im really wanting a siberian husky, but im having trouble deciding on whether or not it would be the best dog to get. can anyone give me some pros and cons?
2006-10-03 13:54:16 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
im looking for an energetic dog (one i can running with) i have a large backyard. but i need to know stuff like how well they train, etc...
2006-10-03 13:59:29 · update #1
Siberian Huskies make excellent companions for active people -- they make great running companions, since they can settle into that trot and go all day, if that's what you want. They are also affectionate, get along great with other dogs, and are not aggressive (or SHOULDN'T BE, if they are well-bred).
That said, they are not the breed for everyone. They are highly independent, get destructive and noisy if bored, and CANNOT be allowed off-leash, as they will take off at any opportunity (see "highly independent"). As others have said, they also shed quite a bit. And they have absolutely no protection instincts (or, again, they shouldn't, as this is not what they were bred for).
I adore this breed, but I have been involved in Siberian rescue for many years, and most of the dogs we get come from people who had no idea what they were getting into before they got their puppy. Research is a must. :)
Check these links for info on the breed.
http://www.kaylenbergsiberians.com/Ready.htm
-- online breed profiler is nice. The FAQ link is dead, here's the new one:
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dogs-faq/breeds/huskies/
Also check the info on the Parent Club's home page:
http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm
http://www.shca.org/shcahp2a.htm
Good luck with your decision. Please consider rescuing an adult Siberian (you don't have to wait for them to grow up so that you can go running together!)
2006-10-05 03:40:33 · answer #1 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Huskies are absolutely wonderful dogs to own.
Pros: They are gorgeous dogs, love people and attention, and are great with kids. They are usually very gentle and aren't usually aggressive. They absolutely love to run, so if you live in the country or have a big yard, then they would do best. They can be house dogs but don't usually like it.
Cons: They hate being penned up. They will jump, dig, chew, or knock their way out of a backyard. They shed twice a year, in HUGE amounts. Hair will be on and in everything. If they are not taught at an early age, they can be aggresive (especially males). They don't make good guard dogs. They will be more likely to let the burglars in for company rather than keep them out. :) They are prone to heat strokes and hot spots in the summer if kept outside for long periods of time. They can also be very stubborn, sometimes making training difficult.
They can also be very independent dogs which could be a pro or a con, depending on what qualities you are looking for.
You can also try:
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/huskies.html
http://www.siberian-husky-dogs.com/
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/siberianhusky.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/siberian_husky/index.cfm
Hope this helps make your decision a little easier and good luck!
2006-10-03 21:06:49 · answer #2 · answered by Vet_Techie_Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Siberian Husky! Beatiful dogs!
the problems you may experianve are some serious shedding. Like huge amouns of hair all over the place. EVERYWEAR!!! I gurantee that you will find hair in the most unexpected places including you eyes noes and mouth.
Siberian huskies also may have some agression. If you buy one as a puppy and take really good care of it and give it all it needs the aggression wont be a problem. Older dogs that were given up tend to be more aggressive...especially huskies.
The great things about Huskies is that they are cute and will be loyal. They will sleep with you every night and are great dogs to show off. If raised the right way they are great with children and they are a great choice for a pet.
If you live in a place with a hot climate be sure to keep your house cool because huskies are naturally used to colder temperatures.
I say go with the husky though...you wont regret it.
2006-10-03 20:59:46 · answer #3 · answered by ¡Free Love! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Huskies are very high maintance dogs but are a great breed.
The pros and cons are very similar and it depends on your lifestyle.
They have several layers of fur and will need a lot of maintance for their coat and skin
They are a working breed so they will need a lot of exercise, which can be difficult in hot or warm weather
They are pack animals so you will have to do lots of training and be consistent to establish your role as the pack leader and disciplinarian. Also, make sure your friends and family come before them in the pack
I believe they can have urinary tract and/or digestive tract problems so make sure there is a doggy door they can use to go outside
They cannot be left outside at all, this would be torture to a huskie or a German shepherd
These are terrific dogs. Good luck!
2006-10-03 21:01:24 · answer #4 · answered by 26433_ED 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a seven year old male blue eyed black and white Siberian husky. He is very good with kids and is not aggressive with other animals. Now, if another dog attacks him...he will take up for himself.
They do shed a lot and for that reason he is an outside dog. I live in the north Texas area and it is very hot here.
Even in October. It was 94 today. I have a wading pool for him to cool off in and he uses it a lot. They make great pets and I would recommend huskies.
I also like Norwegian Elk-hounds.
2006-10-03 21:20:36 · answer #5 · answered by no nickname 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Siberian Husky's are awesome. Training them properly takes a lot of dedication. They can be independant and therefore can be tough to train. They are very sociable and easy going and have tons of energy.
Great with kids and other pets.
If you live in an area that is not real hot and have a house with a yard and are willing to keep up the grooming and train it properly then go for it. Awesome dogs.
Do not let your Husky sleep with you. Crate train it. You need to be the leader of the pack and letting it sleep with you makes you it's equal.
2006-10-03 21:01:00 · answer #6 · answered by boyandhisdog2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Theres more then one husky to choose from. from Siberean to mallamut huskies. They are good dogs to train and they learn well. Remember, they train the dogs for sledding. I think about the worst problem this type of dog has is they like to run..... off. make sure if this is the type of dog you have, he has tags so if he runs away..... he can be returned.
2006-10-04 16:48:01 · answer #7 · answered by Maienca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I owned a male for 6-7 years. Beautiful dogs!! I would never own another one though. Didnt trust him around kids or other dogs.
He seemed to be very tempermental. Vet told me that was normal for that type of dog?
Good luck..
2006-10-03 20:57:46 · answer #8 · answered by brock 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 11 year old Siberian Husky had her since she was 1 yr old took her from a family that abused her.
She has been a great dog I had a child that 2 yrs old and she was very gentle with him and followed him every where. I never had a problem with her being mean my gosh if a robber broke into my house she would just wag her tail and roll over for her belly to be rubbed.
She would love to go running with you they love to run its in their blood. Now if you live in a climate like me hot in summer and cold in winter she will love the winter time. In fact she sleeps more outside on our back porch then she does inside in the winter time. She loves the cold . In the winter its just to hot for her in the house with her winter coat. In the summer time its the exact opposite she wants inside .
They do shed a lot and I mean alot so the dog will need brushed every day and mine hates water so its hard to give her a bath especially with the coat she has because its so waterproof its just easier to take it to the vet and have her bathed every few months .
Another thing they are prone to hip problems and arthritis. Mine is staring to get arthritis but I have her on Ol Roys joint and hip treats that have glucosamine in them and I give her a tablet of glucosamine everyday. It dont get rid of the arthritis but it sure does help her out getting up.
They love to wonder to . So if you live on a busy street like I do make sure she or he is chained up we had terriable problems with her running off she got out the door , but with her age now she is more content just to stay at home and I can let her out now off the chain without her wondering.
They are very prone to hot spots to so you have to watch out for them
She has been a really great dog, but if and when something happens to her to be honest I dont think I would ever get another one. They need alot of room to run and play and alot of attention with brushing and things like that . And you will have hair all over our house. I just dont live in that kind of house that makes that kind of dog happy but I didnt want her abused anymore so that is why I took her in .
2006-10-03 22:05:34 · answer #9 · answered by dindy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends what u want
2006-10-03 20:55:47 · answer #10 · answered by bob 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋