Is a Husky the right dog for me?

I've been thinking lately about getting a dog. At first we looked around rescue centres, but we just couldn't find a dog that suited our needs as well as we'd have liked. After a lot of discussion, we've decided to get a puppy. My personal favourite dog breed is a Siberian Husky, but to be honest I don't know as much about them as I'd like. I've done some basic research; they need quite a lot of exercise, they're generally good with children and other dogs etc...


We have two visiting children, a 6 year old and a 3 year old, a resident 13 year old, no other pets and a secure garden. Any dog we get would be alone for about four hours for 2-3 days per week due to work commitments. It would preferably sleep indoors, and I would be quite happy to walk it for hours at a time if necessary, as I've always loved walking anyway, and taking a dog along would add to the appeal. Those are my basic credentials when it comes to getting a dog, so, my question again; is a Husky the right dog for me?

Is a Husky the right dog for me?
Ask yourself, why do you want a Husky? Because of a couple of movies maybe? It doesn't sound as if you have done enough homework on the breed. They are NOT "starter" dogs by any stretch of the imagination. They REQUIRE a very experienced owner!





Huskies are a special breed that most definitely is not for everyone. Yes, they are beautiful. Everybody loves them. And they have many good points as well as bad.





Some of the good points:





1. They love all people of all ages. When my daughter was an infant, the male (all 90 lbs of him, he was a lot bigger than a normal Husky but he was AKC) that I had at the time loved it when she crawled all over him and pulled on his tail etc. He would just roll over wag his tail and give that husky smile. She has a baby now and he has been introduced to all of our current kids who love him to death. Huskies do play ROUGH among themselves, but tone it down with small kids and even members of their own pack who can't play that way. We have several older Huskies who can't play real rough and the younger ones do sense it. And I have never had one turn aggressive as it got older. The ONLY aggression we have had is food aggression, and yes you do have to watch small kids if that is the case





2. They love company.





3. They are extremely intelligent.





4. They are easygoing and forgiving.





5. They are clean with little or no “doggy” smell. Some people who are allergic to other breeds can live with Huskies.





6. They are generally quiet. They rarely bark except in playing, but will “talk”


or howl like their wolf ancestors for no reason.





7. They don’t require a lot of food. (get good fuel mileage)





8. They are honest. Their body language and voice can be taken at face value





9. They are not fussy eaters and will eat pretty much anything that doesn’t eat them first. But they do require a proper diet. (see # 6 below)





10. They usually get along with other well adjusted canines but they will take up a challenge if offered.








Some of the bad points:





1. They love people …. any people. This is sometimes seen as a lack of loyalty.





2. I do not believe that there is a type of dog that could be friendlier than a Husky. A Husky may alert you by his actions (running to a door or window etc) but he is not a watchdog by any stretch if the imagination. On the contrary, he will invite the bad guy in and show him where the good stuff is. And then help carry it out! It's in the breeding and I doubt that you can train them otherwise. Even if you abuse them (we have several that were very abused) they do not become mean ... they will just shy away from you. It's possible that they may (or may not) defend you against an attacker (more likely with an animal attacker). He very well may be a deterrent to someone looking to do bad stuff .... a “hungry wolf looking” dog looking back at them through the window ....





3. They have a STRONG desire to run. This was bred into them over many hundreds of generations. It cannot be trained out of them in a few months of obedience classes. They MUST be kept in a secure area. And taken out in open areas on a leash. They are escape artists like a hairy Houdini. They have been known to jump or climb over 6 foot fences. If they can’t go over it they will go under it.





4. They are extremely intelligent and mischievous. You have to be smarter than they are to stay ahead of them. Don’t laugh. It’s true, they are smarter than


most people.





5. They are too independent and strong willed to make it through obedience training. (see # 4 above). They will know and understand the command but if they don’t see the point in carrying it out they won’t.





6. They are very keen and efficient hunter / killers.





7. They must be kept occupied. A BORED HUSKY IS A DESTRUCTIVE HUSKY! (see # 10 on below)





8. They shed. A LOT! Year round. Then twice a year or more they will “blow” their coats. This takes shedding to a whole new level.





9. They dig …. A LOT! You could rent your yard to NASA to train astronauts on.





10. They play ROUGH! Very rough. And they sometimes can draw blood. But it is still play.


11. They need company, either human or canine and will be miserable without it. Though they can survive outdoors they really need to be inside with their “pack”……. YOU!


12. They can live 12 to 14 years. Maybe longer. This is not a bad thing. But can YOU live with a 2 year old that long? That’s what it’s like with a Husky in your life.


Again DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Know what you are getting yourself into. If you can't handle the challenge unfortunately it will be the Husky that pays the price.





If you do decide that you can handle the challenge, go through a rescue group. DON'T go to a pet shop or a back yard breeder.














25 years of being owned by Siberian Huskies. I currently have 14 Huskies most of whom were rescued by us from people who didn’t know what they were getting into
Reply:I have a Husky and have found her quite easy to train,well if you give treats! I have never had a Husky before , they are a little different to other dogs,they really don't like to be left alone a lot,they love their family a lot so separation is hard for them, unless you get 2! They do like a lot of exercise but less is needed if you live in a hot climate,they do need somewhere cool to stay out of the heat,mine loves the air con in the summer.They do moult heavily ,mine has been moulting for that last 2 weeks and there is little sign of it ending yet so be prepared for that(in the UK our dogs moult,just the same as shedding fur, before I get any comments!) They don't take as much food as another dog of the same size so they are not heavy on the kibble food,they can have sensitive tummies though,but I think mine had a stomach lining made of steel,she can eat anything! They can't be let off the lead,ok in a garden but in a park there are far too many temptations! I knew of all of these negatives about the breed and I still had one.They do say that Huskies are like chocolates,you can never have just one! :)
Reply:I must say, I'm a bit surprised with such simple requirements you could not find a dog at a shelter that fit your lifestyle. You really aren't asking for much. Most dogs at a shelter if you look hard enough and visit a few different shelters will fit that description. Are you sure you are trying or only looking for what looks pretty. My guess, it sounds like you are going on a pretty factor and not actually on the dogs personality.





A puppy is a lot of work not to mention a Husky puppy, that is a HUGE task you would be taking on. One bigger than adopting an adult rescue or shelter dog. I think you have not really thought about this and given it a good shot at finding a dog that needs a home. Why don't you first look for a Husky rescue, there are tons of them. I think that honestly, a Husky puppy is going to be way to much for you to handle, specially if you give up easily. This would not be a breed for you.
Reply:I guess it should also depend on the climate where you live. Siberian Huskies are used to cold weather. If you live in tropical climate Husky is not for you.
Reply:yep it sounds good another one that would be good for you is a German Shep.
Reply:I wouldn't recommend a Husky for a first time owner. Find a reputable Sibe breeder and go and meet their dogs before deciding. They are fabulous dogs but they can NEVER be allowed off the lead, will kill small animals, including cats if given half a chance and can be very strong willed. Check out the SHC site for further information:


http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/huskyda...
Reply:I think you are idealizing the idea of a dog. I have known many Husky's that are NOT good with kids and get very possessive because the owner had no idea what to expect. They are not a good dog for a newbie dog owner. The require more than what you have pre-thought and I think your original idea of getting a shelter dog sounds like a much better idea. Have you looked in Husky rescue and thought about getting a much older, more relaxed and already socialized Husky.





I think you need to do some more research and honestly, I agree that you should try harder to find a shelter dog as you will probably be happier in the long run, because a Husky puppy is going to be a huge commitment and challenge for inexperienced puppy owner.
Reply:Hi,





Siberian Huskies are pack animals. If 4 hours is all the dog will be left alone then you would want to start right away with kennel training. This way while you are gone you do not have to worry about boredom entertaining (having fun with your things - which can be things they should not play with).





I have raised German Shepherds for 15 yrs and Sibes for 8 yrs. I find what is most important about getting a sibe is not how much space you have but how much you will be at home and if they dog will be inside with you. Due to their pack behavior they HAVE to HAVE a feeling of belonging. If they do not have a bond with their family yes they will do what they can to hang out with someone/another dog to have that feeling of belonging.


They do have a prey drive and will give chase to small animals which can result in death to one or both animals being in the 'chase' as when the husky is chasing they do not watch where they are going and can get hit by a car.





Since Huskies are pack animals their pack consists of what ever they are raised with which includes the children, the cat, another dog, the wife, etc...


Huskies are for intelligent dog owners that are not looking for a yard ornament. Intelligent people are the best owners for Sibes as they will take the time to read good books like 'The Art of Raising a Puppy' by the New Skete Monks and understand the level of intelligence certain breeds have including GSD %26amp; Sibes.





What is even more important is that the Sibe you choose is not from Racing lines. There are many breeders out there working with Companion type Sibes that have been bred away from the drive to want to be a working dog. So you can find Sibes that are not 'balls to the walls' so to speak.





I can go on and on about Sibes from a working stand point to a companion stand point both good and bad points. You are welcome to contact me privately www.k9-pines.com is my website addie and a link is there to send me a direct email.


Good Luck
Reply:Siberian Huskies are dependable, energetic, and friendly. They make lively, outgoing pets that generally like being around people. Although they are stubborn, independent and not very obedient, they enjoy being with the family the most. They are active, intelligent and not aggressive. They get along well with children and other dogs, however they should not be trusted with smaller animals. Arctic Huskies are very cleanly as well. They have been known to be excellent escape artists.


With Children: Yes, they are great with children.


With Pets: Siberian Huskies enjoy other dogs, and may do better if there is more than one Husky. They do not get along well with cats or other small animals.
Reply:No. I really don't think you have the time to exercice the dog as much as it would need. There's a reason why they're used on sled teams, and that's because they're so full of beans they cant stand to stay still for long. Also, siberian huskies are the lighter dogs, used for speed teams; if you want a slower dog but still want a husky, it might be better to try a Malamut instead. These are heavier set and are more used for hauling heavy things.





Either way i'd look at another dog, as i think your lifestyle and work/child commitments would not give the dog a fair advantage in living with you. If you do still want to get one, then i would look into dry husky racing, where you train your dogs to harness and pull sled on dry ground - this exercises them to the point they need and also is something you can both enjoy. We have several federations in the UK that do this, I dont know where you live but there should be one near you.
Reply:This is very high maintainence breed of dog.


They blow coat t wice per year and the hair is everywhere.


They are very very active and need huge amounts of exercise. A walk is not going to do it for this breed.


This is breed that was bred to pull a sled all day and sleep outside in the cold.


They are also escape artists. They will go over under or though almost any type of fencing and they are really a challange to keep at home. Thye love to run.


They are not great with small animals and will chase almost anything that moves.


This is not a great breed for a frirst time dog owner. I had one years ago that was left by my neighbors when they moved. We had a hard time keeping him home. He would jump the fence and take off and be back two days later. And the hair all the time was just a mess.
Reply:sounds like a good match and i think you would make a great pet for the dog but i hope your not to old to learn a new trick or two because it will have allot to teach
Reply:A *WELL BRED* Husky is very loving towards people, other dogs and will invite a thief into your house.





Yes, they do need lots of exercise and will chase cats and small animals. They LOVE to run and they have more ways of escaping from a yard, house or a crate then Houdini.... As far as training, let me just say that Obedience is not tops on their list. They need a good reason to mind you or you have to make them feel that it was their idea to sit, stay, etc...





Make sure you like to hear WOOWOO of a Husky..in the morning, afternoon and night, when you leave the house, return or just cause its a good day. The best fun for a Husky is to WOOWOO when THEY think you are sleeping in too late on a Saturday morning:)








Having said the above....PROPERLY bred Huskies are a Wonderful breed of dog!!! They will keep you laughing with their antics and have great personalities!! I would get another one without thinking twice about it:)





Do your research about the breed and the BREEDER...


make sure you know what you are getting into and that this breed of dog will fit in with your lifestyle....





They are GREAT dogs that will keep you on your toes and stay in your heart from day one!!





I starred your question, they do have some people on YA that are very knowledgeable about the Huskies and they would be glad to help you out
Reply:if that's what you want and are going to be committed, yes.


i always wanted a small dog for myself. well my fiance always wanted a siberian husky. we did a lot of research, found a local breeder (from a friend who's friends w/ them) and we got our baby girl, kyah. and i love her soo much. i dont even want a small dog anymore, and we just got our second husky a male! they're great! just keep doing your research and remember a dog is like a kid. they depend on you, and they are for life! my two have changed my life! and i couldnt ask for better dogs !
Reply:A Siberian needs a fenced yard - at least six foot tall - they are known for escaping. They aren't barkers, but are VERY vocal dogs - their voices are a combination of howls and 'cries' - is this something you're willing to deal with? They need to have their minds exercised as well - have him/her carry your water bottle or cell while walking. This gives him/her an opportunity to work and keep his/her mind active as well. They are also great diggers......how do you feel about your yard? Would you mind a few holes? Take these things into consideration as well.


They are awesome 'kids' given the proper home.......best of luck on your decision.
Reply:How much hair all over the house are you willing to tolerate?
Reply:I think all dogs are different in their breed and even though some traits will be there others will not.





One trait that no matter what Husky you get is they SHED A LOT. My next door neighbor has one. The dog is very very smart. Their house is always covered in hair and they have gone through two vacuums. All I do is pet him from head to tail and I have a good amount of hair coming off. Similar to petting a cat.





Another thing about his, this dogs BARKS a lot too. Morning, afternoon and evening I can hear the dog barking inside and outside and everything.





Me personally, would never have one, but if you are ready for the hair and potential barking all the time and possibly escaping your house, then go for it.





The worst that can happen is you find it another home if you think it is to much.





I would search for a Husky rescue and ask if you could foster a Husky. Tell them you have been thinking about adopting one and just aren't sure if the breed is right for you. Ask if you can foster one and then if you really love it, then you know right away. A lot of times the foster parents have first pick to adopt before the public. Maybe you will find the right one that way.
Reply:Huskies are wonderful dogs, yes they do need alot of attention and exercise, but I wouldn't own anything but a husky, she is wonderful with my children , and ver yprotective of them, I got her from a local shelter, she was a stray and very beautiful!! I do agree that maybe you should see if you can find one a your local shelter !! there are many animals that are being uthinezed because people tend to get the new puppy rather than look and the shelters, give it a shot!! good luck on your hunt for a husky!!
Reply:only issue with huskies is they can be a bit more agressive, same with german shepards. You might want a golden retriever or labrador given the visitng children.





Overall it will be your dog and your call. but here is a site to help you choose a breed http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a-z.htm
Reply:yes i have one they must run there like a wild horse.they live a quite longtime my husky is the 16yrs old.and moving well find a good breeder
Reply:Husky dogs are very high maintenance and if you dont have a large yard I would go with something else. They crave attention and think they are lap dogs most of the time. They are all great with kids. They also have several problems that come with that breed that could be expensive later down the road. We actually loss one of ours because he took off after something outside and the movement was so quick he tore the lining in his stomach and he died almost instantly. If you have lots of room sure get one if not try something else.
Reply:Huskys are very gentle and caring as long as you care for them back.


Huskys are one of THE friendlyest and cutest dogs out.





Just make sure its not too hot were you guys live if youd like a husky.


ive been studying them for two years so i would know.





and as long as you give the husky attention it will love them so much.


they have two coats though so they might shed quite alot but vacuming wouldnt hurt.


a good website to adopt a husky from would be :





http://www.mikaylakennels.com/





just click on pups


they already have them.


i have two huskies and a maltese chihuahua and i got both my huskies from them


there very well temperd and sweet dogs.


Huskys are the way to go :D.
Reply:Sounds pretty perfect to me