Although
the Siberian Husky is one of the world's most strikingly beautiful
dog breeds, this breed is rarely a good choice for a first time dog
owner. THIS BREED SHOULD NEVER BE LET OFF LEASH!!! Siberians love
to run and unless they are carefully guarded and only allowed to run
free in enclosed areas, an off leash Siberian will soon become a lost
Siberian...or worse. Please do not think that if you do the training,
that you will be able to trust your Siberian off leash. Siberian Huskies
with Champion Obedience titles have bolted out open doors or gates...
and then never been seen again by their owners/trainers. We
feel you should also be told that they do have their shortcomings,
and may not make the ideal pet for everyone who is attracted to them.
Now you may want to ask yourself "Is a Siberian Husky right for
me?", well lets find out!
* Siberians are a sociable and need the company of other dogs or of
people at all times. If you work all day (more than 8 hours), or have
room for only one dog . . . don't adopt a Siberian.
*
While capable of strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky
is also very friendly with strangers. So, if you want the fierce loyalty
of a one-man dog . . . don't adopt a Siberian.
* The Siberian Husky is not a watchdog, although those ignorant of
his true nature may be frightened by his appearance. If you want a
dog with aggressive guard-dog instincts . . . don't adopt a Siberian.
*
At least once a year Siberians shed their coats. If you like fur all
over the house and in the very air you breathe, then fine. If, however,
you value neatness at all times, then . . . don't adopt a Siberian.
*
Siberian Huskies have a natural proclivity for digging holes in backyards.
If you take great pride in your landscaping efforts . . . don't adopt
a Siberian.
*
Of all the shortcomings to be found in Siberians, the most dangerous
to the pet owner is their tremendous desire to RUN. But the very first
dash that a puppy makes across the road could be his last run, ANYWHERE.
A Siberian, for his own protection, should be kept confined or under
control at all times. If you are one of those people who think it
is cruel to crate train a dog, or keep him confined safely in his
own backyard . . . don't adopt a Siberian.
We
just happen to believe that any dog is better off leashed or in a
proper kennel than running loose all over the countryside. Yes, a
kennel dog is missing a lot in life: the chance to be hit by a car;
the fun of being dirty, full of burrs, and loaded with worms; the
opportunity of being attacked by other dogs; the job of being sick
on garbage infested with disease; the pleasure of being tormented
by mean kids; the thrill of being shot in a yard; and finally the
great comfort of never knowing where he belongs or how to behave.
We don't want to see any Siberian become a TRAMP.
If
you have read this far, honestly feel that you qualify on all counts,
and are still determined to own a Siberian, then we take great pleasure
in welcoming you to the fold. Join the rest of us in the smug complacency
of knowing that we own the most beautiful, the smartest, and the most
nearly ideal dog in the world . . . the SIBERIAN HUSKY!
The
Siberian Husky
The
Siberian Husky has a delightful temperament, affectionate but not
fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may be a heritage from
the past, since the Chukchi people held
their dogs in great esteem, housed them in the family shelters, and
encouraged their children to play with them. Today, it is charming
to observe the special appeal that Siberian Huskies and children have
for each other. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and
adaptable. His intelligence has been proven, but his independent spirit
may at times challenge your ingenuity. His versatility makes him an
agreeable companion to people of all ages and varying interests. While
capable of showing strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky
is not usually a one-man dog. He exhibits no fear or suspicion of
strangers, and will greet guests cordially. This is not the temperament
of a watchdog, although a Siberian Husky may unwittingly act as a
deterrent to those ignorant of his true hospitable nature. If he lacks
a fierce possessive instinct, he also lacks the aggressive quality,
which can sometimes cause trouble for the owner of an ill-trained
or highly sensitive guard dog . In his relations with strange dogs,
the Siberian Husky displays friendly interest and gentlemanly decorum.
If attacked, however, he is ready and able to defend himself, and
can handle the aggressor with dispatch. The Siberian Husky is a comparatively
easy dog to care for. He is by nature fastidiously clean and is free
from body odor and parasites. He is presented in the show ring well
groomed but requires no clipping or trimming. At least once a year
the Siberian Husky sheds his coat, and it is then, when armed with
a comb and a bushel basket, that one realizes the amazing density
and profusion of the typical Siberian Husky coat. Some people feel
that this periodic problem is easier to cope with than the constant
shedding and renewal of many smooth-coated breeds. Chewing and digging?
Siberian Huskies have been known to do their share. The former is
a habit that most puppies of all breeds acquire during the teething
period, and it can be curbed or channeled in the right direction.
Digging holes is a pastime that many Siberian Huskies have a special
proclivity for, but in this, too, they may be outwitted, circumvented,
of if you have the right area, indulged. The Siberian Husky is noted
as an "easy keeper," requiring a relatively small amount of food for
his size. This trait, too, may be traced to the origins of the breed,
as the Chukchis' developed their dogs to pull a light load at a fast
pace over great distances in low temperatures on the smallest possible
intake of food. There is one final characteristic of the Siberian
Husky which we must point out -- their desire to RUN. There are many
breeds of dogs which, when let out in the morning, will sit in the
front yard all day. Not the Siberian Husky. His heritage has endowed
him with the desire to run and his conformation has given him the
ability to enjoy it effortlessly. But, one quick lope across a busy
street could be the last run that he enjoys, ever. Because of this,
we strongly urge that no Siberian Husky ever be allowed unrestrained
freedom. Instead, for his own protection, he should be confined or
under control at all times. Sufficient exercise for proper development
and well-being may be obtained on a leash, in a large enclosure, or
best of all, in harness. If you feel that it is inconvenient or cruel
to keep a dog thus confined, then the Siberian Husky is not the breed
for you.
