You’ve decided that you would like to adopt a Husky. Great! If you have not had a Husky before, please take a few moments to read the article below.
Firstly, a bit of clarification. When we refer to Huskies, in common with most people and organisations in SA, we are referring to the Siberian Husky. They are the most common Huskies in SA, although the Alaskan Malamute does occur. Siberians are smaller and lot more agile and energetic than their bigger cousins, so the pointers below refer to the characteristics of the Siberian, or “Sibe” as they are often referred to.
The points below could be viewed as either For or against – depending on your viewpoint!
Huskies are working dogs. They need to have something to do.
Huskies are hard-wired in their DNA to run. That’s what they do. That’s what they love.
Huskies are incredibly intelligent. On a DSTV program “Amanda to the Rescue” she described Huskies as being “wickedly clever”. Yup. Nailed it.
Their intelligence will get them to ‘think things through”. This is often thought of as being stubborn.
They tend to co-operate (when it suits them) rather than obey. Stubborn? Smart? Pick one.
They get bored easily – their active brains in play again
Huskies are very sociable dogs and get on well with people and especially children.
Their guarding abilities – umm, re-read the point above.
They are high energy and love to play – with other dogs or children.
Huskies can be a bit too rough for smaller children and could unintentionally hurt them
Bear in mind they are exciteable dogs, so play can get rough and rowdy.
Huskies generally don’t bark, but they do howl. Loudly. On the farm here the neighbour about 1km away can hear them, and finds it amusing. Your neighbours may not be so accommodating.
However, they only howl (did we mention loudly?) for a reason – food, walkies, you’ve come home
They are relatively easy to groom, but that needs to be a constant job. Not all Huskies enjoy being brushed and will loudly complain – neighbours could be forgiven for thinking murder is being committed.
They have a double coat – coarser ‘guard’ hair on top, which is waterproof, and a soft undercoat which insulates them from both heat and cold.
The undercoat is constantly shedding, with a big ‘blowout’ when the season changes.
Husky hair will be a constant in your house. You do (have to) get used to it. A vacuum is an essential tool.
When out on a walk, they have to be on a lead at all times. Re-read point 2.
Walking a Husky can be a strenuous activity. Most Husky owners refer to a ‘drag’. Huskies pull. Hard. It’s part of their makeup. Going up a hill is fun, though.
Huskies can be hard work for first time owners. However, all experienced owners were first timers at some point. If you are prepared to put in the time and effort and learn from others who know Huskies, then you can consider it. Joining our club will be a good move for both you and your Husky.
Huskies are a definite presence in any home. They thrive on being part of the family, and the interaction and bond you will develop with them is like no other dog. That is when you will understand why “once a Husky owner/person, always a Husky person”.
And did we mention – they love to run…
Still here? Wonderful! We would love to welcome you to the Husky owners family!
For more information, read housing needs, next page, and feel free to ask questions.