Siberian Husky??

[Deleted User]

my daughter has a genuine husky. Alaskan, not siberian. He is slightly handicapped and was bred as a sleek, fast sled dog but was kept in a cage because of the handicap. My dd and her dh were living in canada at the time and they adopted him as a puppy and brought him to the uk

1 he has a lovely temperament but his teeth look very very sharp and I would not like to cross him
2 he moults really badly day in day out
3 he gets 3 massive run arounds every single day and could easily cope with more, in spite of the handicap

They are NOT a dog breed for the inexperienced and for those without a lot of handy acreage to run about in. He craves attention and will not be left on his own

Don`t for heavens sake get one as a designer dog

LittleStar

Thanks for all your comments, some were very helpful ... however some I find quite rude ...

Like I said i have researched well about this dog and I am aware of its needs. I am fully aware that they are working dogs and need VAST ammounts of exercise, which is not a problem for my other half or I as we are both into fitness and enjoy long walks around the park. ... Also I am fully aware that because of their breed the do need professional training and was more than willing to attend training schools ... I am aware that they shed their fur constantly throughout the year unless in climates which is natural to them, then they would have two full sheds a year ... I am also aware that they will dig up your carpets and dig huge holes in your garden, and know that I would need a cage, I also know that it is a good idea to cage train them also ... I am aware that they will live 10years + ... which is a good thing! ... whats the point in having a dog if you only want the dogs for a couple of years! ...

As for everyone that keeps mentioning Canada ... there is a great likelyhood that my other half and I would be moving out there depending on where he would be posted with the RAF ... Canada is our preference ...

Like I said ... I would not have spent months researching this breed if I was not 100% serious about getting it ... all I wanted was some info the costs as I havent found anything in the books or websites I have read! ... And as for your remark kittie about getting it as a designer dog, I take as a complete INSULT and find it highly rude!! From what i've read and what i've seen they can be lovely, kwirky, rewarding family dogs, with a lovely temprament ... which is what I want ... not a pooch to match my Gucci handbag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway ... thank you to everyone else for your helpful comments, it has been appreciated xx

janeawej

Af reind of mine breeds them and they are truly lovely dogs, very energetic but very loving and gentle especialy good with kids, well hers are at least! one thing she told me is that they are not good let off the lead as they are bred for running and will run run run ad not come back, i dont know how true this is but she certainly dosent let hers off the lead out of the garden! they live in kennels in the garden with large runs and each has a picnic bench in the run as apparently they love to sit up on something!! they do use these a lot and seem to enjoy lying and sitting on them the majority of the time! well that is all i know about them! so good luck and choose your puppy carefully!

LittleStar

Thank you janeawej ... does your friend breed them to sell them? If so does she have a website at all? If she does would you see if she would mind you giving me that info? I'd be looking into getting one within a year or so. Thanks xx

Smashing

I'd just like to add that sadly, rescue centres can often get huskies in as people don't realise how much work they can be - why not consider rehoming a dog who needs a home rather than putting money into the pockets of breeders when there are already plenty of unwanted dogs? They would require a donation, but nothing like the hundreds of pounds that breeders want.

Also, do you have a secure garden with 6ft+ fences? How long would the dog be left alone for? Do either of you have experience of owning dogs before?

Bear in mind that they can also be quite vocal, so your neighbours may not be overjoyed.

Not wanting to put a dampener on things, but it really is best to know the reality of owning such a breed (or any dog, infact) before jumping in.

LittleStar

That is very true ... I never thought of going to a rescue centre first! The garden would not be a problem as we are already aware of how good Sibes are at escaping ... also I am likey to be working from home so it would not be alone for very long! ... My other half has experience with owning large dogs before, which he trained himself from a puppy ... altho I know a Sibe would need professional training.

Smashing

Whereabouts are you located?
The other benefit of a rescue centre is that they will do a homecheck and many will provide support after you have adopted the dog.

Bad_Back_I

My personal pet hate is working breeds as pets but thats my personal opinion:o I'm pleased you've done your doggie research and you know what your letting yourself into.

...But as an RAF wife for the past 10 years all I can say is if you manage to get a say in your posting then your doing very well and if you do get out to Canada then it is very, very unlikely to be permanent (you will also be liable for transport costs both ways for your doggie friend). Not trying to put a downer on things it's just I wouldn't want you to pin your hopes on this.

Best of luck
Bad_Backs better half

Justie

Littlestar I'm really pleased you fully understand what you're taking on - I've seen some huskies kept in terrible conditions and it makes me wary. I've also seen them doing what they love to do in the snow and pulling a sled and it's a gorgeous sight. I hope your plans work out and you get the posting you want. Please do bear in mind that circumstances change and I know from personal experience that having an OH who works away can be hard on both me and the dog and right now I'm pregnant and having mobility problems so when OH is away the dog gets short changed - not as bad with a Lab as with a Husky. A lot changes in 10 years and it's good to plan ahead for the life of the dog to save you a lot of heart ache later on.

The second link that I put up earlier is a breeder I think and there are loads of sled teams online who would be able to give you good recommendations of breeders. It may also be worth getting along to some sledding events so you can see lots of dogs and meet other husky owners. I would expect to pay upwards of £500 for a puppy, a rescue would be cheaper but is harder work so it may just depend on what dog you fall in love with as to which you get. If you exercise it enough and train it well then any behavioural issues should be lessened especially if you cage train as well.

wolfehouse

i once had a roomate who had a husky- it was a fantastic companion with a great personality. She was happy in a regular suburban house with a regular back yard and regular walks.
his dog did have hip dysplasia though- which i am told this breed is prone to.
(and if i remember right she also had sight problems).