Siberian Husky??

LittleStar

Hi, don't know if this is in the correct place ... but I was looking into getting a siberian husky ... i've researched the breed and i think its the one for me ... but was just wondering how much i should be expecting to pay for its upkeep ... ie food, vets bills, insurance etc etc ... also what is the average price for a sibe?

Thanks xx

DKLS

My friend started with one, he had huge problems with the pooch, general distructive behaviour, until he bought it a treadmill so it could do a 20 mile run as well as its 4 walks a day, he then got into huskies big time and races them all over the UK, which keeps them more than happy. If you can offer plentiful exercise then go for it tehy are a wonderful breed.

LittleStar

Yea I've heard they can be very distructive! My other half is joining the RAF so he will be exercising and doing fitness several times a day so we think it should be ok ... but maybe looking into buying a treadmill might also be a good idea!! lol xx

Justie

my experiences of huskies is that they're not really happy unless it's about minus 20 and they've run for 4 hours... there are obviously people who keep them in this country but they're not really pets, they're working dogs and as such you really need to understand their needs first. If you can give them what they need and you're not expecting them to live in the house then get in touch with some of the breeder websites the http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/ site is currently down though but try here http://www.huskyworld.co.uk/info.html

they're beautiful dogs and can be very rewarding but they're A LOT of work and if your OH is going into the RAF he will presumably be away at least some of the time which would leave you with the dogs to deal with - and it would need to be dogs in the plural as huskies are really pack animals more so than most dogs. Only get one if you can provide for it for the next 10+ years...

Good luck with your search and it's good that you're asking lots of questions.

eta: btw most dogs that are destructive are destructive because they've not had enough exercise - if they've had enough exercise they're tired and they sleep... a generalisation but with truth in it.

lil_me

My friend used to breed them, when they have pups he refused to sell me one, he said to me look they are like puppies until they are about 5. They do need a huge amount of exercise, they can be extremely destructive, then there is the hair!

thesaint

My brother had one until a few months ago, His was not in the slightest destructive, I often had her at my house and never chewed or scratched a thing. I suppose he was lucky?

The need walking regulary, but not dusk til dawn.

The one thing that I agree whole-heartedly was the amount of hair they shed is astonishing. I thought my brother's dog was ill because you could pull out handfulls of hair. He had laminate throughout the house which helped.

JennyW_2

I personally don't feel this breed of dog is suitable for you and your lifestyle. They are working dogs and need alot of exercise and stimulation. As someone else said, once your partner is away, it's a lot of work for just you. I have 2 dogs and my husband is in the Navy. when he's away it's down to me to walk my dogs 3 times a day - it certainly makes a difference when he's home to help walk them.

If you lived in Canada and it was minus 20 and could go dog-sleighing then I'd say go for it, but i dont think it would be fair to home a dog which requires more attention than the average pooch.

Greyhounds make great pets and sleep for 23 hours :rotfl:

Lillys_mum

I have an 11mth old German Shepherd x Siberian Husky. She is a lovely dog, very good with our 3 children but can be very attention seeking.
We got her at 5mths old from the local animal shelter and she was very destructive when we first had her. We decided to buy a crate for her and put her in that now whenever we go out and at bedtime. She doesn't destroy anything in the house while we are there.
She does require alot of exercise but if you are happy to take her out then it isn't a problem.
She costs us £30 a month for food. She is on Iams large breed.
Vets bills will vary depending on where you live but we were £145 to have her neutered at 6 mths when she weighed 20kg.
We have her insured and that costs £11 per month so that will cover and accidents or injuries.
The only other expense to think about are kennel fees if you go away. We are £13 per day but they are worth it and she is always excited to go.

If you want one and can give it the love and attention it needs and deserves then go ahead.

Hope this is of some use to you.

Eels100

I would echo the previous comments on the breed - they're amazing dogs but are working animals and as such they do need vast amounts of stimulation and exercise. A bored husky is 25-35kg of trouble waiting to eat your furniture and dig up your carpets. They're a serious committment every day of your life, for the next decade+, even more so than a collie for example (and man, that's saying something!).

I guess the reason so many people urge caution is maybe because if they're like myself then most huskies and other working breeds that we see aren't really kept properly and often have behavioural issues as a result.

I would definitely advise you consider a greyhound, but then I'm really lazy! If you're prepared to hand over your life and can take into account any changes of circumstance that may arise (eg children, house/job moves) then good for you.

Costs for a dog of this size and breed? £15/month insurance, increasing with age, £30-50/month food, annual vet costs for preventative meds eg flea/worm/vacc £100-150, kennelling if you travel and loads of time. I also spend approx £15 a month on treats/chews/toys etc for stimulation. Initial costs such as neutering, crate, dog guard for the car, leads, bedding etc might be between £400-500. No idea what they sell for, it probably depends a lot on the breeder and if the dog has running potential.

thesaint

No idea what they sell for, it probably depends a lot on the breeder and if the dog has running potential.

My brother paid £550 for his.

MrsTinks

Food for a husky: Working dog food will be cheaper - I go to Costco and buy a 20kg sack for my GSD/BC cross and that lasts nearly 2 months... She gets occasional veg scraps from our left over like spuds. Costs about £10-15 and has less adatives than any other food I've come across.
Dog training - do NOT think you don't need to take a husky to training classes! These will set you back about £5 a week possibly more. I've dealt with rescue dogs for years and I take mine to training once a week and in summer to agility too so she's kept busy.
Cage - if you have kids I would recommend buying a cage so not only does the dog have a refuge, but you can lock it somewhere safe if it gets too boisterous. £40 upwards for cage
Spaying and neutering - DO IT! Last thing you want is a dog that has 50,000 hormones going through it's body -especially one that is bred to pull...
Vet... usual stuff... take out insurance... calculate about £15 per month - That's £180 a year - more if you get pedigree...

Would I recommend a husky as a pet? NO!!!!!! You will find the occasional husky that is a good family pet but these are working dogs and a quick 20 minute walk each day will NOT be enough! My GSD/BC cross needs a good 30 minutes flat out (off lead retrieves) in the morning and a long was at night to be even close to happy... ideally she needs more but unless OH is working from home or it's weekend then that is what she gets. If she doesn't get it then she becomes the monster dog from hell. Huskies are also very intelligent and independant. You might find it will never bond with you properly but always seem aloof...
This is a high maintenance breed - they need nearly daily grooming if they are not in sub-zero temperatures and they need lots of training...
I would say think VERY hard before you get a Husky...