siberian huskies

leelaaloo · 02-01-2011 6:42pm #1

Hi
Anyone out there lucky enough to have a siberian husky? am considering one as a family pet, have heard they have a lovely temperament but would love to hear from an owner of one. Are they good with young children?

Ado86 · 02-01-2011 7:13pm

I'm not an owner of one personally, but I have worked with quite a few of them. Temperament is not one of their strong points unfortunately, a lot are quite snappy and a dog that size who is snappy, would definitely not be a good dog for children. I don't think they would tolerate kids pulling at them etc
Others may disagree, but these are the experiences I've had...

What makes you want a Siberian husky ?

RubyGirl · 02-01-2011 7:37pm

http://www.tailsandtrails.ie/content.php

Great website to start. Lots of Sibe owners. There is someone on here aswell that runs a rescue aswell.

Cherry Blossom · 02-01-2011 7:46pm

ISDW posts here on boards (Irish Sledge Dog Welfare) If you send a PM with details of your situation I'm sure would happily give you plenty of advice and determine if the breed is suitable for you

sarahw7 · 03-01-2011 12:33am

Hi Leelaaloo,

My family have a Siberian Husky, he will be two in a few months. He is a great dog but has been a lot of hard work. We found him to be very dominant from a very young age and training him was, and still is, very difficult. He gets stronger and stronger by the day and has an unlimited supply of energy. He is fine with children and adults, as are most dogs once they have been properly socialised from a young age. He is a really fun and lovable dog and we don't regret getting him for one second, but of all the dogs we have ever had he has been the most work.

andreac · 03-01-2011 12:46am

I wouldnt be rushing out to get sibe as a family pet unless you are prepared to put in a lot of work exercising and even working the dog.

These dogs are high energy dogs which need more than the average daily exercise of other dogs.
They were bred to work, pull sleds etc so if they are not worked or get huge amounts of exercise you will have problems and can be become very destructive.

They also cannot be let off lead as they have a high prey drive and can end up running and running if they get a scent of something and will not come back.

I would urge you to do a lot of research into this breed before getting one as they are not the cute family dog that a lot of people think they are.
People get them and dont realise the work that they need and the problems that occur with them if they arent looked after properly.

daenerysstormborn3 · 03-01-2011 1:40am

If you research what sibes were originally bred for this may help with your decision. While I firmly believe with proper and consistent training a dog can be trained to do almost anything it is sometimes hard to overwhelm a dog's inbuilt instinct and for a sibe they are naturally very energetic, strong dogs and thus may not be suitable for a house with children.

This is just my opinion on the dog, never owned one and don't know anyone who has one, although have met many owners with their sibes while out walking and the majority of them have said the same thing, that they are difficult to walk with as they are so strong.

Good luck with your decision and as with any breed it's definitely best to speak to someone or an organisation with experience with the breed.

Cherry Blossom · 03-01-2011 2:04am

No personal experience of the breed either but for some reason I have always imagined the breed has more primal instincts than most, natural born roamers, extreme athletes and not the most human orientated of dogs.

Shanao · 03-01-2011 2:10am

The sibes are a pretty old breed and more inclined to go with instinct than some other dogs. I've worked with and trained a few and there's a lot of work needed to go into them. Not to mention that they're howlers!! I personally dont think they are a great breed to bring into a house with young children, kids over ten is better. They are extremely strong and trying to move thirty odd kgs of determined dog is harder than you might think. I would do a lot of research and maybe consider some other breeds. Far too many people are getting sibes lately because they think they look 'cool' and they forget about what these dogs were bred to do.

TooManyDogs · 03-01-2011 3:22am

Shanao wrote: »

Far too many people are getting sibes lately because they think they look 'cool' and they forget about what these dogs were bred to do.

Totally agree, I think the movies have a great deal to do with this too. People see huskies in movies like 'sled dogs' or '8 below' and think it'd be cool to have one of those dogs but forget that the dogs in the movie are highly trained. You see breeds featured in movies turning up in rescues a year or so after the movie gets released when people realise they're not an ideal pet for them and they don't behave like the one in the movie did. I cringe now when I see a movie featuring a purebred dog

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:22pm

Hi ado86
I've just always liked them and they're so adorable as pups. But is just one type of dog am thinking of.or was thinking of. thanks for the advice.

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:23pm

thanks rubygirl.will check it out.

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:25pm

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

ISDW posts here on boards (Irish Sledge Dog Welfare) If you send a PM with details of your situation I'm sure would happily give you plenty of advice and determine if the breed is suitable for you

thanks adrenalinjunkie.will check them out.

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:29pm

TooManyDogs wrote: »

Totally agree, I think the movies have a great deal to do with this too. People see huskies in movies like 'sled dogs' or '8 below' and think it'd be cool to have one of those dogs but forget that the dogs in the movie are highly trained. You see breeds featured in movies turning up in rescues a year or so after the movie gets released when people realise they're not an ideal pet for them and they don't behave like the one in the movie did. I cringe now when I see a movie featuring a purebred dog

toomanydogs and shanao
don't know if they're cool or not .that's not my reason to look at them.but thanks for the advice.I think my best bet is to go to a dog show and have a chat with breeders as to the best type of dog to get with kiddies.

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:31pm

pixiebean22 wrote: »

If you research what sibes were originally bred for this may help with your decision. While I firmly believe with proper and consistent training a dog can be trained to do almost anything it is sometimes hard to overwhelm a dog's inbuilt instinct and for a sibe they are naturally very energetic, strong dogs and thus may not be suitable for a house with children.

This is just my opinion on the dog, never owned one and don't know anyone who has one, although have met many owners with their sibes while out walking and the majority of them have said the same thing, that they are difficult to walk with as they are so strong.

Good luck with your decision and as with any breed it's definitely best to speak to someone or an organisation with experience with the breed.

thanks pixiebean22
you're dead right, that's my plan, was just getting advice off the wise board people first...

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:33pm

andreac wrote: »

I wouldnt be rushing out to get sibe as a family pet unless you are prepared to put in a lot of work exercising and even working the dog.

These dogs are high energy dogs which need more than the average daily exercise of other dogs.
They were bred to work, pull sleds etc so if they are not worked or get huge amounts of exercise you will have problems and can be become very destructive.

They also cannot be let off lead as they have a high prey drive and can end up running and running if they get a scent of something and will not come back.

I would urge you to do a lot of research into this breed before getting one as they are not the cute family dog that a lot of people think they are.
People get them and dont realise the work that they need and the problems that occur with them if they arent looked after properly.

sounds like would be a good dog if you wanted to get fit.which me and my husband do.he's a strong character and well used to training strong dogs but as you say will take my time and make a v informed decision.thanks..

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 2:35pm

sarahw7 wrote: »

Hi Leelaaloo,

My family have a Siberian Husky, he will be two in a few months. He is a great dog but has been a lot of hard work. We found him to be very dominant from a very young age and training him was, and still is, very difficult. He gets stronger and stronger by the day and has an unlimited supply of energy. He is fine with children and adults, as are most dogs once they have been properly socialised from a young age. He is a really fun and lovable dog and we don't regret getting him for one second, but of all the dogs we have ever had he has been the most work.

thanks sarahw7
i've a lot to think about.best of luck with him..sounds great but a handful

Kya1976 · 03-01-2011 5:27pm

I have a husky(Leon) and I've had other huskies in the past too.
Leon is great on and off the lead, he's pretty well trained. I've done a lot of different classes with him like agility and tracking etc.
I work part time as a dog trainer so I've of course done obedience with him as well:p

They are 'high maintenance' imo, they are working dogs are need a lot of exercise and if they dont get enoyugh exercise/mental stimulation they can get(like all dogs really) destructive.

Unless you are very active person I don't think a husky is a good choice, if you are go for it:)

TooManyDogs · 03-01-2011 7:19pm

leelaaloo wrote: »

I think my best bet is to go to a dog show and have a chat with breeders as to the best type of dog to get with kiddies.

That's a good idea, there's normally a big one in the Irish Kennel Club place on Paddy's day, might be worthwhile to check it out

leelaaloo · 03-01-2011 10:03pm

exactly the one I was thinking of .great minds

Chris_Heilong · 03-01-2011 10:29pm

Most people I see out for a walk have at least two of them and they usually seem very well behaved, They are high energy at least as much as say a Collie or a Lab(both working breeds), A genetic test was done recently and they were found to be one of the most ancient dog breeds which is genetically almost identical to the Wolf along so thats where the howling will be coming from then.

I am not one to talk as I just got an Alaskan Malamute and everything that everybody has said about Sibs is equally valid to Malamute except Mals are almost twice the size:eek:

heres my new guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksdk_AJ9rwY

ISDW · 03-01-2011 11:40pm

Sibes are fantastic dogs, and they should be great with kids. The Chuckchi people used to work the dogs during the day, pulling the sleds, then they would sleep with the children of the tribe at night to keep them warm, so any that were aggressive were culled. Unfortunately, with the over-breeding of them that has happened here in the last few years, there is some aggression in some lines. So if you do want to get one, make sure you go to a reputable breeder, the All Ireland Siberian Husky Club should be able to help you.

You need a secure garden, with fencing at least 6 foot high, and that also goes down into the ground, as if they can't go over it, they will go under it. 6 foot may not be enough, sometimes they will climb like cats, so need jackal fencing, the sort that overhangs backwards. yes, they obviously need exercising, but this always has to be on lead as they have such a high prey drive, and stubborn streak that they can take off and not come back - they know you have no chance of catching them.

They are not a loyal breed, they can be quite aloof, I always think they are the most cat-like dog there is, which is very ironic considering they will usually kill cats, even ones they have lived with for years unfortunately. Never, ever leave a sibe alone with a small furry animal, and I have heard horror stories of them killing a cat they've grown up with, whilst the owner has been in the room, but unable to get there in time:( They would be set free during the summer to look after themselves, so this prey drive is hard wired into them.

They are trainable, otherwise they couldn't work as sled dogs, however, it is this work that means they have an independence as well. A good lead dog in Alaska/Siberia, or similar place, would need to be able to change the direction of the team if they felt a shift in the ice under their paws, or noticed something ahead. The dog needs to have the confidence and independence to do this even if the musher is telling it to go on straight, good mushers trust their dogs. A sibe will do what you tell it until it doesn't want to anymore:D

I would recommend them as long as you are willing to put the time in and exercise the dog properly. As much as they love their exercise, they also love their sofa time, in my experience they have two speeds, flat out running, or flat out sleeping, no in between. They can be destructive, and don't bark, but can howl, however I love that sound, and love the chats you can have with them.

There are different lines available, most of the breeders in Ireland are selling pet huskies, rather than out and out working lines. There is a couple in Northern Ireland who have imported some sibes from the U.S., including some dogs that have run the Iditarod, and have that kind of heritage. Those dogs definitely need a working home, but you will be able to find a responsible breeder with lovely sibes that are capable of working, but would also be a good family pet.

Best of luck:D

DMG_49 · 03-01-2011 11:51pm

andreac wrote: »

I wouldnt be rushing out to get sibe as a family pet unless you are prepared to put in a lot of work exercising and even working the dog.

These dogs are high energy dogs which need more than the average daily exercise of other dogs.
They were bred to work, pull sleds etc so if they are not worked or get huge amounts of exercise you will have problems and can be become very destructive.

They also cannot be let off lead as they have a high prey drive and can end up running and running if they get a scent of something and will not come back.

I would urge you to do a lot of research into this breed before getting one as they are not the cute family dog that a lot of people think they are.
People get them and dont realise the work that they need and the problems that occur with them if they arent looked after properly.

Think your bang on there

Best thing to do is research, even coming on here getting people opinion is good.

My sibe was brought up around children, she loves children.

As said they need a lot of walking (something to take the energy out of them) as they tend to not settle otherwise.

Also grooming is another story people don't realise the amount of hair on them.

As for temperament think thats the least of your worries, if there brought up around children they should be fine.

TooManyDogs · 04-01-2011 12:49am

DMG_49 wrote: »

As said they need a lot of walking (something to take the energy out of them) as they tend to not settle otherwise.

Your post just reminded me - there's a woman I often see in our local supermarket, she has a husky whom she uses as her trolley! She goes into the shop, buys her groceries and then packs them into his backpack and off they go!

Chris_Heilong · 04-01-2011 1:02am

TooManyDogs wrote: »

Your post just reminded me - there's a woman I often see in our local supermarket, she has a husky whom she uses as her trolley! She goes into the shop, buys her groceries and then packs them into his backpack and off they go!

Thats what I told my wife when convincing her to go for the Malamute, I said we will buy him a jacket with lots of pockets and load him up when walking home, only problem I see is shops wont allow animals in and you cant just tie them up outside as they maybe stolen.

Leprecunt · 04-01-2011 1:03am

We've got one, he's a few months old now. Amazing dogs, very friendly, but I must warn ya, they're absolute nutters as pups!

TooManyDogs · 04-01-2011 1:07am

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Thats what I told my wife when convincing her to go for the Malamute, I said we will buy him a jacket with lots of pockets and load him up when walking home, only problem I see is shops wont allow animals in and you cant just tie them up outside as they maybe stolen.

I guess we're lucky, we live in a small village so dogs very rarely get stolen but in general that's a very good point

daenerysstormborn3 · 04-01-2011 1:31pm

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Most people I see out for a walk have at least two of them and they usually seem very well behaved, They are high energy at least as much as say a Collie or a Lab(both working breeds), A genetic test was done recently and they were found to be one of the most ancient dog breeds which is genetically almost identical to the Wolf along so thats where the howling will be coming from then.

I am not one to talk as I just got an Alaskan Malamute and everything that everybody has said about Sibs is equally valid to Malamute except Mals are almost twice the size:eek:

heres my new guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksdk_AJ9rwY

He is very cute and your other dog is lovely also. Titan is a great name

PeakOutput · 04-01-2011 2:15pm

ISDW wrote: »

yes, they obviously need exercising, but this always has to be on lead as they have such a high prey drive, and stubborn streak that they can take off and not come back - they know you have no chance of catching them.

have definitely noticed that, we have a 7 month old female right now and i let her off in a big park when we are out. she only runs about 50 feet then waits or runs in a 50ft circle dosnt respond to come commands until she wants to but its usually only a few minutes, but if there is another dog around and that dogs owner is calling it she is gonnnnne. walking in the opposite direction seems to work and she will follow me back but thats not really good enough need to be able to trust her to just stop dead when i say. good with random children and people without dogs though dosnt go running up to them if i tell her to stop and behaves well if the kids come up to her.

my sister has had her through weeks of puppy training and she knows the commands like sit, paw, lie down, stay but only really does them when it suits her (ie when there is food in your hand)

nippy, yes but its only when one of us is playing rough with her and there is never really a bite down its just mouth over our hands but id still love it to stop

isdw, any advice on getting her properly trained, besides more classes which im sure she will do even though they are ridicolously expensive, its my sisters first dog as an 'adult' and what she sees as being strict to her cute husky and what is actually being strict are two completely different things i fear.

PeakOutput · 04-01-2011 2:16pm

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Thats what I told my wife when convincing her to go for the Malamute, I said we will buy him a jacket with lots of pockets and load him up when walking home, only problem I see is shops wont allow animals in and you cant just tie them up outside as they maybe stolen.

apparently if they are chipped and it says so on the collar thieves wont take them

Zapperzy · 04-01-2011 2:25pm

PeakOutput wrote: »

apparently if they are chipped and it says so on the collar thieves wont take them

While that can be a deterant unfortunately it doesn't always happen. I know of a dog that was stolen and it had it's chip cut out of it's neck, luckily it was dumped on the other side of the country and re-united with it's owners but it demonstrates the lengths that these 'people' will go to. :mad:

A tag that says 'neutered' would also be a deterant if they are stealing to breed.

siberian huskies

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