Buying or Adopting a Siberian Husky

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Siberian Husky the right breed for you?

Siberian Husky Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Siberian Husky?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No very small dogs in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Siberian Husky stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (dog agility, carting, sledding, weight pulling); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Siberian Huskies are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with heavy shedding
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Siberian to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Siberian Husky, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Siberian Husky?

Siberian Huskies are very common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Siberian Huskies rank 12th.

Unfortunately, their popularity is largely based on the fantasy of many people who think it would be fun to own a dog who looks like a "wild wolf." Those of us who do behavioral consulting, or work in dog rescue, will tell you just how many of those people end up regretting their decision. Siberian Huskies are one of the most challenging breeds to live with and are a total mismatch to many people who acquire them.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Siberian Huskies are frequently available from Dog Rescue groups. Siberians are turned over to Rescue because they shed too much, or howl too much, or destroy things around the house, or escape from the yard, or need too much exercise. There may be dominance issues, or aggression toward other animals.

Owners may finally give up their Siberian Husky when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Siberian Huskies can be found here, although Siberian Rescue groups do try to move their breed out of shelters and into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Siberian Husky from a show breeder, who breeds Siberian Huskies to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Siberian Husky from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Siberian Husky puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Siberian Husky ends up with cataracts and bad joints.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Siberian Huskies are often found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Siberian Husky Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Siberian Husky puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Siberian Husky puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?