to study my mood and act in a manner that I will find amusing according to the situation or my mood. I really doubt there is an aggressive bone in the dogs body. Now, she's no wuss mind you. She gives my huge Chocolate Lab holy heck at play. Rough housing, leaping and actually hopping like a bunny across the yard. But let voices get elevated or real nastiness from another animal arise and she's gone. Either completely removing herself from the situation or making it very clear that she wants no part of violence by taking a submissive posture.

She is a fabulous companion, fun and easy to train, if you take the time to learn how. She loves to play and has boundless energy. She is a stunning figure of an animal, truly beautiful. Her lovely markings could lead one into thinking she is a stately and dignified dog. HA! She is as silly as the day is long, fun and fun loving. We've had a house full of children my whole life, mine, neighbors, friends, this is this house to find them in and despite being crawled over, dressed up, poked and kissed almost to death that same smiley expression stays firmly in place.

This is not a dog you could depend on to defend your life. I don't know how she would react if I were put in direct duress, say on one of our walks, maybe she'd surprise me, but I have serious doubts. This is however a dog you can depend on to enrich your life immeasurably if you understand her limitations and strengths and get the correct animal for the correct reason.