Siberian Husky pros and cons
Potential Siberian Husky owners have a some cons and pros to consider before deciding to get this dog. Siberian Husky is a Nordic Spitz-type dog breed used as a sled dog for many years. In the modern world, dogs are more often companions than workers, and even though the Husky can still be found working and pulling sleds, they are mostly companions and family pets. There are many pros as well as some cons associated with owning a Siberian Husky dog breed.
Husky is a beautiful dog breed that can be a great pet to those that know how to handle such a breed. These dogs have a lot of energy, so providing them with a decent amount of exercise is vital. There are things you should know if you are interested in getting one of these dogs. One of the pros to owing a Siberian Husky is that this dog has a lot of energy. People who enjoy long walks and have a large fenced backyard where the dog can spend some time exercising every day may consider this dog breed. For people who live in a city environment, Siberian Husky may not be the right choice of pet. This active dog needs lots of space to run, play and exercise, which can be difficult to find in a metropolitan area. Better suited for a country or suburban life, Siberian Huskies can keep their owners busy. Leaving this dog home alone frequently will result in various behavior problems. People who don't have the time to spend most of the day with their energetic pet should consider a different dog breed. Huskies that don't receive enough daily exercise may start finding ways to stay busy on their own. Torn up furniture or scratched up doors and floors can be expected if you leave your Siberian Husky home alone frequently. If you must leave the dog alone for a couple of hours, be sure to tire your Husky out by giving him or her a long walk and an opportunity to use up some of that energy. Also provide a few chewable dog toys to keep your pet entertained while you are away.
Caring for a Husky
Getting a Husky as a pet can have its pros and cons. It is a breed with specific requirements and needs, so before you even get one, make sure you have enough knowledge and time for them. When getting any breed, it is vital that your and your family's schedules can include enough time to care for a dog such as Husky. Make sure that you can provide your pet with at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. Regular training sessions will ensure you end up with an obedient dog with excellent behavior. Huskies can be a bit stubborn, so arm yourself with plenty of patience, especially during training. It is important to start training your Husky early on. Obedience training in a must for this active dog that has a mind of his/her own.
A healthy diet is also an important thing to keep your Husky in best health throughout the dog's life. There are plenty of options available on the market, and you should pick one that offers a well-rounded diet that involves all the necessary nutrients a dog's digestive system needs. There is also the option of preparing Husky's meals at home, and if you think that is a better option for you, talk to your vet and ask them for advice about a home-prepped dog diet.
Siberian Huskies are not suitable for tropical or very warm climates - this dog is more comfortable in cooler or even colder climate zones. During very warm weather a Siberian Husky may be uncomfortable since the dog's physical features such as abundant coat are not suitable for very hot weather. Keep your dog in air conditioned environment during warm weather to keep the dog more comfortable. One of the cons to owning a Husky is that the dog is not suitable for hot and even very warm climate zones.
Siberian Husky size
Siberian Huskies are considered medium-to-large dogs, and male dogs are expected to reach the size of 21 to 23.5 inches and 45 to 60 pounds. Female Siberian Huskies are slightly smaller and are usually around 20 and 22 inches tall and weigh from 35 to 50 pounds.
Siberian Husky coat colors
Like so many other dog breeds, the Siberian Husky comes in several coat colors, variations, and different markings. The most common color combination is black and white, but you can also find them in all shades between black and pure white. Even the whole dog can be single-colored white. In black or grey colored dogs, white markings appear on legs, muzzle, face, and tails' tip. Husky's facial markings come in different variations, and they can be different within the same litter.
How long do Siberian Huskies live?
Siberian Huskies have a life span that ranges from 12 to 15 years
How much does a Siberian Husky cost?
Siberian Husky price starts at $700 and up depending on many factors
Siberian Husky temperament
The temperament of the Siberian Husky is similar to those of other sled dogs, which means they have a strong pack orientation. The most important thing to know is that you have to assume the dog's leader's position. If you fail to do so, your Husky might want to take that role for themselves, and behavioral problems can happen. One of the best ways to assert yourself as "the leader of the pack" is by setting rules and keeping to them strictly and constantly. Taking your time when giving your Husky food is an excellent way to see you as someone who has important resources, which can be enough to take the leading role.
Like we said earlier, the Siberian Husky is an extremely energetic breed. This is another trait they share with other sled dogs. If you are considering getting a Husky, make sure you can provide them with plenty of daily activities and exercises. A dog with cooped up energy can, and most likely will, become problematic and destructive. Proper training and socialization should stop bad behavior, so make sure you learn how to train these dogs before you get one.
Not everything is bad about these dogs and in fact, they can make excellent pets if all their needs are fulfilled. They are very friendly, and they get along great with other dogs. Huskies have an outgoing, extrovert, friendly character towards dogs and people. They are rarely suspicious of strangers, even if they are breaking into their territory. They are not the best option for a watchdog or a guard dog.
A good thing about Huskies is that they do not bark, but the bad thing is they love howling. Howling is in their genes, and even though some training techniques can help ease that behavior, there is not much you can do about it. An excellent way to fight their howling is to exhaust your dog every day, so when nighttime comes, they are too tired to do anything but sleep.
Huskies are a breed that is a lot better suited for living in a house than in an apartment, but given plenty of exercises and activities, they can become good apartment dwellers. These dogs love digging and escaping the closed areas, so it would be a good idea to have a secure yard that will stop them from digging under or jumping over the fence.
Luckily, a dog's temperament can be influenced by different things, and even though genes play a large part, their character can be modified through different things like socialization and training. They are considered relatively intelligent, so make sure training sessions are interesting and no too repetitive. Used treat-based positive training methods and good results will show. Socialization should start as soon as possible, and you should make sure that the experiences your dog goes through are as positive as they can be. Through socialization, your dog will learn to adapt to different situations, people, and other dogs.
Siberian Husky life span
Siberian Huskies have a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years and with the right care and healthy lifestyle, your Siberian Husky can live well into the old age without experiencing major health problems. When looking for a Siberian Husky puppy for your family, be sure to find a responsible Siberian Husky breeder who takes all the precautions in order to have healthy puppies. Testing the breeding stock for any health issues that are specific to Siberian Husky breed should be done by the breeder.
Husky shedding
Do Siberian Huskies shed? Huskies produce a significant amount of shedding. Twice a year, Huskies blow their entire undercoats, and brushing should become a daily thing if you want to keep the loose hair under control. At that time, the amount of loose hair is unbelievable, and you might want to think about investing in a good vacuum cleaner. Huskies coats are their trademark, and these dogs are known for them.
Siberian Husky Coat Care
Caring for a Huskies coat is a big part of owning this breed. They are Nordic sled dogs, so it is natural to assume that they will have a thick, double coat that could protect and insulate them from harsh Siberian weather. Indeed, that is the case with these dogs, and they do have a luscious double coat that sheds heavily. Shedding year-round is something you will have to accept if you want to have a Siberian Husky.
Siberian Husky health issues
Siberian Huskies are generally considered a very healthy breed, but Nordic dog breeds are prone to certain conditions. That does not mean they will necessarily develop any of these issues, but by studying the breed, some problems have been detected in a number of Huskies. These health issues include
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's disease
Cataracts
Corneal dystrophy
The best way to secure that you end up with a healthy dog is to get it from a breeder with good breeding practices and who regularly checks their breeding dogs. No one can guarantee that you will end up with a dog that never develops any health problems, but a responsible breeder is the first step you can take to ensure you end up with the healthiest dog possible. A healthy Siberian Husky usually lives between 12 and 15 years.
Siberian Husky origins
The detailed history and origin of the Siberian Husky are still somewhat unknown, but what scientists and canine historians managed to unveil is that this is one of the world's oldest dog breeds. DNA testing confirmed that theory and historic evidence proved that these dogs were developed among the east Siberian tribe called Chukchi.
Chukchi were a nomad tribe that used dogs as a way of fast transportation. Huskies did different jobs their owners entrusted them, such as pulling sleds, freight transportation, and even providing the children with warmth during nights.
Huskies weren't the only working dogs even way back in the past, these dogs were a part of the tribe and the family. Huskies were often sleeping inside the huts because their thick coats provided their people with additional warmth.
An interesting thing about Siberian sled dogs is that their genetic analysis shows they are related to the now-extinct Asian Taimyr wolf. In contrast, most other dog breeds are closely related to the Grey wolf. Nordic sled dogs have shown similar DNA results, and breeds that share Husky's relations to the Taimyr wolf are Alaskan Malamute, Greenland Dog, Alaskan Husky, and even the Shar-Pei and Finnish Spitz.
During the 1930s, when the Soviets closed off their state, the Siberian Husky managed to find its way to North America. Breeders and nomadic tribes exported these dogs from Siberia to Alaska, where the breed's further development continued. Modern-day Huskies are smaller and tamer than the old Chukchi sled dogs, a necessary adaptation to their modern pet role. However, they still kept the energy and sled dog temperament that makes them great workers even today.
Siberian Huskies were registered and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930, even before the Siberian Husky Club of America's official formation, which happened in 1938. A year later, the breed was registered by the Canadian Kennel Club.
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