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So You Think You Would Like a Siberian Husky

Here are some of our thoughts on things that should be considered before you embark on becoming a siberian husky guardian. To start with they are an incredibly intelligent breed and will continue to test and challenge you until they take their last breath. If your tuned in to your husky you can actually watch them trying to out think you or just figure out what you are trying to tell them. Very cool when you catch them at it. They are an affectionate, loving, social northern breed and need to be with their guardians on a daily basis.

  • Attributes which require consideration before you purchase or rescue a siberian husky: A side note for later, I am putting forth my own thoughts that most sibes end up in rescue because their potential guardians did not heed the many warnings that all of us sibe lovers have been telling for years. Know the breed you want to share your life with and recognize that you can have a relationship with a breed without ownership.

Offleash: NOT for the siberian. All those lovely dogs you see running in the off leash park, not siberians. Yours will be long gone doing a marathon of it's own choosing. That puts them a long way from home before they actually notice. If you leave the door, the gate, even a window open they will exit it. They forget their name and everything they new seconds before.

Which goes hand in hand with the next trait. Houdini and the siberian share a common bond. Escape artists. Whether it be under or over or through they will figure it out and be gone. A securely fenced yard implies a minimum of 6ft high and at least 1 foot below. We have found that 6' fence boards work well as they cannot pick their landing spot on the other side. Patio stones work well to surround the perimeter. Chain link is very nice but they are exceptional climbers.

They are a working breed which means they need a job. If your looking for someone to hold down the couch with you indefinitely, then they are not the breed for you. An active lifestyle that includes the dog will work best. Sledding, skiijoring, running, hiking, or just a plain old walk on a leash all appeal to the siberian.

They are considered a northern breed. They instinctually have a high prey drive. That means that anything small, especially if it runs, is fair game. Cats, birds, rabbits, mice, small dogs, etc. That is not to say that they can't learn to live with any of these smaller animals. Common sense and some guidelines prevail.

They have selective hearing. They love to be involved but at their own discretion.They are a pack animal and someone needs to be the boss. They will not hesitate to take on the role if no one else steps up to the task. Puppy training and obedience classes are always helpful in establishing that role for the guardian. Crate training is also an asset but not as a means to lock the dog up for hours on end. They also love to sing and will usually take any opportunity to share their vocals.

Hair. Lots and lots of hair. Siberians are a two coated dog. The top hair consisting of guard hairs and the underneath coat consisting of down. At least twice a year they will blow their coat. If your not into dog hair on your clothes, in your furniture, in your carpet, in your food, and across the street in your neighbours yard they're probably not the breed for you.

Destructive: They don't really mean it but if you leave it, they will eat it. That means that everything is fair game. Furniture, bedding, pillows, clothing, shoes (yummy), tv remotes (up there in the top 5 of things to chew), harness's (I'm sure they think we have an unending supply), anything on the counter (officially called counter surfing), dog bowls, etc. The picture is painted; If it is of more value than your relationship with the dog, don't get a siberian.

Guard dog: NOT If they could, they would open the door (we use deadbolts), welcome anyone, and then make a run for it. A very social breed they love attention from people. They would happily let anyone run off with your possessions.

So if you have made it this far I am sure you are wondering why on earth would you want a siberian husky. Well they are gorgeous to start. They are an intelligent, loyal, loving, social, and affectionate breed. They love to spend time with their humans. They are fully capable of kicking back on the couch or snuggling in your bed as well as traversing the Alaskan wilderness and completing the Iditarod Sleddog race. They are an outdoor breed and are fully able to live their lives outside. That said however, they need to have human contact on a daily basis, besides a quick pat on the head and their bowls filled.This barely covers the breed but it is a quick insight into the breed and our experiences with them.