| Is the Siberian Husky the right breed for you?
NOTE: Not all breeds fit all peoples needs and expections.
In the right household the Siberian is a wonderful companion and pet.
In the incorrect household it is a disaster!
More dogs are surrendered to pounds or rescue organisations because of behaviours the owners cannot live with.
DON'T expect the dog to change - it is up to the purchaser/prospective owner to pick the breed that best suits their expectations and lifestyle.
These are some of the characteristics of the Siberian Husky you need to be aware of:
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 WILL go exploring - a five kilometre walk isn't very far for an active dog.
It is important that the fence be secure from top to bottom as they dig, and they can squeeze through very small holes, and some even resort to jumping.
It is also important that the dog NEVER learn that it is possible to get out.
Once it has experienced the joys of freedom, it will try very hard to get out again, and again, and 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.
If given the opportunity of being off lead - they will run away from you and ignore your commands to return.
These are pack animals, not loners.
While many siberians can lead happy lives as only dogs, they will need an owner or family to take the place of the pack to interact with them. Left alone, they can become bored and extremely destructive.
Siberians are extremely intelligent.
They learn quickly and can think for themselves. They are very independent, self-centred, and will 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.
Siberians come equipped to survive in the cold.
Their coats are very thick and dense.
At least once a year, but generally twice a year they shed their undercoats, leaving clumps of hair everywhere.
Although they do not require much grooming outside of these times - during shedding season they need frequent brushing to remain presentable.
They are NOT guard dogs.
Siberians love everybody and would cheerfully welcome a burglar into your home.
They dig. They chew. They shred. They howl.
They do chase and kill cats, birds, or anything else small enough to be perceived as prey.
So with all these negatives, why would anyone want one of these creatures?
On the positive side, 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. It's almost impossible to be satisfied with just one!
Take the online profiler to see if the Siberian Husky is the right breed for you.
Siberian Husky Online Profiler
The internet can provide access to many websites with information about Siberian Huskies, and the activities in which their owners can participate.
Listed below are links to some of them.
Great Northern Siberian Husky Club
The Siberian Husky Club of America
International Siberian Husky Club
Colors of the Siberian Husky
Eye and Hip Disease in the Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky Health Foundation
Showing your dog
New Zealand Federation of Sled Dog Sports
Mushing & Sled Dog Information
Iditarod Information
Yukon Quest Information
Sled Dog Central
Working Dog Web
Breed Standard as used in USA & Australia
Breed Standard as used in New Zealand
Breed Standard Analysis | 