Is a Siberian Husky a good first choice?

Question

I know about the temperament and intelligence of the breed, and I find that appealing. However, I don't have a large home. It wouldn't have a yard to run in, and its exercise would have to be from time spent outside on walks and play time. I worry that I would be torturing it with such a set-up, even if I do devote enough time to it. What do you think?

Answer 1

How much time will the dog spend alone?
How much time do plan on spending time with the dog, walking it and training it?

Siberian Huskys are working dogs, and need to be kept busy to avoid behavior problems. Speak to a rescue about the needs and lifestyle of one of these dogs, and then have them help you decide if you and a husky would be a good match or not.

Good luck!
http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 2

A siberian husky is a great first choice for a dog owner who leads an active lifestyle. Huskys get really naughty when they can't release their engery in the way their body was ment to. This is a running and pulling breed. I don't think it would matter what kind of home you have when owning a husky you must provide it plenty of exersice ( running or biking with it) and plenty of stimulating enrichment (chew toys, etc.) My husky would run with me 5 miles a day three times a week, and 2 miles twice a week, and weekends cutting loose at the dog park (was in the army). This kept her from finding trouble and kept her fit. Leaving a Siberian Husky home alone for long periods of the day in a small house might be huge mess, because of their intellegence they tend to get bored very quickly and find stuff to get into. A yard is ideal, of course Husky proof, ( high enough they will not jump or climb out of, and no holes because they will dig out- they are escape artists) and will keep them entertained all day. Just a few things to consider before getting a husky.

Answer 3

Friendly Hello,

My friends raises Siberian Huskys. We owned a couple in the past. But they were not suitable for us as they are barkers. My friend owns Lauradale Kennels. They profeshionally breed Siberian Huskys and have purchased the pieblade female call name Chandice from us. Now Lauradale Kennels is a well known kennel. As 4 of the 8 dogs that were featured on 8 Below came from their kennel. So I am going to hook you up. This family will give you all the necessary information you need to know about the breed. Here is a link to their website http://www.lauradalessiberians.com/ Be sure when you contact them. You tell them Kelly refered you. I raise, breed, and show bullmastiffs from Michigan.

Blessings and Good Luck,

Answer 4

Unless you have a huge yard that you don't mind being dug up, do not get a husky. They are very demanding dogs, difficult to train and require a lot of grooming for all that hair which they shed in bags full. Without the proper amount of exercise they will become destructive out of boredom. Remember these dogs are used to running 100 miles a day sometimes, do you think that an hour of playtime is going to satisfy their need for exercise?
When they get lonely they howl, will your neighbours be ok with that? I am a firm believer that these dogs don't belong in the city at all, I had one and had to find a new home for him because suburban life was not right for him. It was devastating to the dog and to my family. Unless you are planning to move to the country do not get a husky for the sake of the dog. Thanks.

Answer 5

well, my uncle bought a Husky and he has NO backyard so he has it on this chain that rubs the dogs neck raw and leaves an opened wound. Then the flys are attracted and eat at the dogs flesh. It is really quite sad actually. But maybe you try a smaller breed. Just for the sake of how much room a certain dog needs and if it need a backyard. Like a Chiuauah doesn't need a backyard but they yap a person do death and have the biggest attitude problems. well,
gl(good luck)

Answer 6

I just got a siberian husky 2 weeks ago... and I dont have a very big yard either...we take him on long walks and play with him everyday...there is always someone at home with him...he tries to chew on everything so he cannot be left unsupervised...he is very active and gets bored very easily (has plenty of toys but each only keeps in occupied for about 5 mins at a time)...if you are planning on getting one its going to be as intense as having a new baby...so be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to him/her..if you are willing to do that and you understand all the issues that come with owning a husky..eg. they are skilled escape artists (will jump fences and dig under them to get out), very stubborn and not easy to train (our dog has actually been good with the training, already sits on command), very active needs plenty of exercise, love to dig up your yard...etc.

If you are willing to deal with the responsibility and challanges then get a husky :)
on teh bright side...they are great dogs...they love people...mine follows me around the house and wherever i am he will want to sit right by me and whatch what I'm doing..he's great!!!

Answer 7

We have 3 large breed dogs, we don't have a huge home and our garden is pretty standard but they are walked religiously on the beach daily, they get training time and off lead time and they are all fantastic dogs...
As long as you can be committed to the dog i dont forsee a problem. But i dont know about huskys and anything specific they need.....

Answer 8

This is a breed that needs to be run. They are escape artists and if they are not getting the exercise they need most will break out going under over or through anything to get loose to run.
I would not think that you are going to be able to give this breeds as much exercise as it is going to need with a walk and play time.

Answer 9

If you're already having doubts then I would say no, it wouldn't be a very good choice. Big dogs like that require a yard and lots and lots of attention and exercise. If you don't have enough time then don't get the dog.

Answer 10

(Absolutely one of your WORST choices!!)
These dogs are bred to RUN, (and in a straight line at that)
That is All they are really interested in doing. They are loners and if given ANY opportunity to escape, including jumping your fence, you will be hard pressed to even find them. ( Not loyal at all, but Beautiful to look at as they run!!) If they do accept you as Alpha, they have a propensity for killing other neighborhood pets, and bringing them home as a gift.
There are MANY other WONDERFUL breeds of dog that would be a MUCH better choice!! The Snow-breeds are best left for those who will run them. Many other Large-Breeds really don't mind small spaces!