Siberian Husky

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Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
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Siberian Husky Breed Information

Breed Group: Working

Weight: Male: 45-60; Female: 35-50 lbs

Height: Male: 21-23.5; Female: 20-22 inches

Color(s): All colors from black to pure white

Overview

The Siberian Husky originated in northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog. In 1909 large numbers of this breed arrived in Alaska to participate in sled racing. The Siberian Husky's endurance, stamina, and strength quickly made them a popular breed in the Arctic region.

Character

The Siberian Husky is a compact and strong working dog. They are able to withstand temperatures as low as 75 degrees below zero, so are best suited for cooler to cold climates. They display a measure of dignity and reserve. The Siberian Husky is an amiable companion and willing worker.

Temperament

The Siberian Husky has an affectionate, gentle, and friendly disposition. They are alert and eager to please. They are highly intelligent and have an independent spirit, which can sometimes be a challenge to their owner. This versatile breed gets along very well with children and other medium sized dogs. However, their strong predatory instinct makes them dangerous to cats and other small pets. The Siberian Husky thrives in a family environment but does not become overly attached to one specific person. They will exhibit no fear or suspicion of strangers. They are not well suited for a two career family and require attention and companionship. They prefer to live in packs.

Care

The Siberian Husky is by nature clean and free from body odor. They require daily brushing to minimize excess loose hair, tangles, and mats. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary with a mild shampoo. The Siberian Husky is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and skin allergies. It is extremely vital that they do not become overheated.

Coat

The Siberian Husky has a medium length double coat. The under coat is dense and soft in texture. The outer coat is longer and coarse with straight guard hairs. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common colors are black and white, gray and white, copper red and white, and pure white. The facial markings include masks and spectacles. The Siberian Husky is a constant shedder that totally sheds the undercoat twice a year.

Training

The Siberian Husky is highly intelligent but has a mind of its own. They will only obey a command if they see the point of it. They respond best to patience, consistency, and fairness. They will quickly take advantage of an owner that doesn't let them know who the boss is. They may be difficult to housebreak. The crate training method is recommended. They will do well with early obedience training.

Activity

The Siberian Husky has an innate and deep desire to run. They do best with a large securely fenced yard. If they are left alone for extended periods of time they will become bored which leads to digging and destruction. They make excellent walking and jogging companions provided they are very securely leashed and the climate is not too hot. The Husky is not recommended for apartment dwelling unless they are exceedingly well trained and sufficiently exercised.

Ask a Question Siberian Husky Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I want to buy a husky and I almost have the money ready only thing is I live in Jersey a lot of these puppies live in other states so how would that work? Would you send them out to me or would I have to travel there?

Anonymous - 2/2/2012 2:36:16 PM

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QUESTION: Im planning on getting a husky but im 15. I go to school everyday and both my parents go to work in the mornings. The only time i would have available is when i come from school is that enough time so the husky wont get destructive i go to school from 8-2. I also dont have a big backyard and the dog would usually stay in my house is that okay ?

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 11:41:52 PM

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this would not be good for your dog. huskies need alot of attention for they are hight matanence dogs. you would need to walk him/her hever day when you get home and play alot.

Anonymous - 2/3/2012 1:26:29 PM

QUESTION: Can Huskies live in California. If yes which city can they be in

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 7:55:09 PM

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QUESTION: I was thinking to get a husky when I moved to Florida, is that an okay climate for them to live in?

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 3:44:59 AM

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yes as long as you keep lots of water for your husky and exercise regularly.

Anonymous - 2/3/2012 1:27:37 PM

QUESTION: My wife and myself just bought our first house and are looking to get our first dog also. We are thinking about getting a husky. We live in a secluded area on a 3 acre lot. There is plenty of room for it to roam around however it is too big of a property to fence off. I know from what i read about huskys being escape artists and being able to jump fences. Does anyone think that i can train them or trust them to play outside and not run away and not return home.

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 8:01:56 PM

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i have 2 white huskys and a four foot fence and one of them only jump it if there are people on the other side and she does not go far. i would not trust them running around but i do have a friend that has a husky that stays around. if i were you i would build the fence. even if it is part of the yard for now

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 2:16:21 PM

Oh heavens no, you MUST have a secure fence for this breed. Husky's are runners even with good training, and it would just be a short life with a tragic for a husky in an unfenced yard. To them, a nice run around the area may be a 10 mile jaunt, and even with good training they will leave the yard. They have high prey drive and a high urge to run for miles and no amount of training will completely undo their genetic instincts. I have trained my dogs to advanced levels of obedience yet would never risk their lives by letting them loose in unfenced areas. I have owned this breed for 25+ years and while I love them, I will admit they are not the easiest for just a family pet. I have always built large, secure fenced areas for mine and kept them safe. I current have two acres fenced with 6 foot fence, and that keeps my dogs safely and happily contained. If you can't or won't built a secure fence, please consider another breed.

paws4hisglory - 1/19/2012 6:11:39 PM

QUESTION: Are Siberian Husky's bad for families with kids?

Anonymous - 12/28/2011 9:50:56 AM

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no huskies are friendly animals and do well with children of all ages.

Anonymous - 2/3/2012 1:28:14 PM

Im not an expert but ive had no problems with my huskies and my nephews 3 and 4 yrs old. The only thing is they are very prey driven with any animal smaller than them

Anonymous - 1/8/2012 5:59:57 AM

QUESTION: I am thinking about getting a huskie. Is there a short hair which sheds less? I have a big back yard but no fence, will the huskie run off if he isn't on a leash? What about invisible fence? Giving him excercise is not a problem. I also have a 15 year old persian cat, what are the odds the two will coincide? Will the dog jump in the pool? It is a vinyl liner pool and I am worried it's claws would put holes in the liner.

Anonymous - 12/28/2011 8:07:02 AM

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All Siberians will shed no matter the coat length. Diet has some bearing on how much they shed but no matter what they do. Even when raised with cats, many huskies are not safe with them. I have had Sibes for over 20 years and just don't risk them near my cats, even though I raised them together. Invisible fences are awful for huskies, most just run right through them as the shock doesn't bother them. I would NEVER use one with this breed. It is also likely the dog will jump in the pool as they like to get in to all kinds of things.

paws4hisglory - 1/5/2012 5:35:56 PM

QUESTION: My boyfriend and I have an 8 month old male siberian husky. He only listens to my boyfriend and will bite or nip at me all the time. Is there anything I can do?

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 8:40:16 PM

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i have 2 white huskies and one of them listen to my husband and one listens to me more. he always takes care of them. i had to be the main one to take care of them for a while and they learned to respect me. but now that he takes care of them again when i go out she jumps all over me and tries to knock me over

Anonymous - 1/24/2012 2:19:43 PM

Huskies as you know are pack dogs. They will only respect or obey those people that they view as higher in there pack. You need to take more time in the training feeding and exercise of the dog to change its view of you.

foxlairsnowdogs - 1/6/2012 9:21:26 PM

QUESTION: I adopted a 13 year old Siberian Husky who is deaf. Do you know of any activities I could do with her to keep her mentally fit that do not require listening skills?

Anonymous - 12/21/2011 11:37:39 PM

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QUESTION: Okay I want a husky, i have a big yard but no fence. I'm able to walk him everyday and can play with him TONS. If i keep him inside during the hot weather, would it be alright? oh and i have a 2 year old bother. would it be alright?

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 2:46:44 AM

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QUESTION: i want a husky puppy and i am 9 and my sister is only 5 is it a suitable age to get one?

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 8:29:58 PM

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You'd have to talk to your parents and make sure you really are going to be committed to a dog. I know it sounds easy, but its not. I was nine too once, and I thought I could handle a dog, but I just couldn't. Make sure you really are going to take care of it. Maybe its just a phase, because huskies are beautiful and unique, which mihgt be why you like them. Still, I dont know you so it is not my place to judge. talk to your parents and be reasonable. If not, just do things to prove it to them and be patient.

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 9:45:20 PM

QUESTION: I live in los angeles and it gets cold but really hot sometimes. My backyard is pretty big and I have a 5 ft fence and im planning on getting a husky, do you think its ok to get one? I also have little kids living in the house will that be safe?

Anonymous - 12/10/2011 2:40:28 AM

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a fence is a nice gesture i have seen a husky climb a 9 foot chain link fence before and others jump a 5 foot wood fence as long as any dog is trained properly and the children respect a dog there should be no problem there bringing a dog into a life with children is easy having a dog and bringing a child in can cause jealousy :) hope that helps

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 4:10:50 PM

QUESTION: I live in new york I want a husky puppy. In the summer I know they cannot do a lot outside but I have a AC in my bedroom and plan to give my husky a good walk/jog at night. My backyard is concrete not huge but not small and in the winter will probably have him outside in a big dog house. Do you think I have everything to raise a husky ?

Anonymous - 12/6/2011 6:24:51 PM

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Huskies need a ton of exercise in order to keep their energy levels at an acceptable level. Mine needs about 3 miles of walking/jogging per day. They do fairly well in the summer, just keep them in the shady side of the street whenever possible during walks, and make sure there are a lot of waste stops along the way. If they don't get enough exercise, they can be highly destructive. Huskies take a lot of work, and very consistent training. They do best with a nothing is free style of training. I'd think long and hard before deciding on this breed. They are very beautiful, but only for very experienced owners with lots of experience with difficult breeds.

Anonymous - 12/8/2011 10:46:51 PM

QUESTION: Ok my husky just had her first litter, and only had 2 is that normal?

Anonymous - 11/29/2011 11:27:07 PM

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My husky had her first litter with only 2 also. The vet said probably because it was her fist. We bred her again and she had four.

foxlairsnowdogs - 12/19/2011 6:00:25 PM

Check with your breeder and ask about the parent dogs - his mom or dad may have been a mixed breed resulting in a birth defect.

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 8:41:34 PM

That is a pretty small litter, so it is hard to say. Some bloodlines in the husky breed have small litters, but I know many that had 6-10 the first time. You could talk to the breeder of your girl and see what is normal for her bloodline. It could be diet too, if she's not on a premium diet, or other things could be affecting litter size.

paws4hisglory - 12/6/2011 5:50:56 PM

A lot of dogs only have a small amount their first litter.

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 2:05:49 AM

QUESTION: is it hard takeing care of a puppy that is a husky

Anonymous - 11/28/2011 11:07:26 PM

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No you have to watch your husky like a hawk just like raising a child. I have a husky/lab that is 7yrs and he is well behaved.

Anonymous - 12/8/2011 7:22:32 PM

QUESTION: Hi I'm planning on getting a husky puppy but I'm a bit concerned because I have a small child in my home (age 2) i also have a parrot is there any chance that the husky might attack them? Also, how is the best way to make a yard secure so your husky cant run away?

Anonymous - 11/27/2011 4:36:06 PM

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Huskies love children and people in general, So if you get the husky as a puppy like you said it will automatically see the child as a member of the family(pack). Make sure the child is viewed as a leader of the pack towards the dog. As for the parrot keep out of reach from the husky. But be mindful huskies are a very smart breed so make sure it he/she does not view you opening it's cage. The husky can learn how to open it.

Anonymous - 12/26/2011 10:19:16 PM

FENCE: get a fence CHILD: as long as you train the husky while its young, you should be okay. When I was an INFANT we lived in an apartment and we were okay, but you HAVE TO TRAIN IT!!!!!!

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 2:51:41 AM

Getting a husky with a small child and parrots is a VERY bad idea. The odds are very high that the dog will eat the birds. They have very high prey drive and even with training and growing up with small pets, they often kill them. I would strongly recommend against getting this kind of dog if you want to keep your birds. They also are not the best choice for small children, both because of their prey drive, and also because of their size and energy level. There are other breeds of dogs that would be a much better match for your living situation.

paws4hisglory - 12/6/2011 5:46:39 PM

QUESTION: Could a husky puppy live outside?

Anonymous - 11/26/2011 10:33:44 AM

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That totally depends on the conditions where you live. If it is too hot or too cold, it could be harmful or even deadly to keep a young puppy of any breed outside. Plus, like any dog, they crave attention so will be stressed living alone outside all the time. If the dog has a secure fenced yard and a house with warm bedding (like straw, not a blanket that will get wet or chewed up), it could be outside some of the time, but if it is alone it may still be noisy and destructive. Huskies don't like to live alone most of the time.

paws4hisglory - 12/6/2011 5:53:09 PM

QUESTION: I just bought a 4 month old siberian husky and the vet dected he only has one testicle. Does that mean he wont be able to have puppies? What is the procedure in this case? The vet recommended removing the other in case the other would not go down.

Anonymous - 11/24/2011 8:17:07 PM

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I had a 4 month old male siberian husky pup a long time ago. He had, at the time one the other, one dropped later and he turned out to be a top breeder! I would wait before fixing him!

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 9:58:37 PM

Undescended testicles are the most common genetic defect in Siberian huskies right now, and any males who don't have both down at a young age should NOT be bred. It is recommended to get the dog neutered, especially with the one that is in the body cavity, as it is a far higher cancer risk. You should also let the breeder know, as a good breeder will not repeat the breeding that produced such a puppy.

paws4hisglory - 12/6/2011 5:47:57 PM

QUESTION: I want to get a siberian husky but I just have a small backyard in my house, really small and it is always hot where I live. I dont know if this will be ok? What would you say? thank you

Anonymous - 11/23/2011 2:13:57 AM

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No, that would be the absolute worst situation for a husky. As a husky owner, I can tell you that if my dog doesn't get adequate exercise (at least a ~3 mile run/bike ride or dog park visit every other day), he's in my face, bouncing off the walls (he's almost 3, so this isn't "puppy" energy). Also, while where I live has nice, cold winters, during this past summer we went on a morning run when it was only in the low 70s, and he was near heat exhaustion after only a mile--despite the moderate weather I had to restrict all our summer activity to after dark, and keep an AC unit near his crate. Please consider getting a different dog breed.

Anonymous - 11/28/2011 8:18:11 PM

QUESTION: can huskies have black whiskers?

Anonymous - 11/15/2011 8:15:26 PM

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yes, and some do. Black whiskers can occur on any dog with darker pigment in that area, so in Siberian huskies, the "dirty faced" ones would be more likely to have them than ones with more white on the face, especially around the muzzle. You can see more about husky colors at www.huskycolors.com

paws4hisglory - 11/19/2011 6:01:25 PM

QUESTION: I'm a fourteen year old boy and I want a husky for christmas I live in iowa which has warm summers and cold winters would the climat be right. I also have a house with a smaller yard but a community park across the street with a lot of grass and room for a dog to run would this be okay. Also could you use a shock collar for the dog since the park is not fenced

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 3:15:05 PM

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I would not suggest using a shock collar on a Siberian husky. Most are going to run away if they are allowed out of a securely fenced in yard, no matter if they are wearing a shock collar. Anyone who knows much about the breed will strong recommend not using the "invisible" fences with this breed for the same reason. The only safe way to keep your husky is to have a secure fence that is at least 5 feet tall, and taller is better. They are also diggers so may try to dig at the bottom of the fence. They love to run and get bored in a small yard, and will do anything they can to get out to find things to do. Any excercise you do with the dog outside of a fenced area must be on a leash.

paws4hisglory - 11/15/2011 1:40:42 PM

The climate would be fine for a siberian. And the space you have would be enough as long as you take the dog out EVERYDAY. I tried a shock collar on my siberian and it didn't work very well. You would have to shave their neck for it to work properly. Also, not trying to shoot you down, but they CAN be very independent and they like to run. If you get a puppy, make sure you socialize them with other small animals (like cats) otherwise you could have a neighborhood menace on your hands. Hope this helps

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 7:16:35 PM

QUESTION: what's the difference between siberian husky ascon line and exemplar line?

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 9:01:05 AM

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QUESTION: I already have a husky but he is on the other side of the country. I would love to be able to go get him but it isn't all that possible right now. I know all about the breed but mine is a little older (about 7) and he doesn't really get along with any other animal's except my mom's dog (they've been together for about 5 years). I really want to get a husky puppy. If they are socialized early with cats will they get along and not try to hurt the cats?

Anonymous - 11/11/2011 9:51:27 PM

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My husky boy, Koda, is almost 5. I've had him since he was a baby, I also have 3 cats. Since the house is two stories I was easily able to train Koda to stay downstairs and the cats mostly stay upstairs. Since he was introduced to the cats as a baby there isn't much conflict when the cats wonder downstairs. most of the time they actually enjoy each others company. Just introduce them early on, and only in short amounts of time until they get used to each other. :)

Anonymous - 12/7/2011 9:43:12 PM

yes, but keep an eye on them as the dog gets older. my husky accidentally killed my cat while playing buy stepping on the cat and crushing it.

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 7:18:18 PM

QUESTION: I was thinking about adopting a husky and I know that they have no problem during the winter but I live in Jersey and the summer it gets pretty hot. Is it safe to have one in Jersey and if so I've been told to keep them in doors but then what about exercise??

Anonymous - 11/1/2011 8:16:23 PM

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I have a 1 year old female husky and I live in Jersey,, what we do is..... we have a fenced in yard, we got her a pool for the summer time she loves it, when she gets hot she jumps in and out of the pooland the rest of the time she runs around...know when it is really hot we buy big cubes of Ice and place them in the pool.. we find that it melts fast but it keeps her cool...the rest of the day we keep her inside with the air on...Now doing her daily walks...we were told not to walk her in the day time because of the heat...so we talk her for daily walks at night after the sun goes down...and she is a happy puppy....

Anonymous - 12/21/2011 9:25:32 AM

Stay with your husky, do not let him off the leash! Only go at night and you shoud be fine.

Anonymous - 12/15/2011 1:03:26 AM

it is harder to give a husky enough exercise in the summer heat, but if you can take them for a walk or run in the early morning or late evening, it is better than the heat of the day. They will want to be more active in cooler weather though. At all times they must be on a leash or in a securely fenced yard, as this is a breed that isn't safe off leash even with a lot of training.

paws4hisglory - 11/15/2011 1:46:13 PM

my husky gets hot in 70 degree weather so regardless of what you do a husky will be somewhat uncomfortable. excess of 100 it would be wise to keep them indoors most of that time. As far as exercise goes take the dog out daily just be sure to stop at watering holes regularly or bring plenty of water with you on your walks

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 7:22:22 PM

QUESTION: I'm looking on getting a husky puppy but im not to sure, for the reason that where i live there's a lot of chickens and a little female chihuahua and a lab would it kill the chickens and the tiny dog?

Anonymous - 10/20/2011 10:18:05 AM

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My siberian is bad with chickens but good with other dogs (even chihuahuas) he scares most small dogs but never tries to hurt them. dogs can tell that dogs are dogs by the scent they put off.

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 7:24:54 PM

A Siberian husky would be VERY likely to kill the chickens, and possible the small dog. How a husky would respond to such a small dog would depend on if it saw the dog as a dog, or small prey animal. I would strongly recommend against getting a husky if there are chickens around, unless you have a very tall and secure fence. There is very little training you can do to reliably train this breed to be safe with small animals or farm animals. Even with a lot of training from puppyhood on, their prey drive is just too high, and too easily triggered.

paws4hisglory - 10/20/2011 5:18:14 PM

QUESTION: Im planning on getting a siberian husky puppy. But I am not sure whether I should get a male or a female. What are the pros and cons? Help!!

Anonymous - 10/18/2011 6:16:11 AM

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My male husky is really independent and is more interested in peeing on things than he is in other people. His drive to kill other animals is really high. My female is more of a cuddler and likes when people are around and petting her. she also likes to chase and kill things but she's not as bad. the females do bleed but its only for 2 weeks twice a year.

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 7:29:14 PM

You Should Get A Boy Siberian Husky. Its Probably Best. Just Because The Girls Have Their Periods & Stuff, I Personally Think You Should Get A Boy.

Anonymous - 10/29/2011 11:44:24 PM

QUESTION: how much does an adult husky usually weigh?

Anonymous - 10/7/2011 4:40:42 PM

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The written breed standard calls for male husky's to be 45-60 lbs, and females to be 35-50 lbs. Of course many may be outside that range and could still be purebred Siberians. They are just not at the ideal size for the breed. Those weight ranges are also for healthy adult dogs, not ones who are over or under weight.

paws4hisglory - 10/7/2011 6:06:36 PM

QUESTION: I have a 3 old month old siberian husky and he weighs 12 to 14lbs The vets says that he's very healthy. I was wondering if he is a miniature husky?

Anonymous - 10/3/2011 10:21:26 PM

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Siberians stay small for a while and they don't get to their full size until at least a year old. I had the same though as you when mine was 6 months old he was only 20lbs. when he was one year he jumped to 50 lbs, now he is almost 3 years and 67lbs. so don't worry he will get bigger

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 7:33:11 PM

There is a size variety in Siberians, but that sounds very small for his age. Mine would be that size at 8 weeks of age, and stil mature to the standard size range. There is no such thing as a "miniature" husky, just some that could be under or oversized for the written breed standard. It could be due to health or nutrition problems, or just a genetic variation. Did you get your puppy from a good breeder, where the mother gets good nutrition and care all year long? The standard calls for males to be 45-60 lbs as adults, and females to be 35-50 lbs. That also means at ideal weight, not over or under weight.

paws4hisglory - 10/7/2011 6:05:22 PM

Husky's are not a large dog. A male should only weigh 45 to 60 pounds when he is an adult

hiddentrails - 10/6/2011 8:45:53 PM

QUESTION: Can huskies wear glasses?i mean, fake glasses, without the glass, just the frame.

Anonymous - 10/1/2011 7:13:23 PM

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QUESTION: Hi,I want a Siberian husky as a pet but i'm worried if the breed is not match for me? I like to run,and iexpect that it can guard my house. Good idea, or not?

Anonymous - 10/1/2011 7:08:14 PM

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If a husky does bark there is definitely something there. Otherwise very quiet but will b "talkative" to you. Also awesome puzzlers and can find a way out or over a fence. They love to run!!!

Anonymous - 10/28/2011 3:06:11 PM

Huskys are very high energy. They love running and it is good for them as long as you leave them home in the hotter months (above 60-65) as they can overheat. Remember, they can withstand temperatures of -75 degrees!! As far as a guard dog, it depends on the dog and training, but they were never meant to be guard dogs. I know my husky will let anyone in the house. She doesn't care, she will show them where the treats are. I got a second dog to act as a buddy to the husky and a guard dog.

Anonymous - 10/6/2011 7:22:21 AM

As far as a running companion this is a good idea only if the climate allows for it, I find that my 2 huskies only like to do long runs and walks when it is cooler out. As far as a guard dog probably not the best dog for the job.

Anonymous - 10/5/2011 3:51:25 PM

If you are looking for Siberian Husky puppies for sale from reputable Siberian Husky breeders or to adopt a Siberian Husky from a Siberian Husky rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Siberian Husky puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Siberian Husky puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.