Barkarian Kennels

Because Nice Matters

The Breed

Do you want a Siberian Husky?

 

Do you really want a Siberian Husky? Is it the right breed of dog for you? A Siberian is a very special working dog and not every household and not every person is suitable for Husky ownership. Siberians are highly intelligent, they need companionship, they shed a great deal and require a kennel or large fenced area to run. Siberians are skilled escape artists. They are able to chew through, dig under, or leap tall fences. They have also been known to open latched gates & kennels.
 
Are you only looking at the Siberians striking appearance? Are you expecting it to run free, catching Frisbees and retrieving? If so, you'll be disappointed when the dog ignores the ball, eats the Frisbee and runs off to play with the other dogs in the park. Siberians are an affectionate and friendly breed. However, a Siberian is also talkative, full of energy and strong-willed, so patient & creative obedience training is highly recommended.

For Better or Worse

 

The Characteristics of the Siberian Husky

 

In an effort to reduce the vast amount of dogs in this nation's pounds and shelters, we provide the following information to educate the pet owner. Far to many dogs are beaten, abused, and simply "disposed" of all because the pet owner did not know how to cope with their dogs instincts and behaviors.

As with any breed of dog, the Siberian Husky does have an unique personality. Not every breed is right for every person and it is our goal to make sure you get a dog you can live with happily. Below you will find listed some of the characteristics of the Siberian Husky.

 

Negative Characteristics

1) They rarely have any traffic sense and need to be in a large fenced yard or in a dog run. They need to be on a lead when walking.

2) They are usually destructive as puppies. They love to chew and dig, but this tends to slow by the age of two, but don't be surprised if your nine year old goes through a second childhood.

3) Their coat is very dense and will shed heavily one or two times a year. Brushing & a force dryer is a must.

4) They prefer the company of other dogs and/or people and do not like being alone. So if no one is home all day or you only want one dog, this may not be the breed for you.

5) Sirens often cause them to howl, so if you live near fire stations or hospitals, the sirens will keep them singing.

6) You may need to use a hotwire on your fence to contain an escape artist. Please do not chain or tie your dog.

7) Siberians have a high prey drive. This instinct often makes them a poor choice for homes with cats or other small animals, this includes pond fish.

8) The breed tends to be a bit independent and stubborn, therefore obedience is challenging. So if your ideal dog is for protection, runs unleashed by the river with you, retrieves, and doesn't dig up your prize winning roses, then this breed is not for you.

 

           Positive Characteristics

          1)           The husky is a clean dog with a normally odorless and non-  

                        allergenic coat. They do not require any special grooming, simply bathing, 

                        brushing, drying, and nail trimming. With their thick coat, it is recommended that you 

                        keep them flea-free.

           2)          They love to run, which makes them good companions for active children,

                        runners, and joggers. The husky is a dog built for endurance and can be trained

                        for canicross, weight pulling or as a working pack dog.

                        (Dogs need to be fit & mature before training)

           3)          Huskies are friendly and sweet tempered towards dogs & people. They can be

                        aloof to strangers, but generally they accept everyone. They are not a protection

                        or guard dog.

           4)          Huskies are curious, alert, and sometimes nosey.

           5)          Siberians have a striking beauty, but that you already knew.

           6)          They often have talkative personalities, which endears them to their owners.

           7)          Huskies are not especially clingy or demand your attention at every moment as  

                         some breeds do.

 

© Jill Kennedy Wolens, 1991. Permission to copy unmodified with author acknowledged.

Fibs

Educational Reading

 

 

Siberian Husky Books

 

The Complete Siberian Husky, Demidoff & Jennings, Howell Book House

The New Complete Siberian Husky, Jennings, Howell Book House

How to Raise & Train a Siberian Husky, Lorna Demidoff

Top Producers, Siberian Huskies, Debbie Meador, Denlinger

The Siberian Husky, Kathleen Kanzler, TFH

 

 

Siberian Husky  Magazines

 

These publications are primarily of interest to those who are interested in Showing, Breeding and Racing

 

SHCA NEWSLETTER, Official publication of the Siberian Husky Club of America

Published 5 times a year by the SHCA. 25.00 yearly/$32.00 for Foreign subscriptions. Credit Cards are not accepted. New Subscriptions & Questions about Subscriptions to:

 

Beth McClure

SHCA Newsletter Circulation Manager

1320 N. Garner Road

Milford, MI  48380-3300

rpmcscot@aol.com

 

THE SIBERIAN QUARTERLY

Hoflin Publishing

4401 Zephyr Street

Wheatridge, CO  80033

 

 

ISHC NEWS

Published 10 times yearly. Beginning with the Jan/Feb 2006 issue of the ISHC News, the magazine will no longer be published as a bound, slick publication. It is now only available as a PDF downloadable file or a mailed printout.  Club Membership required.

 

Pam Thomas

N 7002 Peck Station Road

Elkhorn, WI  53121-9417

 

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Although

these dogs are beautiful, intelligent and loving they do present some challenges.