Is The SIBERIAN HUSKY A Good Fit For Your Household?

Luna-Lunera,, Siberian Husky (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Siberian Husky is a wonderful breed of dog, however, this may not be the right fit for every type of family. A lot of people will be drawn to this breed once they hear all about how intelligent they are, the way that they are wonderful with children and also that they make great exercise partners. 

In addition to that, there are a lot of people who are excited to hear that this is a breed that is free of the common dog smell that so many other breeds have. While all of these things can be very beneficial, it is important that you understand the true nature and inner workings of this breed before you make a decision.

If you are a person who is happy, assertive, well-adjusted and active with a great family situation at home, you could be a perfect owner for a Siberian Husky. Despite the shedding that these dogs are subject to, this is a breed that is exceptionally clean. They take a good deal of pride in their coat and will do a lot to keep it clean on their own. Since they do not have a dog odor, they are a good choice for someone who is not a fan of it. Even while they are eating, the husky is a clean dog that will rarely make a mess and keep their dining area really clean.

When it comes to climate, the Siberian Husky just loves colder climates. As a matter of fact, some of them are happiest in the coldest climates. Even if the wind is whipping and snow is falling down, this is a breed that loves everything to do with cold climates. If you live in a warm climate, such as the west or southwest, for example, this may not be the right dog breed for your family and lifestyle. 

However, since they have a double coat that is unique in nature, the heat is not going to penetrate as easily so some dogs in this breed are able to adjust gradually. It is simply important to take extra care as well as health precautions when the weather heats up.

While it never means leaving them alone for long stretches, the Siberian Husky is well known for being a fairly independent dog. This breed simply loves human attention and love spending time with their owners. If you are able to devote time and exercise with plenty of love, this could be the right breed for you.

By Wayne Booth Wayne Booth is the owner of Canine Behavior Specialists, http://www.CanineBehaviorSpecialists.com in Nashville, TN where he helps people train their dogs and solve behavior problems. Wayne has been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of the Canine Behavior Specialists Network, http://www.K9-University.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Affectionate Houdini - The SIBERIAN HUSKY

A "sable"- colored Siberian Husky.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Siberian Huskies were originally a working dog, bred to withstand very cold (-50 degrees F) temperatures and to pull sleds. They were also bred to find their own food and to have very low food requirements. Also, the dog was developed as a pack animal - the pack primarily being the other dogs in the dog sled team. Consider carefully your selection of a Siberian Husky. This breed is not recommended for a new dog owner or even an experienced dog owner that does not have the time or will not take the effort to train the dog. Best training efforts are to spend 15 to 30 minutes a day, every day to train the dog. The Siberian Husky is independent and intelligent and expects to have a pack leader. As the owner you must be the pack leader, however, that leadership cannot involve corporal punishment of the dog. 

They will respond much better to a consistent and controlled environment. The breed is very affectionate with pack members, does well with children and other pets. They even enjoy strangers - so they do not make a great watchdog.

Another consideration for the Siberian Husky is that they are escape artists. Typically, a fence at least 6 feet tall and buried a couple feet in the ground are needed. They have been known to clear fences as tall as 8 feet. This is remarkable, as the dog is typically about 20 to 24 inches tall and weighs about 40 to 60 pounds. Siberians Huskies are capable of breaking tie-out chains, chewing through collars and leads, and jumping over or digging under fences. Electronic dog collar systems do not work due to the thickness of the fur (more on that later). The breed can be destructive to flower beds and yards, so they should have a designated digging spot, as they will dig, it is just a matter of where.

The coat of a Siberian Husky is a double coat and very thick and requires weekly brushing. In warm climates, the dog will shed heavily for about 3 weeks a couple times a year. This is referred to as "blowing the coat". This is very descriptive of what happens and the fur will come off in hands full. Brushing is required during this time of the year, as well as weekly throughout the year. Grooming requirements for this breed are very high and require a time investment on a regular basis. The thick fur will insulate the dog from hot temperature as well as cold, but the Siberian Husky is more comfortable in a colder climate. They also shed less in cooler climates. Toenails should be trimmed frequently, at least monthly. The good news is that the breed does not emit the "dog smell" we detect in other breeds.

A healthy dog, the Siberian Husky, will live for about 12 to 15 years. There are very few health problems with the breed. They are a high energy dog and do not adapt well to apartment living. The bred does not bark, but it does howl, much to the dismay of owners and neighbors! Care should be taken to socialize the dog with other pets and children. While the Siberian Husky is affectionate and not typically aggressive, they can try to establish pack dominance over other animals and children. They also have a high prey drive and wanderlust potential. Remember they were bred to find their own food and they are great escape artists! They will try to get out of any enclosure just to see what is on the other side and run if given the chance.

By Doug Fabick - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Health Concerns in SIBERIAN HUSKY

Siberian Husky - Photo   by    Jeffrey Beall 

Siberian huskies are basically healthy dogs who usually live from twelve to fifteen years, but, like all breeds, they do have some health problems. Some dogs carry genes for eye or hip problems.

The most common kinds of health problems in Siberian Huskies have to do with their eyes. Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which can diminish the amount of light entering the eye. Juvenile cataracts can be seen by the age of two. Fortunately, most cases are not severe enough to cause blindness, but that is a possibility.

Research shows that the DNA that causes cataracts might reside in a recessive gene. That is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is good that the gene is recessive so that dogs who carry it do not get cataracts. On the other hand, it makes breeding Siberian huskies riskier because it is not always clear which dogs are carriers. More research needs to be done to develop a test that would recognize the gene for cataracts in carriers.

Progressive retinal atrophy is another genetically transmitted disease of the eye. It affects the rear part of the eye where light forms a picture after going through the lens and center of the eye. It affects mainly male dogs, being inherited in a sex chromosome, the X. Females have two X chromosomes and can be carriers without the disorder if only one X chromosome is defective. When a mother dog with one defective X has puppies half her male puppies will have the defect, which can lead to blindness by the age of 5 months.

Corneal dystrophy is a mild disorder of the eye, which does not affect vision. It affects the transparent covering of the outer part of the eye. Fat deposits in the cornea can cause a slight cloudiness, sometimes forming a circle, which is not harmful. It can be seen with any eye color.

Hip dysplasia is another genetic disorder that can affect Siberian huskies, but it is fortunately rare, believed to be present in only about 2 percent of the dogs. It is caused by a combination of genes, making it difficult to breed out of the population, since normal healthy breeding pairs can produce a certain number of puppies with hip dysplasia. The disorder affects the acetabulum, or top, of the femur, or thighbone, where it fits into the hipbone. When there is a poor fit arthritis, or inflammation of the joint, can take place, and the joint can be worn away. It can make walking, running or climbing stairs painful and can result in constipation.

A concentrated effort is being made to evaluate Siberian Huskies for defects and to keep them from breeding. The Siberian Husky Ophthalmic Registration (SHOR) keeps track of dogs who have had veterinary examinations each year to make sure that they have no eye defects. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) performs the same function for hip dysplasia.

Before buying a Siberian Husky it is a good idea to check and see whether both parents have OFA and SHOR registrations and clean bills of health Before buying a Siberian husky ask to see the OFA and SHOR registrations of both parents. That will not guarantee to get a healthy dog, but it will decrease your risk of getting a puppy with eye or hip problems. Enjoy your new best friend.

Camille Goldin, talks about different health concerns in a Siberian Husky dog. She writes for TrainPetDog.com, a website that gives information on Dogs . Articles Source: GoArticles

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How to Care For Your SIBERIAN HUSKY

The idea of a Siberian husky pops in mind whenever one considers adopting a dog which would suit the general needs of the family. Indeed, with its gentle nature and liveliness, Siberian huskies are suitable even for families with small children. When considering whether to get a Siberian husky, it is important for families to carefully evaluate if they have the time and ability to care for the dog in the first place. The fact is, Siberian huskies do require a substantial amount of care in order to ensure their good health and physical well-being.

Siberian Husky - Photo by JSF539 

The first step to caring for your Siberian husky would be to provide adequately for its nutritional needs. Generally, Siberian huskies require ample supplies of fresh food and water for their growth. To meet the dog's nutritional needs, ample supplies of white meat and fish is necessary. Siberian huskies require a great deal of protein and fat in their diet in order to prevent growth of hip dysplasia, which is a common illness found in the Siberian husky breed. High quality fresh food is preferable to commercially available food for the case of the Siberian husky. Also, supplement your Siberian husky's diet with ample amounts of fish oil.

Canned sardines provide a relatively cheap source to this and contain high levels of Omega 3 required for the husky to develop healthy coats of fur and nails.

Subsequently, it is important to take your Siberian husky to regular health checkups at the local vet. Checkups are important as they allow the vet to monitor and assess the overall health of your Siberian husky. Vets also provide valuable advice on many issues regarding your Siberian husky. This ranges from nutritional needs to training needs. Regular checkups are also an insurance against various forms of dog-related diseases. In general, such diseases are easily treated if diagnosed at an early stage. Thus, checkups are an essential part of taking care of your Siberian husky.

You would also need to make sure that your Siberian husky's needs for affiliation are met. Siberian huskies are animals that mix around well in packs. A lonely Siberian husky would often resort to mischief such as digging holes in your garden in order to entertain itself. You could either choose to get another Siberian husky or choose another pet altogether, such as a cat as its companion. However, it is important to note that companionship for your Siberian husky should start when your husky is a puppy in order to facilitate ease of interaction with the other husky or pet. In any case, Siberian huskies are relatively well-mannered are should not have much difficulties in getting along with other animals.

At the end of the day, time, commitment and effort are of utmost importance when it comes to caring for your Siberian husky. Would-be dog owners who are unsure of their priorities should not get themselves a Siberian husky as it would often only lead to suffering and perhaps even abandonment for the dog. But for those who are able to make a firm commitment, you would definitely find the time spent with your Siberian husky to be intrinsically satisfying in the long run.

By Clarence Clark Article Source: EzineArticles

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SIBERIAN HUSKY - Information For Breeders And Buyers

The Siberian Husky is a purebred dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a breed in 1930. The Siberian Husky is a descendent of the "Eskimo dog," or sled dog, and is also a member of the larger Spitz group of dogs which derived from the Arctic. It's Spitz relatives include the Chow Chow and Pomeranian. It's Eskimo dog relatives include the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed. The Siberian Husky has traits of both groups including the high-set, triangular ears and curled, furry tail of the Spitz and the thick, double coat of insulating fur and overall wolf-like appearance of the Eskimo dog and other huskies.

Siberian Husky - Photo by Marlin2121 

Siberian Huskies were brought to Alaska in 1909 to participate in sledding competitions. Their endurance and intelligence helped the husky win many sled races. This dog breed is more commonly used in American Kennel Club competition than sledding races today, but the traits needed to pull sleds are still the characteristics needed to win.

The behavioral traits common to Siberian Huskies can be problematic for the wrong owner. Like wolves, Siberian Huskies howl. This excessive howling can come as a surprise to an unsuspecting owner. Huskies are independent, stubborn, energetic, pack animals that require specific care and training to maintain their happiness and health. Siberian Husky breeders will not sell puppies to owners who are not educated about the breed. This is because there are a disproportionate number of huskies sitting in shelters and rescue centers because their uneducated owners wanted a beautiful dog but failed to research the behavioral characteristics of the breed. Siberian Huskies are considered one of the top elevem dogs that increase homeowner's insurance due to their tendency to escape and run. Other "bad" dogs on this list include Rottweilers and Pit Bulls.

Siberian Huskies, like wolves, have a pack mentality and are unhappy and bored without constant interaction with either humans or other dogs. They require adequate room to run and will become destructive if tied up or cooped up in a pen. They have a lot of fur and, thus, a lot of fur to shed. Potential owners must know how to care for their husky before buying.

Siberian Husky breeders will not sell purebred huskies to just anyone. In fact, breeders may have more questions for potential buyers than buyers have for the breeders. Because of the high incidence of abandonment of this breed, breeders will want to ensure potential owners are a good match for a Siberian Husky.

To find reputable Siberian Husky breeders, it is important to make sure they live in a cool climate as huskies are made for cold weather and can suffer heatstroke in high temperatures. Other traits to look for in a good breeder include the following: the breeder maintains their own kennels, their huskies have received appropriate medical screening and immunizations, the breeder does not breed huskies with known medical conditions or behavioral problems, they do not sell to pet stores or pet brokers, the kennels are clean and meet huskies' training and social needs, they are experts on the breed and affiliated with purebred rescue centers, they have good references such as the AKC (American Kennel Club), they interview buyers to ensure they are a good match and they are willing and able to provide Siberian Husky information.

By Andrew A Preston Andrew Preston is a dog lover who is familiar with Siberian Husky breeders, and has experience raising Samoyeds, which are close Husky relatives. Siberian Husky breeders should educate potential owners about the wolf-like behavioral traits of this beautiful breed. This article provides general Siberian Husky information and information about locating reputable Siberian Husky breeders. Article Source: EzineArticles

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