I want another Siberian husky
- Thread starter Doggie07
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Yeah, she doesn't sound like she had a typical husky temperament at all. Not to mention she doesn't fit your coat requirements, huskies are usually one of the more difficult breeds to train, and they can exhibit dog aggression. And they really aren't good apartment or house dogs, unless you can offer them a lot of space to run in an enclosed, cool area. They were bred to run hundreds after hundreds of miles in the freezing cold. They will become destructive, depressed, anxious, etc. spending most of their time indoors without enough exercise.
I think there will probably be plenty of shelter dogs that fit what you're looking for, and some of them may have a personality similar to Lucy's, but be an entirely different breed.
I think there will probably be plenty of shelter dogs that fit what you're looking for, and some of them may have a personality similar to Lucy's, but be an entirely different breed.
First off, I wouldn't suggest a husky. Regardless of temperament (which for the record, most of the time is really not all that happy go lucky friendly/trainable)
THE WEATHER. Now, with a dog living inside, people in FL do make it work. One of my neighbors has a husky and let me tell you, it is HARD WORK
Its so sad to see that dog playing at the park but having to stop because its just too darn hot for him. So you end up with a dog that isn't getting enough exercise outside, so is in a condo, hot, understimulated and BORED. Not a recipe for success at all. With dog walker and indoor doggy daycare, that dog is fine and happy,
BUT I still think, Why not find a dog whose coat and body type suit your environment? Instead of trying to mold a dog to suit you?
Also, I would really look into even FINDING a place that allows huskies. Not only are the weight limits for apartments usually less than the average husky, but the breed is very often on the list of dogs not allowed because they are KNOWN for not doing well in apartment type environments.
Won't you be going to school as well? I would also really look into how you are going to be going to school, funding an apartment, and still having the time to give the dog the exercise/stimulation he/she needs especially adding to the fact that many times due to the heat, "going for a run/walk" is not an option.
It's great that you are planning ahead and asking questions.. but this is really a decision I would think LONG AND HARD about.
Huskies are beautiful dogs, no doubt about it. but they aren't for everyone. and part of loving a breed is being HONEST with yourself and really considering wether you are the right home for one of these dogs.
THE WEATHER. Now, with a dog living inside, people in FL do make it work. One of my neighbors has a husky and let me tell you, it is HARD WORK
Its so sad to see that dog playing at the park but having to stop because its just too darn hot for him. So you end up with a dog that isn't getting enough exercise outside, so is in a condo, hot, understimulated and BORED. Not a recipe for success at all. With dog walker and indoor doggy daycare, that dog is fine and happy,
BUT I still think, Why not find a dog whose coat and body type suit your environment? Instead of trying to mold a dog to suit you?
Also, I would really look into even FINDING a place that allows huskies. Not only are the weight limits for apartments usually less than the average husky, but the breed is very often on the list of dogs not allowed because they are KNOWN for not doing well in apartment type environments.
Won't you be going to school as well? I would also really look into how you are going to be going to school, funding an apartment, and still having the time to give the dog the exercise/stimulation he/she needs especially adding to the fact that many times due to the heat, "going for a run/walk" is not an option.
It's great that you are planning ahead and asking questions.. but this is really a decision I would think LONG AND HARD about.
Huskies are beautiful dogs, no doubt about it. but they aren't for everyone. and part of loving a breed is being HONEST with yourself and really considering wether you are the right home for one of these dogs.
Yes, that is true, golden retriever is one breed I always thought was a good match for me. BUT, I also like german shepherds and after I got Lucy, I THOUGHT I liked siberians. But like you guys said, she wasn't really old enough for me to assume and then I see some of you guys saying she didn't match the usual siberian.
Yes, I am still in school. That's why it's going to be a while before I get a dog. Now, my major concern is will the breeders I like be around in 6 years?
Lemme ask you guys something as this thread dies, I am still interested in german shepherds. Do you think a german shepherd, specifically west german show line, would be something that I would enjoy?
Edit:
I also want to say thank you for being kind to me and thank you for the suggestions and advice.
Yes, I am still in school. That's why it's going to be a while before I get a dog. Now, my major concern is will the breeders I like be around in 6 years?
Lemme ask you guys something as this thread dies, I am still interested in german shepherds. Do you think a german shepherd, specifically west german show line, would be something that I would enjoy?
Edit:
I also want to say thank you for being kind to me and thank you for the suggestions and advice.
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It's hard to say if a german shepherd would be a match - or what kind of dog would be a good match at all - without knowing where you'll be living, what your schedule would be like, and the opportunities you'll have to exercise the dog.
Is there a reason you want a dog from a breeder as opposed to rescuing?
Is there a reason you want a dog from a breeder as opposed to rescuing?
I honestly wouldn't get too hung up on a breed if you're looking at 6 years down the road. A lot about you will change in this amount of time.
That said, if there are breeds that interest you by all means go out and try to meet some and talk to owners. If you can go to a dog show or any other dog event go and see if you can't get some hands on experience. Also, when you're old enough (not sure how old you are now) work at a shelter. That's a great way to somewhat experience different types of dogs first hand.
I absolutely love a lot of breeds but not all of them would fit my life at this point (or ever maybe). The most important thing about choosing a dog is finding a dog or breed that will really fit what you want in a dog.
That said, if there are breeds that interest you by all means go out and try to meet some and talk to owners. If you can go to a dog show or any other dog event go and see if you can't get some hands on experience. Also, when you're old enough (not sure how old you are now) work at a shelter. That's a great way to somewhat experience different types of dogs first hand.
I absolutely love a lot of breeds but not all of them would fit my life at this point (or ever maybe). The most important thing about choosing a dog is finding a dog or breed that will really fit what you want in a dog.
OK...I'm new to the forum. But, I see several things that are clearly misconceptions about the Siberian Husky Breed. For starters, Siberian Huskies are a VERY AFFECTIONATE breed! They are well known for being good with children, good with people, and being good with other dogs. I don't know a siberian one that will not give kisses and affection to anyone they meet. Every single one of my Siberians LOVE people, and Children. Some of them a little to much, as they are over exuberant about it. So totally wrong on that account. Second who said siberians were aggressive!? I wonder what siberians you have been around?! Every Siberian I own and have been around with one or two exceptions gets along with other dogs. They ALL get along wonderfully well with people. I can easily go to a friends that has several dogs and them get along and play perfectly. In fact I just dropped two of my guys off last week for someone to watch them as we were going out of town and they played the entire time with another breed. With dogs they have never met before might I add. There are always exceptions to the rules of course, as with everything in life. Some poorly bred dogs, or dogs that are produced with no regard for temperament may have some problems. These are exceptions not the rule. If you research a breeder and meet there dogs you know what kind of temperament they have. It just takes a little dedication. And if you would like a specific temperament you pick a puppy based on that fact. One puppy in the litter may be more outgoing or dominant than another, one more laid back, on and on. That isn't to say that Siberians are not a dominant breed, but dominance and aggression are on totally different levels. You do have to learn how to properly handle a siberian. Also I'm sorry but I live in Texas. I have siberians happily playing in the back yard. I also have two happy Siberians laying at my feet inside the house. I'm pretty sure they aren't miserable? Nor is the puppy that just demanded to go outside and play? It's in the 90s in case anyone was wondering. Now my dogs don't LIVE outside. They have their very own air conditioned room; however as I stated they aren't miserable going outside to play. Nor would they be miserable going to a dog park to play. There are certain months that it will get a bit to hot that they don't want to go out and do a lot outside, but I'm fairly certain other dogs are exactly the same way regardless of coat. Would anyone consider a boxer not a good breed to have outside in the heat? Boxers are way more prone to heat exhaustion that siberians! Their short noses make it hard on them. But they have short coats! Siberians fur insulates them from heat as well as cold. In any breed it takes common since. A dog from Colorado cannot come to Texas and be put outside in 90 degrees. They have to slowly be acclimated to the climate. Doesn't matter what the breed. Like wise my siberian from Texas can't go up to Canada and stand sub-zero temps and snow. It doesn't mean their coats are any less dense here either. My puppy has TONS of coat. She was born and raised here. Some are making assumptions about the breed that are not accurate.
As a different side note. Some of you have made some good suggestions that she needs to definitely make sure that this is the breed that she wants to spend her life with. Understand that some things are objective, for instance what one person thinks is easy another person may not. For me, while you will never see my dogs winning any obedience awards (and I have trained some of my dogs in obedience and agility) they are not terribly hard, nor easy to train. So medium, some may be harder than others. However this is the breed I have lived with for the last 7 years of my life. I have trained multiple puppies/dogs/rescues throughout that time. Some of them fit so easily. Others are harder. It is in the eye of the beholder, so don't jump to conclusions that something isn't suited for someone. I have talked with this person at LENGTH several times, and have never met someone so eager to learn and study about a breed. Someone that wants to make the right decisions, that does listen, and eager to learn anything that I can put in front of her. Someone that longs to make the right decision, whatever that may be. She is intelligent, and DOES do a TON of research. She doesn't need to be reprimanded but educated. Harsh words do not educate they make people feel inferior, as you are belittling them. You get more flys with honey. You can gently make your concerns known. I'm not saying that a siberian is the right breed for her, but she is doing her research to determine that.
As a different side note. Some of you have made some good suggestions that she needs to definitely make sure that this is the breed that she wants to spend her life with. Understand that some things are objective, for instance what one person thinks is easy another person may not. For me, while you will never see my dogs winning any obedience awards (and I have trained some of my dogs in obedience and agility) they are not terribly hard, nor easy to train. So medium, some may be harder than others. However this is the breed I have lived with for the last 7 years of my life. I have trained multiple puppies/dogs/rescues throughout that time. Some of them fit so easily. Others are harder. It is in the eye of the beholder, so don't jump to conclusions that something isn't suited for someone. I have talked with this person at LENGTH several times, and have never met someone so eager to learn and study about a breed. Someone that wants to make the right decisions, that does listen, and eager to learn anything that I can put in front of her. Someone that longs to make the right decision, whatever that may be. She is intelligent, and DOES do a TON of research. She doesn't need to be reprimanded but educated. Harsh words do not educate they make people feel inferior, as you are belittling them. You get more flys with honey. You can gently make your concerns known. I'm not saying that a siberian is the right breed for her, but she is doing her research to determine that.