Siberian husky or german shepard

SuperMario

Hi guys

know ye are the best people for advice on this one.
Long story cut short which would be better for someone with limited experience of dogs, plenty of land and time for either dog and also very active daily and would not have a problem exercising.

The reason I ask is that I don't know if someone with limited experience of owning large dogs should get either of the above dogs.

Thanks guys

Ado86

To be honest, I dont think either of those breeds would be suitable, they require stern handling and this requires experience. Maybe something like a labrador or a golden retriever if you wanted a larger breed but with a placid good temperament.

Whippersnapper

Huskies hate to be left alone, they nearly always manage to escape when away from their owner for any period of time.

Santrypad

Personally Id have to say the gsd as have one but both are beauts.

I wouldnt advise you not to go for a bigger dog but I would advise you to think long and hard before doing so and do your homework....alot of responsibility comes with them.

All pups are hard work and time consuming if nothing else and need to be watched like babies, as said above good training is a must, these are both big dogs and they will need to be under control or you run into problems.

Its not just a matter of picking one and seen what happens its a commitment so know your stuff before hand, do you have any even friends of friends that have either that could advise you for your particular circumstances?

Google both breeds and read up on them, if your serious even buy a book before hand both on training and the breed so you know whats ahead of you and what to expect and whats expected of you.

As I said my choice would be the shepherd because I believe they are a true companion but only after hard work and dedication.

mymo

Are you looking for a pup or would you be open to an adult dog?
Would you consider trying the rescues for a dog? A lot of larger dogs are given up, if you wait and keep an eye out you may find what you want and rescues can give you info about the dogs personality and any training its had. It could be and easy start for you, with the possibility of getting a second dog for company when you have a bit of experience.
If you have the time and space, (and money) 2 dogs are great, they play together and keep each other company when you have to leave them.

adser53

I won't repeat what's been said already about making sure you know what you're getting into with a big dog as your presence on here alone suggests your doing the research first so well done!

Personally if I were you, I'd go for the GSD (not a show standard one with a sloped back though). Don't get me wrong, I love sibes but in your case I just think a GSD would be better suited for a few reasons:

1. I personally feel that a GSD would be slightly easier to train and more companionable than a sibe
2. Sibe's have an overwhelming urge to run off so if you let it loose in the countryside (i took your post to mean by lots of land that your in the country?), don't expect it to come back until it wants to. Obviously if there's livestock around you'll have to be very very careful regardless of what breed you get but I do think you'd have better luck with recall training on a GSD (that's if you let it off in a secluded area (see below on the control of dogs act).
3. Also if you are in the country, GSD's are great at alerting you if there's anyone nosing around that shouldnt be

As you said, you have the time to put into your dog and I think this is far more important than "experience" with a large breed. If you've done your research, are confident with your choice of breed and your abilities to train the dog consistantly then you shouldnt have any worries. I have an akita, supposedly one of the hardest dogs to "train" and had no experience with such a large dog before and didn't have any trouble because I put the time and effort in.

Any dog can be troublesome or a handful but this is nearly always down to the owners doing something wrong when training.

One thing I will say though is that GSD's are on the restricted breeds list under the Control of Dogs act. That means they must be muzzled when in public, always kept on a leash and be under control of someone over 16 years of age. This sounds like a bummer but in my experience, it's not rigourously enforced and you won't have any bother unless you do something stupid like let the GSD roam the lands uncontroled, so it shouldnt put you off getting a GSD.

Sorry for the long post

Irishcrx

Most people here have German Shepards so i'll give the Sib Husky side of it, I have one.
First off , they are not really a starter dog in general, but he was my first dog I felt comfortable getting one as I did alot of research into the breed before hand and I'm glad I did. Some advantages and disadvantages of owning a Husky are..

Pros:
Very friendly
Very active
Playfull and always willing
Not aggresive (If brought up right)
Great companian

Cons:
Needs lots of exercise
Pups will have some stomach problems early on (As most pups do)
Can be destructive if left alone and bored
Can be a challenge to train

I say challenge to train instead of what most say about being stubburn because with time and patience they can be very well trained. Mine is is very intelligent, once he gets a trick once, thats it he knows it. Busker is turning 1 this month and he's learned sit, stay , come , left paw , right paw, lie down, roll over , jump , crawl and even how to play football with me and pass the ball with his paw...so definatly very smart breed you just have to put the time in and you will get their loyalty and love back in bucket loads. They need a large bag garden and if you aren't there during the day another dog is a must.

I have never had a german shepperd so i'll leave the advise above on that, but they are also a lovely breed, very smart and loyal. One big differance is a german sheppard is a very efficent guard dog, a husky does not have that instinct he will more than likely like an intruder.

Paul91

work colleague of mine was in the CSPCA earlier in the week - apparantly the have two GSD's in there at the moment, she said one was twice the size of mine (I have a 4 year old bitch, 80lbs) the colleague actuall groomed Roxy sunday so i'm half tempted to go in just to see, but then how do i walk out without

a) taking both of them (if still there)
b) having a little "discussion" with the staff in there about Roxy, as they let me take her from them in August 5 weeks pregnant (pups arrived in Sept - sadly it seems the last two will be going to new homes this weekend - i'm gutted! 3 month old last night)

FYI I am not recommending you take a dog from the CSPCA due to the problems i encountered with them which i have documented on this forum many a time - the regulars must fall asleep when i mention it

i would recommend these guys http://www.dogactionwelfaregroup.ie/adoption.html take a look at Molly and Maddie or Flip and Frankie if after a younger dog

star-pants

Paul91 - whilst I understand your issue with the CSPCA - the OP has not asked for an account of your situation, they've asked which of the two dogs would people recommend to get or could people recommend another dog even.

Having GSDs you could explain the pros and cons as others have done, which would be more helpful and more on topic.

Get a sibe husky if you want but be prepared to keep it on leash or in a secure area all the time you're not there but if you will be there, then no problem but you still need to keep it on leash. If you think that is cruel, then don't get one. I'm biased, they are one of my favorite dogs. They need to be kept on a leash due to their high prey drive and will to run run run. They are also not a one man dog so if you can't handle that, something else to think about.

Paul91

Oakey coakey - sorry was just letting the OP know where there where some rescues GS's available

The GS I got is the most loving, stroke wanting, attentive dog i think i've had - but she pulls like a train on the lead - luckily i have enough weight to slow her down.

My Mum and Sister came over from the UK (seperate from each other) they where both scared of GS's cos of the reputation they get, now barring in mind Roxy's pups where al running around, both my Sister and Mother found Roxy to be extremely affectionate and both then and there changed their opinions on GS's to be a heck of a lot more favourable, in fact they preferred her to be near them then my Boxer/lab

ISDW

First off, well done for coming on and asking for advice. I don't really know much about GSDs, I have a GSD/husky cross myself but I mainly have sibes.

Siberian huskies aren't large dogs, people tend to think they are, but they are actually medium sized, much smaller than a GSD.

I wouldn't recommend a sibe as a first dog, only because I think they're pretty unique and not very 'doggy':D However, if you wanted to go the rescue route, maybe an older, more placid dog (I have a few that might suit!)

Ado86 wrote: »

To be honest, I dont think either of those breeds would be suitable, they require stern handling and this requires experience. Maybe something like a labrador or a golden retriever if you wanted a larger breed but with a placid good temperament.

I don't agree with that, they are stubborn and highly intelligent, they were bred to pull sleds and they had to have the capacity to think for themselves, and if they thought the musher behin them was leading them into danger, to ignore the commands and do what was right for them and the rest of the pack. So stubborn definitely, stern handling, I wouldn't say so. I have a large sibe who will do anything I ask of him, because he trusts me and I trust him. I tried the stern stuff with him, didn't really work, but now he is a different dog, lots of love, training and respect. He works in harness and has done some weight pulling, and he would work until he dropped if he thought thats what I wanted. However, because I also trust him, I would never do that to him.

Sorry, slight off track there. The thing about sibes that has been mentioned though is - they can never be let off the lead in an unenclosed space. Because of their intelligence and independence they may come back 99 times, the 100th time they'll decide they're running, and they will keep going. They can cover a lot of distance in a very short time. They are not good with small animals, they are very prey driven, so also not a good idea around livestock. Again, the history of the breed, working in harness during the winter, set free to fend for themselves in the summer, so they had to hunt for food.

If you have a garden or a run with fencing at least 6 foot high, and that they can't dig under, great. I hate radio fences, and I don't think they work with sibes anyway. If they want to get somewhere, they will take the pain of an electric shock. But then they aren't stupid, they won't take the same pain to come back into their garden:D

I have 2 gsd/husky crosses here in rescue, a lovely boy of about 2 and a young girl just turned 1, maybe the best of both worlds??

If you want to get active with either breed, there are lots of activities you can do, agility etc (although again, probably not with the sibe, they can do the agility, but then may get a scent and disappear out of the ring). There are also a couple of clubs around the country now for dryland mushing etc, great fun. Scootering or bikejoring with one dog is great for both dog and owner. A tired dog is a happy dog.

Sorry for the essay, and best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Steve30x

I would recomend a Border Collie. The Border Collie is a medium sized dog , is easy to train , is very friendly and is a good watch dog.

lrushe

I'd say a German Shephard but I'm bias as I just love the breed, they are more steady and calmer than a Huskies IMO and need a slightly less strong handler. My aunt got her German Shephard from a German Shephard Rescue who match dogs with families, maybe as a new dog owner you could look into this and find the dog which suits you. If you decide to buy be v.picky about who and where you buy as they do suffer from their share of breed related illness ie. hip / elbows.

votejohn

if your new to dogs, then definitely go for the german shepherd.

I have a 6 mth old siberian husky, and I walk / dog sit a german shepherd that I think of as my own dog so I know both breeds.

German shepherds are very loyal, huskies not as much
GS, when trained, will walk well off leash, huskies have to be on leash at all times
both breeds are intelligent, but german shepherds want to please you, while huskies want to please themselves!

hkenn1

My 13 yr old would love a Huskey but from a bit of research and experiance i'd go with a mix breed.If your a first timer you want a dog that is easy to train but some intelligance pref.a collie or lab.Every dog is individual and it will come down to patience.I've a gorden setter x and when he was in his hay day had no end of energy and brain power.He's nearly 12 and we're about to adopt again because he has become depressed.A dog need stimulation like everybody else.So as long as your ready to cope with them doing their own thing then good luck and your on the right thread for help.Best of luck.

SuperMario

Hi guys thanks for all the advice.

This might be against the rules if so I'm sorry mods.

Could someone look at these adds and tell me, if so by pm which of these pups would be better, thanks in advance
<snip>

Paul91

SuperMario wrote: »

Hi guys thanks for all the advice.

This might be against the rules if so I'm sorry mods.

Could someone look at these adds and tell me, if so by pm which of these pups would be better, thanks in advance

<snip>

OK I'm no expert, but the donedeal looks like a show dog and the gumtree a working dog, if they are genuine (which I can't say if they are or are not) my personal choice (if i had that sort of money) would be the working one as I believe you get less health problems with them - look up hip dysplesia

also i'd look up the breeders with the IKC and make sure you see the mother at least and father if poss. the mother and father should have "hip scores" if IKC registered i believe

argosy2006

Bermese mountain dogs are placid
and love out doors,

Dmighty

I have both a husky and a gsd, both beautiful breeds and both my favorite. Huskies require alot of attention, they get bored easily and become destructive, you have to be very patient with this breed of dog, i would not recommend them to first time dog owners as there very stubborn and very hard to train. I love my husky (mishka) to bits but it took a long time to train her so i would say they are for more experienced dog owners. I would recommend a gsd if they are the only breeds your interested in, as there very loyal, smart and easy to train. My gsd (solo) is one of the best dogs i ever had, very loyal and he took alot less time to train then my husky but they do require alot of attention. But once again both beautiful dogs. Maybe you should consider a border collie, as they are the smartest breed of dog or maybe a smaller breed as i would not really recommend a gsd or husky to any first time dog owner. But thats just my opinion, its up to you at the end of the day.

Sid_Justice

I don't think it's unreasonable for me to ask why you've got a short list of these two dogs? Siberian Huskie and German Shepard?

Is it because they look cool? Or are kinda macho dog? This is a genuine question. Like by the sounds of it, you're not looking for a particular breed based on function. You don't need a hunting dog, a guard dog or a working dog, you're looking for a pet? Am I correct? Someone to throw a ball with and a companion for long walks in the fields?

Steve30x

Another reason I would suggest a Border Collie is because you will save yourself a few hundred euro in buying one. Take these puppies for instance <SNIP>Theyre 20 euro and the breed is a great breed. Theyre very loyal , theyre dead simple to train , theyre super affectionate and theyre great watch dogs. <SNIP> <- More Border Collies.

PS I hope those links are allowed.

adser53

Sid_Justice wrote: »

I don't think it's unreasonable for me to ask why you've got a short list of these two dogs? Siberian Huskie and German Shepard?

Is it because they look cool? Or are kinda macho dog? This is a genuine question. Like by the sounds of it, you're not looking for a particular breed based on function. You don't need a hunting dog, a guard dog or a working dog, you're looking for a pet? Am I correct? Someone to throw a ball with and a companion for long walks in the fields?

Not having a go at you Sid but personally I don't see the point in your question. The OP hasn't asked the usual ridiculous questions like "which is more intimidating?" or "Where can I buy a wolf because I want to look cool?", "should I buy a lion or a tiger?" etc etc.

And picking a breed based on function? I have an akita, I neither hunt bear, dog fight or live in beirut and need a massive guard dog. I also didn't get him for macho reasons. Like anyone else, I originally liked the look of the breed, I then did my research, as the OP is doing, and after careful deliberation, decided to get one. For example, I know greyhounds are fantastic pets, but I personally don't like the look of them so they were never on my list of potentials. Aesthetics are always the first thing people go for in dogs IMO. Some people leave it at that and get a dog they can't handle. Others, like the OP, try and find out all they can first to prevent that.

I don't think the OP has given any indication that they want a dog for any questionable reasons. They clearly just like these breeds and want to find out all they can about them before making the decision.

Like I said, I'm not having a go, I just thought your message was a bit harsh on the OP when all they were looking for was advice on these particular breeds

supermum1

Steve30x wrote: »

I would recomend a Border Collie. The Border Collie is a medium sized dog , is easy to train , is very friendly and is a good watch dog.

I have to agree, I have alot of experience with collies. I think they are extremely clever making them very easy to train. They're very loyal and very protective.

Also they're great with kids, I have a collie/setter and an 8 month old baby. No matter how much my son pulls his hair, or tries to catch his tongue( his new favourite game) he just sits there and waits for me to move him!!

star-pants

Just a reminder - links to ads are not allowed in this forum - please take time to read the charter - thanks.

Sid_Justice

adser53 wrote: »

Not having a go at you Sid

well that's my core point, picking dog breeds based on looks, just seems a bit shallow. suppose it's as good a reason as any.

votejohn

it would be nice if the OP did come back online though and let us know what kind of dog experience he has, and if it has to be one of these two breeds, so we could give him more advice!

argosy2006

votejohn wrote: »

it would be nice if the OP did come back online though and let us know what kind of dog experience he has, and if it has to be one of these two breeds, so we could give him more advice!

i think he did mention he had a few dogs in his time

adser53

Sid_Justice wrote: »

well that's my core point, picking dog breeds based on looks, just seems a bit shallow. suppose it's as good a reason as any.

Im not saying to pick a breed solely on how it looks,as i completely 100% disagree and condemn that! BUT.... how a dog looks is what initially draws someone to a breed. Then, after researching the breed, you know if its a suitable breed for you.
The problem is too many people buy dogs like sibes, cos theyre fabulous looking dogs, without researching them and finding out theyre so active and prey driven. They arent able for the dog and then get rid of it. Its far too common.

Steve30x

star-pants wrote: »

Just a reminder - links to ads are not allowed in this forum - please take time to read the charter - thanks.

Sorry about that.

Irishcrx

I don't think any one should be having a go at the OP for wanting one of these dogs, a dog is a life time commitment, you should obviously have one you really want despite the reason you want it, and he seems to have done his research, thought about it and even asked for advice here he hasn't shown any signs of wanting them for the wrong reasons.

SuperMario

Irishcrx wrote: »

I don't think any one should be having a go at the OP for wanting one of these dogs, a dog is a life time commitment, you should obviously have one you really want despite the reason you want it, and he seems to have done his research, thought about it and even asked for advice here he hasn't shown any signs of wanting them for the wrong reasons.

Hi guys.

Sorry for not replying sooner.
My family have had gsd all their lives and I grew up with them.
However a husky is a breed iv always wanted and liked.
Iv weighed up the pros and cons and even though husky seem like hard work and will apparently always have to be on a lead, I still would like to be the owner of one of these gorgeous breed.
The pro of the gsd is that unlike the husky they can be left off the lead in land and will come back, something that can't be done with a husky according to must people I have talked to.

Time to keep thinking for me.

votejohn

Supermario I got a husky four months ago, she is hard work but so so so worth it! They can be quite shy to people, so make sure you get one from a breeder that has socialised the pups with people from an early age.

Also, with huskies you HAVE to tire them out a lot, they destroy the place if given half a chance. I have to lock bella in the utility room and empty it if im leaving the house for an hour or so, she rips up clothes, books, and anything she can get her teeth into!

ISDW rehomes huskies, so if your willing to get a slightly older dog get on to her.

ISDW

SuperMario wrote: »

Hi guys.

Sorry for not replying sooner.
My family have had gsd all their lives and I grew up with them.
However a husky is a breed iv always wanted and liked.
Iv weighed up the pros and cons and even though husky seem like hard work and will apparently always have to be on a lead, I still would like to be the owner of one of these gorgeous breed.
The pro of the gsd is that unlike the husky they can be left off the lead in land and will come back, something that can't be done with a husky according to must people I have talked to.

Time to keep thinking for me.

Yeay, another sibe owner:D If you want to go for a puppy, check out the All Ireland Siberian Husky Club, they have a website and will be able to put you in touch with reputable breeders. If you go to a breeder, ask to see the hip and eye scores for the sire and dam. Sibes can suffer from hip dysplasia and also some eye problems. The average hip score for sibes is 7, so don't touch any pups that come from parents with a score over 10.

If you would be interested in an older dog, I have a few sibes here at the moment, including a gorgeous red and white boy, he's only 9 months old but will need a lot of work, as he's not been socialised at all. He's doing much better now, is coming to me for cuddles, but needs a lot of understanding and patience.

Best of luck.

SuperMario

Thanks for that guys
where is your rescue based isdw

is it ever possible to leave a hush off the lead?
Does their destruction get less when their older.
If I got a dog it would only be on it's own forr
max 1 hour a day and at night when in bed.

votejohn

i'd say get a crate for your doggy to sleep in, and to keep in when your leaving it on its own.

Bella gets lots of daily exercise, so when shes in the house she's either passed out asleep, or jumping all over the place! If im up in my parents she just keeps trying to get their two dogs to play.

Its only when shes unsupervised that she gets up to mischief, so a crate is a good idea.

SuperMario

Are they intelligent, as in will they do what their told. Or do they kind of do their own thing.
I don't mind mad crazy as a pup but do they grow out of that and become obedient

SuperMario

I know huskys and gsd are two completly different breeds, but is it possible for a husky to have the same intelligence towards people as a gsd, i.e fetching, sound what it's told (the usual doggy things)

votejohn

definately very very intelligent, but the prob with huskies is they are very independent, and a little too intelligent. they dont just obey commands because your their boss (like a gsd might).

For instance, bella loves the snow. She knows the 'here' command, and it usually is rewarded with a treat. However, when she's out in the snow, if I call her to come in, she'll just look at me, and then ignore me because she'd rather be in the snow!!

They are very cleaver, pick up commands and tricks quickly, but gsd's respect their owners a lot more, and are more loyal.

Love love love both breeds though!

peasant

SuperMario wrote: »

I know huskys and gsd are two completly different breeds, but is it possible for a husky to have the same intelligence towards people as a gsd, i.e fetching, sound what it's told (the usual doggy things)

Theoretically everything is possible ...

Over centuries huskies have been bred for winter work. Pull sleds and run. For that they needed to understand the commands for left, right, fast and slow and have lots of energy.
During the arctic summer when there was little use for them, they were left to their own devices and had to hunt for their own food.

So basically they are a very independent hunting dog that can run forever and not a family dog at all.

Recently their breeding has changed a lot and so has their "work". They have become fashionable, almost decorative items.

But a lot of their indepence (even aloofness) has remained, as has their hunting instinct and their energy.

Some modern huskies may well turn out to be agreeable family dogs, but with a lot of them the "old ways" still shine through.

All in all, not a dog for the novice and not an easy dog to have.

ISDW

SuperMario wrote: »

Thanks for that guys
where is your rescue based isdw

is it ever possible to leave a hush off the lead?
Does their destruction get less when their older.
If I got a dog it would only be on it's own forr
max 1 hour a day and at night when in bed.

Sorry, I answered this hours ago, but my internet crashed as I posted it.

I'm in Sligo, but we rehome all over the country.

I would never recommend letting a sibe off lead in an unenclosed area, they can lull you into a false sense of security, coming back when called, then one day will take off and nothing will call them back. They can cover a lot of miles very easily, have no road sense and unfortunately with the look of them, and their high prey drive, a good few get shot by farmers every year.

If they have enough exercise, they shouldn't be too destructive:D However, I have kind of given up in my house now, my lot seem to love kitchen utensils for some reason, we buy about 6 wooden spoons a month. They will even take knives off the table and chew the handles! I also now only buy socks of one colour, so that I can make pairs up.

I love them to bits, to me, they are my breed because of their independence, love of fun and general huskiness. I love their howling, and the way they chat away to me. I also love the way they will work and work and work, the feeling from working with your dog, with them pulling you on a scooter or rig is just unbelievable. But they also drive me nuts, with the destruction of things, their urge to escape and the fact that we have to have a locked door in the house to keep the cats safe. As long as you know what you're letting yourself in for, you'll be fine. Just don't believe the Disney films;)

Best of luck

ISDW

peasant wrote: »

Theoretically everything is possible ...

Over centuries huskies have been bred for winter work. Pull sleds and run. For that they needed to understand the commands for left, right, fast and slow and have lots of energy.
During the arctic summer when there was little use for them, they were left to their own devices and had to hunt for their own food.

So basically they are a very independent hunting dog that can run forever and not a family dog at all.

Recently their breeding has changed a lot and so has their "work". They have become fashionable, almost decorative items.

But a lot of their indepence (even aloofness) has remained, as has their hunting instinct and their energy.

Some modern huskies may well turn out to be agreeable family dogs, but with a lot of them the "old ways" still shine through.

All in all, not a dog for the novice and not an easy dog to have.

Sorry Peasant, don't think I'd agree with that. They were bred to pull the sleds during the day and then sleep with the children at night to keep them warm, so any that were human aggressive were culled. They are great family dogs in so far as they should be easy going with adults and children. No loyalty though, they just love everybody.

votejohn

Agree with all ISDW has to say, she's the expert on huskies.

ESPECIALLY agree with your point about the socks!!!! Be aware that if you bring your husky to another persons house they'll root out your friends dirty socks in minutes

Also, just another point on their intelligence, after being locked in to the utility room twice, third time she just opened the door handle, now we have to wedge a chair against the outside of the door!!!

All the mischief and expense is worth it though, when she's out walking with her doggie buddies she's just so happy and expressive!!

And the way they pounce makes her look so like a wild animal!!

You have the time, and the dog handling experience, so I say go for it, You'll make a fab husky owner!!

Yeah thanks for clearing that up ISDW.

I knew what Peasant said was wrong, the Sibe Husky is definitely great with people and kids.

I don't even have one personally. I've just researched EVERYTHING about them and my friends have one.

Irishcrx

God on the issue of socks I must have gone through a hundred pairs by now, he'll get them out of anywhere!...On the issue of intelligence, huskys are just as smart as a GSD is trust me, they are just a little harder to train, they look at a situation and where as a GSD would want to do what you want to please you, a husky will look what he can get out of it. But they can be trained with patience and can be a great companion, as said they understand what you are saying, just some choose not to obey just stick at it, I've even thought my fella how to play football and put the ball in the goal by giving him treats, then I cut them out and gave him plenty of praise and he got it, now he just does it to embarress me when were playing!...All in all you won't be dissapointed with one, they are amazing dogs with lots of love to give, it's true they love everybody but if you really build a bond with them you can still be their favourite, my guy will walk into a room see everybody, then pick me out and come over and lie down. That has to be loyalty.Good luck whatever you choose.

peasant

ISDW wrote: »

Sorry Peasant, don't think I'd agree with that. They were bred to pull the sleds during the day and then sleep with the children at night to keep them warm, so any that were human aggressive were culled. They are great family dogs in so far as they should be easy going with adults and children. No loyalty though, they just love everybody.

At no point did I mean to imply that they would eat your first born

The "not a family dog" tag doesn't mean they're people agressive, they just (as you said) love everybody, but no-one in particular.:D

If you want a dog that reads your every wish from your lips or eyes ...get a GSD, not a Husky

votejohn

peasant wrote: »

The "not a family dog" tag doesn't mean they're people agressive, they just (as you said) love everybody, but no-one in particular.:D

That sounds like a perfect family dog to me! A dog that makes friends with all the family, and house guests!!

Paul91

votejohn wrote: »

That sounds like a perfect family dog to me! A dog that makes friends with all the family, and house guests!!

depends if the "Guests" are invited I'd go GSD - frmo reading this and owning one, unless you are willing to "work" the huskie seems to me a GSD is better fit for your circumstance

Huskies aren't in the slightest bit agro either...they look the part but are in fact terrible terrible guard dogs.

Hermit07

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah thanks for clearing that up ISDW.

I knew what Peasant said was wrong, the Sibe Husky is definitely great with people and kids.

I don't even have one personally. I've just researched EVERYTHING about them and my friends have one.

I have an awful lot of experience with training dogs

Ive done an awful lot of dog training classes and I wouldnt be buying a husky as a family dog, Ive met much more snappy huskies than reliable ones. In fact when I'm training dogs the sibes are the ones I always have to watch out for, they are also very likely to try to catch and kill any fleeing small animal they find including the neighbourhood cats.

I know about the prey drive and small animal issue. However, in terms of the snapping, isn't it more an exception than the norm though ?