Yes, Siberian Huskies are among the most beautiful dogs in the world. Yet, as human beings, we often choose our animals based soley on appearance rather than praticality.
On Physical Activity
Huskies are working animals, and thus are very energetic. Stop me if you’ve hear this one before= they need constant, rigorous, DAILY EXERCISE.
That is not a lie.
This breed absolutely must have an area outdoors where it can run, or be ran by/with its owner. Dogs become aggressive, moody, and restless without exercise. This is a proven fact. Misbehavior occurs when there is no outlet for frustration.
They are much more than beautiful animals, They are beings just like us, and like us, they have needs that must be met with consistency, or you will produce a “lame dog”. A lame dog is one that has-through negligence of its owner-become unable to perform the basic duties it was bred for.
Do not expect you Siberian to become trained for off-leash travel, even in apparently enclosed, protected areas. These are animals with a high prey drive, and as such do not do well with cats and other small animals. While it is extremely possible to teach a Siberian to be respectful of these creatures, do not expect it from a pup who was not introduced to them at a very young age. Owners should be mindful of this consideration when smaller dogs are met a dog parks and other events. Like with other dogs, Siberians will need introductions to children of the family as well as other pets if they are to exist harmoniously.
Again, off-leash training is not reccommended for Siberians. I have met and raised black Labradors and GSDs that have been trained in perfect off-leash control. But it is important to remember that the husky was not designed for this type of controlled behavior. With their high energy, they can bound {literally for miles} away from their owners without stopping to look back. During times like these, the dog is often careless, running into the street without regard for vehicles and the danger they represent. Even highly-trained, respectful animals can be killed by motor-vehicles and terrain hazards. No amount of training will substitute breed-specific instincts. It is important to remember that this can happen to any dog, Siberian or otherwise, but huskies are always going to be more difficult to train and control off-leash.
If you do not like running, or cannot for some reason, do not choose the Siberian or Alaskan husky as your pet, and especially not as a first pet. Intelligent animals like these deserve and require experienced and capable owners. If you do not a have a daily regimen in which the dog can be physically active, this is not the right breed for you.
I know from experience with GSDs and Siberians that without exercise, especially as puppies, they become unruly, difficult to control, and of course, lame.
These notes and considerations should be taken into account. Huskies are among the most commonly “returned” dogs, simply because their owners thought they were “pretty”, “looked like wolves” or “thought they were cute”. Dogs were bred for specific purposes, and even though some of those have diminished today, their instincts remain the same. As such, choose a dog that fits your lifestyle, living situation, and future goals.
Training
Like most dogs, Siberians will require food treats if you want to train them early as puppies. As they mature, they become more attentive to their behavior and in pleasing you, the owner. Then treats can become physical “petting” rewards, or even nothing at all.
It is important to teach basic obidience early on. Commands like “come”, “stay”, “sit”, and “no” should be firmly understood by the dog in any and all situations. A dog that is well-trained will listen to its owner no matter how enticing excess stimuli can be.
Purchasing/Adopting
Average rates for Siberian huskies vary greatly, as with other dogs. I have seen puppies go for $475, and Nanuq was $650 {without AKC papers}. Expect to pay, for a purebred, AKC registered puppy; at least $600-$1200. Again, prices vary greatly, depending on pedigree, breeder standing, and color rarity. I’ve seen some purebred Siberians with exceptional pedigrees go for at least $2100. As well as this, low-content wolf hybrid huskies can be $1000-$2000+.
Make sure you know these thing before you even consider adopting one of these dogs:
- Your living situation for the next 5+ years
- The stability and benefits of your job
- How long you work per week
- Your overall income
- The age of your children {if any}
- Any pet fees/deposits needed for your landlord {if any}
- Your intention to breed the dog.
- Your willingness to exercise the dog.
- Your long term goals for the animal.
- Your ability to pay and account for any medical expenses the dog may accrue throughout its lifetime {illness, euthanasia, cesarean sections, vaccines,etc}.
Once you have all these things accounted for, you can begin to really look for your ideal dog. I know it can be difficult listening to me gripe about various factors of owning a dog, but it truly is a great responsibility that most people miss. Siberian Huskies are some of my favorite dogs {GSDs will always win, haha} and they really are great animals. But do not dismiss my information as mere speculation. It’s true. ;)
Be sure to check out my other page for information on breeding and raising Siberians.
For more information, click here.
