Pros and Cons of owning a Husky?

they shed tremendously,, they are not easy to obedience train, they like to run off ,, but they look pretty

always remember to thoroughly research what a dog was originally bred to do BEFORE you get one,, a dog is a 10 plus year committment… you better make sure your personalities click

rule number one: NEVER buy a dog based SOLEY on looks alone

Husky Pro

Hey there,

We have had two huskies and let me tell you how wonderul they are. They are so smart and easily potty trained. No problem at all.

They are very social animals and basically the only problem you will have with them and strangers is they make lick them to death or shed on them a little.

They are very affectionate. Love attention and willing to give it back. Our husky now is such a ham.

They get in a new coat every year so you can imagine that takes a little work. We have hardwood floors so its not that bad. We also brush her alot during that time.

They are runners. So, if they escape (And they are looking for every opportunity, believe me.) they maybe miles away within the hour. So, I personally think a chip is a neccessity.

(Our first Husky died last year, the one we have now we got at the humane society, she was obviously someone’s pet at sometime and how sad that they could not find her)

You asked about chickens. From what I know about the breed and what I know about the two huskies I have had this is going to be a no-no. They will eat any small animal. Its just their instinct. Cats may not be safe either.

The only thing I can think of is if you habituate the dog as a puppy to be around chickens it might be okay.

We love our dog and we get compliments all the time at how well behaved she is. Both of our huskies were sensitve though. THey get their feelings hurt pretty easily.. But, we would not change a thing..

Good luck

Pros, they are beautiful dogs that are fun and love to romp, play and chase. They are also cute when they “talk” because they don’t bark much. Cons, they shed tons of hair a day and need constant brushing and grooming. They need ALOT of exercise and at least 2-3 mile a day walks, preferably more and maybe 2 to 3 walks daily. They are aloof and do not really see you as a pack leader, will not usually come when called and will run off if given the chance so do NOT ever let them off leash or outside without a HIGH fenced yard. A husky will run for miles and miles if given the chance so you must keep a keen eye on them. They need obedience training and leash training as they will pull you around if you do not learn to handle them. They are definitely not for a first time dog owner at all. They are very high maintenance.

It’s hard to say the pros and cons of any breed since I believe most the pros and cons come from environment rather than breed and genetics.

I have had 4 Siberian huskies and currently own a malamute. Huskies are beautiful dogs without a doubt. All of my dogs have been well trained most of them a bit stubborn at first but I think it was more a lack of attention span than anything else as these dogs do tend to be a bit more active. All of them were trained to pull bikes, sleds and my Malamute even pulls my baby niece in her carriage! They love to hike and need lots of space to use their unspent energy.

My dogs have always been protective of me and our space but are very socialized and would never harm anyone. I guess the only cons would be a bored un exercised husky and being stopped every 4ft on the street so someone can pet your dog!

Oh one more thing none of my huskies have barked unless they had another dog around them showing them how. This would happen only when we watched my brothers lab she barked all the time so my dogs would kind of mimic her but once she left they wouldn’t bark only howl at their toys now and again.

Siberian Huskies are beautiful animals, but before you decide to get one, figure out if the two of you are a good match. Huskies require an enormous amount of attention. They are strong-willed animals, and most of them do better with an experienced dog owner. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a Siberian for your first dog; it does mean you should know what to expect. Some people consider Huskies stubborn, but it is more accurate to say that they are determined and persevering — necessary qualities in a good sled dog.

Huskies are adaptable to many situations. They aren’t one-person dogs but enjoy the company of the entire family, particularly children. They like strangers, too. In fact, if you’re looking for a watchdog, get a Chihuahua. Huskies seldom bark at trespassers. They prefer to stand around silently wagging their tails while the thief makes off with the silverware.

Consider the following:

Children. Most Siberians are good with and for children; a very few aren’t. A lot depends on the nature of the children. Careless and cruel children don’t deserve a pet of any kind. Never buy a pet to teach a child responsibility. You’re the adult; you have the responsibility of caring for the pet.

• Many dogs who are fine for older children aren’t suitable for children under the age of 3, and a young child should never be left alone with a pet, for both their sakes.

• Because many children are allergic to dog hair and dander, prospective Husky owners should get their kids allergy tested before bringing home this shedding breed.

Your house. Meticulous housekeepers may not be happy owning a Siberian. These dogs shed a lot and have a reputation for destructive behavior. Much of this reputation is undeserved, but it’s fair to warn you that if an extremely clean house is very important to you, owning a Siberian will add stress to your existence.

Despite their shedding, Siberians are exceptionally clean. They don’t have the doggy odor typical of many breeds. They are clean eaters, as well.

Climate. Many people often overlook this important consideration. Although you can certainly keep a Siberian if you live in South Carolina, you will need to take extra care and precautions in the summer. As a general rule, the colder it is, the better Huskies like it. If you live in Minnesota and like the winter, the Siberian is the dog for you! However, if you can’t take the cold yourself, you may want to match up with a less arctic animal.

Exercise. Siberians need a lot of exercise — every day. If you want a Husky, you need to be willing to provide your pet with the high level of activity he requires to keep him happy and healthy. These activities can include regular jogging, playing, swimming, or best of all, sledding. One Husky can keep several members of the family in top condition. Be honest with yourself about how much exercise you can give your dog. If you’re not willing or able to give your dog a lot of attention, consider a breed with lower activity-level needs.

A Siberian Husky must be fenced in, or at least exercised vigorously several times a day. Most communities have containment laws, and even where there are none, Siberian Huskies cannot be allowed to roam free. They have a habit of chasing and killing cats, rabbits, and even lambs or calves.

Pros: Very friendly!!! My family has had them since I was 2 months old. They are so friendly and playful. They love to be pet and snuggle with you. They are very lovable and fun. They are beautiful dogs that are very sweet! We have had 5 huskies and they all have been wonderful pets! Plus they dont bark! (most of them)

Cons: Shedding!!! When they shed, they shed A LOT! They shed pretty much year round, and they shed very much during the summer. We have to vacuum everyday because of our 2 huskies’ shedding. Also they do tend to run, so if they are given the chance to slip out a door, they will run and run and run! They are very fast and clever dogs! They dont usually dig, but do try sometimes. its a pretty easy correction that most dogs have to learn. Other than their shedding and sometimes puppyish habits (that are common in all dogs) huskies are very gentle pets!

And yes they LOVE walks!! They are very strong, so you have to be careful, but they LOVE to walk and explore! They also like other activities such as fetch and tug-of-war. they like to chew on bones and stuffed animals too!

PROS;

Not like your “average” dog.

Very friendly with all people.

Entertaining (never a dull moment.)

Intelligent and mischievous.

High Energy.

Clean, little or no doggy smell.

Straightforward to groom.

—

CONS;

Far to intelligent and mischievous for most owners.

Independent and strong willed (Because you said so is not a valid reason to do something.)

High Energy and strong desire to run and run and run.. .

Get bored very easily.

Not a one man dog, Anyone will do.

Shed / dig.

High prey drive.

Cannot be trusted of leash .

Escape artists (you MUST have a fenced in yard.)

Please continue to research this breed. Siberian Huskies are in no way the right breed for everyone!

http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm

http://www.siberianrescue.com/seneca.htm

http://www.huskycolors.com/siberian.html

http://shusky.hypermart.net/husky.htm

ADD-

Do they like walks?

Yes and pleanty of it.

Siberian Huskies where bred to run for hundreds of miles everyday. A 20minute walk down the park will not do it for a Siberian. We are talking 2-3hours daily!

What entertains them?

Siberian Huskies get bored very easily. If your not there to entertain them, they WILL find a way to entertain themselves. This could be digging in the garden, chewing you brand new shoes, climbing your sideboard or playing with their Kong…

Most Huskies are very, VERY friendly towards everyone, including strangers.

The downside is that they are escape artists, huskies love to roam and will get out by any means necessary, so you need to have a good fence thats TALL and can’t be dug under.

Also, they can be abrupt at points, they are good if you don’t want a lap dog.

Huskies can run 3 marathons in a day ( see Iditarod ), while beautiful, and amazing athletes, they can run all day. If you don’t have the time to exercise them properly, get a different breed. Walking a mile or two on a leash is not sufficient.

This is a wonderful high energy breed.If you cannot hike miles or take him next to your bike for miles,you might need to re think this breed.They need lots and lots of high energy running.If they do not get the work out they need they tend to find ways to entertain them selves,such as fence jumping and a great tenacity for escapeing most yards.If exercised correctly and trained they are wonderful beautiful companions.Tilks Mom