About Siberian Huskies

Thorough research of a breed is recommended beforing adding any dog to your family. Although, there is nothing like a Siberian Husky, please do your research to make sure that this breed will fit into your lifestyle and family. They are not for everyone!!! They deserve a family who will be theirs for a lifetime, so please make sure you are 100% committed to your puppy. The best way is to know as much about the breed as you can. Here is our list of the top characteristics of a Siberian husky to help get you started.

Huskies are not meant to be left outside alone or they will become very depressed and destructive. They are very much a pack dog, and need to belong to your family which means that they need to be allowed in your heart and your home.
Experts agree that a Siberian husky should NEVER be off-leash. Siberian huskies are bred to run and when off-leash, this instinct takes over. It may not happen right away, but one day they head for the horizon and don’t look back. Along with this, they have an indifference to coming when called. Because of this, most Siberians that end up in rescues are strays. I recently read about a husky that was trusted off leash for five years, very well behaved and then one day took off and they are still searching to find him. It is just never worth the risk.
Siberian huskies love to dig. A Siberian has a natural proclivity to dig holes for shelter. They dig holes in the snow to stay warm, or in the dirt of your backyard during summer to cool off. If holes in your landscape are not acceptable, this may not be the breed for you.
Siberian huskies are escape artists. If their head can fit in a hole, their body will follow. A fence of at least 6 feet tall with added rocks or cement at the bottom to prevent them from digging out is recommended and even then may not be enough. Our Nina can open doors and jump our 6 foot fence so we have had to be very creative to keep her home.
Siberian huskies are not meant to be chained outside, it hurts their spirit and can lead to behavioral issues. We believe it is cruel to chain them up. Make sure you have a fence worthy of them as described in number four. If you cannot have a fence, a zipline or trolley system is a alternative to a chain that allows them to run back and forth without be yanked.
Siberians can be prey-driven if not raised with small animals from a young age. Birds, rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals are open season. Siberians have to be socialized around cats and very small dogs or they could become fair game. If properly raised, they do very well. My son has cats that live in harmony with their huskies whom were raised together. This doesn't mean I would necessarily trust them with a neighbor's cat or a cat they didn’t grow up with.
Siberians can be a high energy dog. They are part of the class of dogs known as working dogs. They lead an active lifestyle and appreciate an owner with an active lifestyle. They need to be actively engaged and challenged to stay happy. They love agility if you are up for a challenge. Adult scooters once they are old enough are another way to exercise them well without using too much of your own energy.
Siberian huskies shed or “blow their coat.” One dog will shed about one garbage bag full of fur or more at least once and sometimes 2-3 times a year. Weekly combing is highly encouraged all year long. During a blow their hair will be everywhere, so invest in a good vacuum and be prepared to use it often.
Siberian huskies are out-going and friendly. They do not make a good guard dog because they love strangers. Unless criminals were afraid of being licked to death, a Siberian husky does not make a good dog for protection. People are intimated by their appearance so sometimes that will help, but that is the extent of protection they can be expected to provide.
Siberians are considered a medium to large breed of dog. Standard size females range from 35-50 lbs. and males range from 45 to 60 lbs.There will always be huskies that are over or under standard size which can occur with overfeeding, underfeeding, poor nutrition and/or inadequate excercising. Size is never a guarantee although we strive to breed within standard and all ours are within breed standard size.
Siberian huskies are very intelligent and can be strong-willed animals. They have the independent nature of a cat and this is what helps them make life or death decisions while pulling a sled. While this can make training them challenging, puppy classes and obedience training are a must. It is a great way to keep your dog active and to form an even closer bond with them. It also helps keep them safe.
Siberians are free of typical dog odor and don’t bark incessantly. They have a unique husky “woo” or howl that comes out occasionally and can be heard miles away. Many are talkers and may sing along with you. They are a very happy dog and they know they are adorable. That’s why we love them!
Many huskies end up in shelters because people decide they don't have time, or room, are moving, having children, etc. This is unacceptable. Bringing a husky into your life needs to be for the life of your husky, so make sure you read 1-12 and understand the challenges they can bring along with their grace and beauty. They will give you their heart and deserve the same from you.

For more information you can contact "THE SIBERIAN HUSKY CLUB OF AMERICA " at WWW.SHCA.ORG
You may also want to visit with other Husky owners &/or consider babysitting a husky prior to buying or rescuing one.