Is the Siberian Husky the right breed for you ?
by Alice Watt
Not all breeds fit all people's needs and expections. In the right household the Siberian is a wonderful companion and pet. In the wrong household it is a disaster! More dogs are surrendered to pounds or rescue organisations because of behaviors the owners can't live with than for any other reason. DON'T expect the dog to change; it is up to the owner to pick the breed that best fits his/her expectations and lifestyle.
These are some of the characteristics that cause problems for many owners:
You MUST have a securely fenced yard! Siberians were developed by nomadic people who used them for transportation. They lack the territorial instincts of many other breeds. Given the opportunity, they go exploring, and a five mile walk isn't very far for an active dog. It is important the fence be tight to the ground at the bottom as they dig, and they can squeeze through very small holes. It is also important the dog never learn it is possible to get out. Once it has experienced the joys of freedom, it may try very hard to get out again.
They must be on-leash at all times when out for a walk.
Siberians are very energetic, active, athletic dogs. They require regular exercise.
These are pack animals, not loners. While many can lead happy lives as only dogs, they will need an owner or family to take the place of the pack and interact with them. Left alone, they can become bored and destructive. They do not make good "backyard decorations," living alone with no one to play with.
Siberians are extremely intelligent! They learn quickly and can think for themselves. They are also very independent and self-centered, so they need motivation to do as an owner wants. They seldom follow commands just to make an owner happy; a cookie is much more rewarding in their minds.
These dogs come equipped to survive in the cold winters of the Arctic. Their coats are very thick and dense. Twice a year they shed their downy undercoats, leaving gobs of hair everywhere. Although they don't require much grooming the rest of the year, during shedding season they need frequest brushing to remain presentable.
They are NOT guard dogs. They love everybody and would cheerfully welcome a burgler and show him the hiding place for the family jewels.
They dig. They chew. They shred. They howl. But they don't bark much or bite the neighbors' children. They do chase and kill cats, birds, or anything else they perceive as prey.
So with all these negatives, why would anyone want one of these creatures? They are also very beautiful, affectionate , loving companions, always ready to join in whatever is going on, They are happy, healthy, fun-loving dogs with a zest for life.
One other word of caution. Siberians are like potato chips; it's almost impossible to be satisfied with just one!
by Alice Watt
Not all breeds fit all people's needs and expections. In the right household the Siberian is a wonderful companion and pet. In the wrong household it is a disaster! More dogs are surrendered to pounds or rescue organisations because of behaviors the owners can't live with than for any other reason. DON'T expect the dog to change; it is up to the owner to pick the breed that best fits his/her expectations and lifestyle.
These are some of the characteristics that cause problems for many owners:
You MUST have a securely fenced yard! Siberians were developed by nomadic people who used them for transportation. They lack the territorial instincts of many other breeds. Given the opportunity, they go exploring, and a five mile walk isn't very far for an active dog. It is important the fence be tight to the ground at the bottom as they dig, and they can squeeze through very small holes. It is also important the dog never learn it is possible to get out. Once it has experienced the joys of freedom, it may try very hard to get out again.
They must be on-leash at all times when out for a walk.
Siberians are very energetic, active, athletic dogs. They require regular exercise.
These are pack animals, not loners. While many can lead happy lives as only dogs, they will need an owner or family to take the place of the pack and interact with them. Left alone, they can become bored and destructive. They do not make good "backyard decorations," living alone with no one to play with.
Siberians are extremely intelligent! They learn quickly and can think for themselves. They are also very independent and self-centered, so they need motivation to do as an owner wants. They seldom follow commands just to make an owner happy; a cookie is much more rewarding in their minds.
These dogs come equipped to survive in the cold winters of the Arctic. Their coats are very thick and dense. Twice a year they shed their downy undercoats, leaving gobs of hair everywhere. Although they don't require much grooming the rest of the year, during shedding season they need frequest brushing to remain presentable.
They are NOT guard dogs. They love everybody and would cheerfully welcome a burgler and show him the hiding place for the family jewels.
They dig. They chew. They shred. They howl. But they don't bark much or bite the neighbors' children. They do chase and kill cats, birds, or anything else they perceive as prey.
So with all these negatives, why would anyone want one of these creatures? They are also very beautiful, affectionate , loving companions, always ready to join in whatever is going on, They are happy, healthy, fun-loving dogs with a zest for life.
One other word of caution. Siberians are like potato chips; it's almost impossible to be satisfied with just one!
