I know there is probably loads on Dogsey already, but want a thread that I can give the link to my sister! My sister is adament (sp?) that she is going to get a Siberian Husky when she has her own place. She is 17 at the moment so has a while yet but I want her to realise that it will be completely different to the Golden Retrievers we had as children! So, what can everyone tell me about their experiences owning/being around this breed. Thanks x
If its ok with admin here is a site with good info on siberians, i have had them for about 18 years & they do need a firm hand & know that you are the boss. They are a great breed but not a good breed for 1st time owners really. I find them a great breed though & love their stubborn but loving personalities, you will need good strong, high fencing, preferably concrete foundations instead of grass as they dig & can be very destructive if bored or not exercised enough. Not good off leash but i won't go into that here now.
hi the way i put it to people is......if you like cats you will like sibes..ie they are hunters,independant etc and you need a good sense of humour too,once 'bitten' you never go back a sibe is defo a learning curve compared to a goldie!!! if theres any more specific questions ...fire away(i may or may not be able to help,but there are quite a few other experienced sibe owners on dogsey);-)
Hi Misty-pup I agree 100% with Rose and Tupacs2legs, especially the 'sense of humour required' bit ;-) Sometimes with a sibe if you weren't laughing you'd be crying! It's a steep learning curve in the early years but with consistency and patience they truely are a wonderful breed to live with. Friendly, cheeky, intelligent, outgoing little imps After a while addressing the breed specifics comes as natural as breathing. But not a breed to ever become complacent about. That's the point they always remind you they are 'a siberian husky'. Take good care and like Tupacs2legs said if you have any questions I'll try my best to answer too Seoniad
Thanks everyone! It's trying to make her realise, that yes, she's wanted one for years and years, but maybe they may not fit into whatever lifestyle she will have, so she may have to reconsider. How much exercise do they generally need? Although we had goldies when we were growing up, it would be the first dog she owned, without having mum being the one responsible for the dog! Would a sibe not really be suitable! It's a shame that she doesn't know anyone with a sibe really!! x
well ours get x2 1hr-2 hr walks daily with a free run in a fenced area too, i also run ours in harness with the bike when weather cool enough but on colder days they have run up to 5 miles when adults. but they will take as much as you give them really. Some are happy like mishka with just a walk but some sibes NEED to work.
Ours are hiked, biked, run on a scooter and run in harness with our rig. They free run (the speed they pick up is incredible), they do obedience work and I'm hoping to start some agility with them this year. Our girls would be happy with nice long walks, zoomie free running and social time with their 'dog mates', both are quite the pair of 'couch potatoes' given the choice. Our youngest lad on the other hand is exactly the type of sibe Rose describes above. He NEEDS to work. If he were not in a home that allowed him this outlet he'd be a very unhappy restless boy. Your sister sounds very much like me at that age. I was determined I was gonna live with Siberian Huskies. The only advise I could give her is to find out through the breed clubs about dates and venues for the shows and rallies they provide for club members. Rallies are a great opportunity to find lots of sibe owners in the same place doing what they and the dogs love. We all kinda sing from the same hymn sheet so to speak when it comes living with our breed so she would be able to ask lots of questions and most importantly - get a load of kisses and cuddles from the dogs They are not for the fainthearted that's for sure but a fabulous breed if you are willing to put the work in. Take good care
Sibes will take as much exercise as you are willing to give them, but, like cats given the choice they will sleep much of the time in between bouts of manic exercise. What is even more important than exercise is mental stimulation. A bored husky is one of the most destructive forces known to the universe - they can eat your furniture, excavate your garden, strip the wallpaper from your walls and even (in the case of one person we know) blow up your kitchen. They love company, human and/or canine and more than anything else they hate to be left alone for long periods of time. They are also totally addictive and once you have the husky habit, you will be lost and your life will increasingly centre round your dog(s) rather than round you! Mick
They are a VERY expensive breed!!!! If you are not prepared to loose your make up, wear 'doggy' clothes and no longer have friends that do not have other Siberian Huskies then get another breed of dog
My Sister doesn't really 'do' makeup and stuff, and I think I have made her realise about the 'doggy' clothes business, after she came down my kennels the other day to do my gundogs with me!!! I think she is planning on maybe getting a lab now, at least as her first dog anyway, after having a wee black lab pup stay over mine last night! Thanks so much for all your advice everyone!!
Any time Misty-pup Best of luck to your sister with whatever type of dog she gets. You never know, in years to come she may well get that 'siberian itch' Take good care. Seoniad
