Hi Everyone!
Me and my son have decided to welcome a dog into our family for the first time ever. Up until a few weeks ago we had an elderly cat, so felt any newcomer to the home was out of the question but, unfortunately, my feline friend died at the ripe old age of 19. We have done so much research about the nature, characteristics and personalities of different breeds of dogs. In conclusion, we have arrived at a choice between a Husky or a German Shepherd Dog. However, my son has always had a leaning towards Huskies. He has, in fact, wanted one for a number of years. I have read all the advice websites etc. but would really value, more so, the help and advice of people who actually share their lives with these beautiful dogs. I have picked up on a number of issues that I would like your help and advice with. These are: a) huskies must always be kept on a lead when outside the house. My son and I don't actually have any problem at all with this. b) they continually 'howl'. Is this the case as I worry about my neighbours complaining? c) my son and I both work full time. How would a Husky cope with this? d) Huskies shed an extraordinary amout of hair. Do they and, if so, is it 'all the time' or are there particular shedding times? e) is there a difference in size and personality between dogs and bitches? f) how am I sure of selecting a legitimate, registered dog? One thing I know I want to be sure of is that I will, in no way whatsoever, be contributing towards the success of puppy farming.
I know I've asked a lot of questions but I want to be 100% sure that the breed of our choice is going to be right for us. More important than that even is that we are going to be the right owners for the dog. Once we have our new family member, it is going to be for life!
Any help and advice would be most welcome.
Thank you
Tracey

Welcome! Glad to see u both have done ur home work! And the questions u have asked are good ones and I know u can find all those answers on here all ready. I'm on my phone so I will not make this a long reply but I know others here will. Yes they need to always be leashed out outside unless fenced in. They howl when they get exicited or "talkative" they are mostly very quite. If u both work full time and can not make it home mid day for a puppy or have someone let it out u might be better adopting an older husky say a year or older that can hold it for 8hrs. They have 2-3 shedding times a year but if ur in a hot area it could be more. Males are taller then bitches. Ther is a sticky in the finding a breeder on this form to make the right pick. Hope that helps for now

Thank you for your help jbealer.
My son works close to home and would be calling in midday so our companion would be on her/his own fora maximum of 4 hours each morning then 3 hours in the afternoon. After the final vaccination and checks and given the ok by the vet to venture further afield, he or she would, on occasions, be accompanying my son to work as his boss is extremely dog friendly and takes his own dog in, as do a few other employees. I am now wondering whether some 'socialisation' might have to also be done before this? Other than the toileting, I also didn't want a dog that would suffer emotional and, therefore, behavioural problems due to being left alone. We live in Manchester in the UK and I'm assuming that this would be considered a warm area to a Husky? Does this site list breeders in the UK? I haven't managed to find the area that lists breeders at all yet but am sure I'll come across it soon.
Once again, thank you for the above help.
Tracey

Here's the thread about finding a breeder: https://www.itsahuskything.com/t1042-how-to-find-a-reputable-breeder

The Siberian Husky Club of America has a list of breeders listed by state on their site. You can always e-mail someone on there and if they don't have a dog right now, they can usually point you to someone who does. But like Jennifer said, if you both work long hours, it would be best to find an older husky who doesn't need to be let out every couple of hours. Check for a siberian husky rescue in your area and check around at different shelters. Unfortunately, huskies are often in need of new homes, because people buy cute little puppies and don't realize how much energy they will have when they grow up.

Also huskies can be escape artists, so you don't want to leave them in the backyard alone for very long. They can jump almost any fence or dig under it. They all won't, but some will. And it sounds like crate training would be good for you while you are both out of the house. It will keep your husky and your furnature safe.

Ok now the questions in order.
a) Yes, you'll need to keep a husky on leash any time you are not in a fenced in area. My husky has pretty good recall, but I'd never trust her off leash cause I've seen how she acts when she sees something fun like a bird on the ground. She will take off and not look back no matter how much I call her.
b) They will howl sometimes. Mine actually never howl. But mine will wooo wooo, bark, and whine. But most of the time they are silent. They don't bark at strangers or other dogs.
c) Crate train the husky and give it plenty of exercise before and after you're gone. Also you can stuff a bunch of kongs (rubber toy that you can put food in) with it's food and some peanut butter to make it harder to get out. That will keep them occupied for a few hours depending on hor good it is at getting the food out.
d) They do shed a lot at certain times of the year. It's called blowing coat. Mine is blowing coat for the first time right now! How fun! lol. Pretty much I can brush and brush and there's still more hair and there is always a ring of white fur around her crate no matter how many times I vacuume it up. But when she's not blowing coat, she only sheds a little and in colder areas they aren't supposed to shed at all when they aren't blowing coat (BTW I'm in FL, so warm weather = more shedding).
e) Dog are taller than bitches, but there's not much of a difference. People think my female is a boy all the time even though she's short! Females look a little more feminine too.
f) Answered first.

Huskies can be hard headed, so you will need patience with them, but they are very loveable. A tired husky is a well behaved husky. lol. So make sure lots of walks, playtime, training, and dog park visits work with your lifestyle.

Welcome to the forum and feel free to ask anymore questions!

Welcome, Tracey! Many props to you for getting this far into Husky research. Most folk seem to stop at the off lead thing, or they ignore it and find out the hard way. I'm sure this is repetitive since others posted while I was typing...

Tracey wrote:

a) huskies must always be kept on a lead when outside the house. My son and I don't actually have any problem at all with this.

There are rare dogs and rare occasions (for instance you'll find many examples of my Husky off leash while hiking, but I'm very specific about when and where). As a rule this breed cannot help but run and run far. The more true to breed that your potential dog is bred, will mean the dog is more of a runner. Still, backyard breeder and puppy mill dogs exhibit this RUN trait.

Tracey wrote:

b) they continually 'howl'. Is this the case as I worry about my neighbours complaining?

Raised properly, I have yet to see a Husky that just howls and makes noise for the hell of it. In general they are a very quiet and observant breed. Only making noise when there's someone to make noise at. The Huskies in our neighborhood are the quiet dogs (except when everyone is walking to school in the mornings). They don't even make sound when we walk by and the labs/pits/boxers are going nuts. I wouldn't rule out a dog developing separation anxiety and having vocalization be a side effect.

Tracey wrote:

c) my son and I both work full time. How would a Husky cope with this?

As an adult the dog will be just fine. Puppies will need to get out every couple of hours, or so I hear. Rigorous exercise and a crate are the biggest help in this area. Others will probably be of more help since I don't work and I'm with my dogs all day.

Tracey wrote:

d) Huskies shed an extraordinary amout of hair. Do they and, if so, is it 'all the time' or are there particular shedding times?

It's light and normal "all the time" with two seasonal shed fests. If you brush it out properly during the big events, it will be a very minimal the rest of the time. I get lazy with it during winter so hair is a part of life around here.

Tracey wrote:

e) is there a difference in size and personality between dogs and bitches?

Females should be smaller by breed standard.

Tracey wrote:

f) how am I sure of selecting a legitimate, registered dog? One thing I know I want to be sure of is that I will, in no way whatsoever, be contributing towards the success of puppy farming.

For a Husky I would be searching out a kennel/breeder that actually works their dogs. Show performance would be secondary on my list of concerns. Of course that's a personal thing there. You'll want someone who gets the hips certified before breeding and one that isn't hesitant to let you look it up on the OFA database. Hereditary eye problems are also known in the breed, a good breeder will be keeping tabs on that as well.

The Siberian Husky Club of America is a good place to start researching breeders like the others mentioned. Just saw you're across the pond there. Also hunt down some local racing/mushing clubs.

I won't say the same things over and over but mine shed a lot. We live in a very warm climate (around 85-100) during the summer and our winters low at about 35 and peak around 80 (Fahrenheit.) Mine do fine here, but we make adjustments to exercise during the summer... earlier/later walks, LOTS of pool/lake time, and constant hose offs at the park when we're there. Their coats (at least my own dogs) don't get as thickly furred here (or they still produce the hair, but are constantly shedding it off.) Huskies are very adaptable, and while they may be "happier" in colder climates, mine are fine here.

Regardless of where you live/how much they shed.. Please don't ever shave your Husky. The hair is part of owning this breed and be prepared to have it all over you. When they "blow coat" (their super heavy shedding periods) you can literally pluck CLUMPS of hair off of them.

If you're planning to be at work most of the day, be sure the dog has been exercised in the morning before you leave, in the afternoon, and after work. As a young puppy some yard play or short walks will be sufficient. The best and easiest way to have a well behaved Husky is to be sure they are well exercised. When their energy gets bundled in them time and time again, they begin to show extremely destructive behaviors. These dogs are capable of eating doors, walls, couches.... anything really it seems. This destruction comes with the breed. They are known for it and even while mine are plenty exercised sometimes they just wanna rip something apart and it's often a toy or pillow that is the victim. lol

arooroomom wrote:

I won't say the same things over and over but mine shed a lot. We live in a very warm climate (around 85-100) during the summer and our winters low at about 35 and peak around 80 (Fahrenheit.) Mine do fine here, but we make adjustments to exercise during the summer... earlier/later walks, LOTS of pool/lake time, and constant hose offs at the park when we're there. Their coats (at least my own dogs) don't get as thickly furred here (or they still produce the hair, but are constantly shedding it off.) Huskies are very adaptable, and while they may be "happier" in colder climates, mine are fine here.

Regardless of where you live/how much they shed.. Please don't ever shave your Husky. The hair is part of owning this breed and be prepared to have it all over you. When they "blow coat" (their super heavy shedding periods) you can literally pluck CLUMPS of hair off of them.

If you're planning to be at work most of the day, be sure the dog has been exercised in the morning before you leave, in the afternoon, and after work. As a young puppy some yard play or short walks will be sufficient. The best and easiest way to have a well behaved Husky is to be sure they are well exercised. When their energy gets bundled in them time and time again, they begin to show extremely destructive behaviors. These dogs are capable of eating doors, walls, couches.... anything really it seems. This destruction comes with the breed. They are known for it and even while mine are plenty exercised sometimes they just wanna rip something apart and it's often a toy or pillow that is the victim. lol

I'm going to totally agree with Kristina as I'm in Florida as well. When they shed it's worse...like literally can pick up clumps of hair from the floor (even if you just vacuumed 30min ago..lol). I can pick puff balls off them..lol This lasts maybe 2-3weeks twice a year for mine. Keep in mind though, that yes there is ALWAYS hair in my house. No matter how much cleaning i do. So, if you're not ready to deal with the hair then you might want to double think getting a husky. I personally don't mind it too much. I'm used to it plus their personalities and affection totally make up for it!!! Mines aren't as "fluffy" as huskies in colder areas so I'm guessing like Kristina said it's because of the weather. Definitely early morning walks and evening walks are what we do.
'
Yes, LOTS OF exercise! My husband and I both work 9-5 jobs and the second I get home from work my 5yr old female is begging to go to the park. She sees my sneakers come out and the "talking" begins. She doesn't howl constantly either. DOES NOT bark (which is great), but my 4 1/2 month old does bark a bit, but only at her or us when he wants something. Doesn't bark at others or other dogs. They are fairly quiet...HYPER, but quiet. NOT YAPPY whatsoever!

Overall, they are AWESOME companions if you have the patience for these extremely smart /stubborn animals. Once they have a routine in place (very important) it won't be so hard. They are truly the best!!!!!

Good luck!

Wow!
Thank you all so much for your advice. I'm not worried now about our UK climate in summer being too warm, considering some of you are in Florida. It seems that, of all my questions, the one that is being pushed to my attention is the shedding or 'blow coat'. I'm still considering this but if we do decide on a husky, it would be with the understanding that this would be a part of our lives. Under no circumstances would I consider 'shaving'. I'm feeling reassured about everything else and I have checked The Kennel Club register of breeders and there are a number of them. Only one actually in an easy to reach area though. It's really good to hear from arooroomum. Probably one of my main concerns was that me and my son both work. However, he would be calling home at midday and, after reading all the above advice, we would definately be crate training. We have yet to make the decision on whether to go for a puppy or home a slightly older husky.
Do they need to have their teeth brused and their nails clipped at all? I thought all breeds of dog needed this type of routine care but no-one has mentioned anything like this yet.

I feed a raw diet and it doesn't really require tooth brushing as the bones will keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy. In order for teeth brushing to be effective you really need to commit to doing it every other day. Of course, it pays off in the end. My newest rescue had to have a tooth extraction because his mouth wasn't taken care of (keep in mind he's 4-5 years old.) It was costly and I like to avoid anesthesia as much as possible. They did a dental as well and his teeth should remain in good shape with the aid of the raw food.

My dogs are exercised on concrete a lot and generally don't need much more than the tips cut. If you are going to get a puppy, it's best to get them used to having their paws handled as well as nails cut as a lot of adult dogs won't tolerate that too much because they aren't used to it.

The only amount of routine grooming care mine get is a good brushing and blow out (with a drier) about once a week. Generally Huskies are a very clean breed and don't need much else really.

As far as grooming we brush all most everyday out side. The only nails I clip are my girs dew claws because they were not removec as a pup. The rest of the nails get warn down while walking on the sidewalks. We do brush the teeth every few months, but they love the raw hides. We also wash them every 3-4 months. The great thing about huskies is the fur cleans its self.

Tracey wrote:

Wow!
Thank you all so much for your advice. I'm not worried now about our UK climate in summer being too warm, considering some of you are in Florida. It seems that, of all my questions, the one that is being pushed to my attention is the shedding or 'blow coat'. I'm still considering this but if we do decide on a husky, it would be with the understanding that this would be a part of our lives. Under no circumstances would I consider 'shaving'. I'm feeling reassured about everything else and I have checked The Kennel Club register of breeders and there are a number of them. Only one actually in an easy to reach area though. It's really good to hear from arooroomum. Probably one of my main concerns was that me and my son both work. However, he would be calling home at midday and, after reading all the above advice, we would definately be crate training. We have yet to make the decision on whether to go for a puppy or home a slightly older husky.
Do they need to have their teeth brused and their nails clipped at all? I thought all breeds of dog needed this type of routine care but no-one has mentioned anything like this yet.

You've received a ton of excellent advice so I'm going to try my hardest not to repeat what others have said too much. lol Here in the states we get hot weather in the summer no matter where you live as I'm sure you do over where you live. Our climates vary greatly and have a big influence our our huskies coats and shedding. I've lived in two opposite extremes of the US with my sibe and experienced the difference climate can make first hand. In WA state the weather is cold the majority of the year, they have about 3 months of warm weather which really isn't even very hot...NOTHING like FL for sure. Our sibe blew his coat twice a year out there and never had any skin problems and when he wasn't blowing coat the shedding was minimal. Now when we moved to the hot and humid climate of Florida the heat and humidity are insane there. They are lucky to get a few weeks of "cold weather" which really isn't even all that cold comparatively speaking. When we lived in Florida our sibe blew coat about 4 times a year and he had problems with dry skin and dandruff due to the humidity. It was a night and day difference in the amount of shedding and his skin problems which were directly related to the climate. Maybe a sibe that is born and raised in a less than desirable climate is better able to handle it but our sibe came from the cold part of North Eastern Washington and the heat and humidity in FL were nothing short of brutal on our sibe.

I really hope that shedding is not a point of contention for you as both breeds you are considering shed profusely when they blow coats. Trust me, GSD's blow coat twice a year too and they can shed just as much if not more than huskies. Don't think you'll escape massive amounts of fur with either breed.

I think you should be fine having a sibe if someone is able to come home midday to let the dog out and get some exercise. If that were not the case then I would seriously reconsider as this breed really requires a lot of exercise and attention. If you get a puppy it will require more home visits than an adult so be prepared for that if you go the puppy route. Exercise is something that hasn't really been mentioned too much in this thread and it really is a major consideration and undertaking that is required with this breed. Do you and your son have a plan in mind for how much exercise you will be able to get in on a daily basis for an adult sibe? This isn't so much a concern for a pup but that pup (if you get one) will grow up very quickly so it's best to plan ahead and be plenty prepared as it appears you are trying to do already which I strongly commend you for.

Dental care, nail clipping and grooming are an "all dog" thing as you suspected. We don't typically hit on that topic since it generally goes without saying regardless of breed. As far as dental care, if you are not feeding a bone inclusive raw diet then you will need to keep up with dental care in the form of brushing their teeth and/or using certain dental sprays/gels to control plaque/tartar buildup and prevent periodontal disease. Nail clipping is something most of us do but it really depends on the rate the dogs nails grow, the surface they are walked on, amount of exercise, etc. Some sibes never need nails clipped because they do a lot of walking on concrete while others may need it more frequently for one reason or another. My sibe does a lot of running on grass but we go walking about 4 miles a day on concrete and grass. I only need to clip my husky's nails about once every 3-4 months.

Grooming is not too extensive with this breed outside of when they blow their coats. Sibes are a generally clean breed and due to their weatherproof coat should not be bathed too often. Typically you do not want to bathe more frequently than once every 8 weeks unless necessary but many husky owners can get by with 1 or 2 baths a year if that. When sibes are not blowing coat a simple weekly brush and/or blowout with a high velocity dryer are often all that is needed. I use a high velocity/force dryer on my sibe personally, it's easier, faster and gets my dog cleaner than just brushing. When sibes are blowing coat you will need to brush and/or blow them out daily. The time it takes for a sibe to blow it's coat varies and depends on the dog, some dogs take 2 weeks and other blow coat for 2 months. I'm one of the lucky ones whose sibe blows coat for 2 months. We are currently 2.5 weeks into our sibes winter coat blow and it is intense. My dryer is my best tool but sometimes I brush him instead. My backyard is covered in white, not from snow but fur! I can brush and brush and brush for hours and it never stops coming out. I have to vacuum the entire house daily and still there is fur everywhere! My clothes and hair are covered in fur, my food is covered in fur, my stove and kitchen are covered in fur...I have husky fur in places it should not be! As soon as I am done cleaning the kitchen I turn around and there is fur all over again. Be sure you love fur before you bring a husky or GSD home!

I won't add on to the lists here, but one thing that I didn't see mentioned is that there is a fantastic rescue on your side of the ocean. The Siberian Husky Welfare Association (SHWA). If you're thinking of a rescue or adoption, which I highly recommend you consider, they will be able to help

OH! And welcome to the forum!! KUDOS to you on doing your research People like you make me smile

Nothing to add to the great advice given above except; I really hope you can consider adoption for whichever breed you choose. Not sure about the UK but there are some many pure breed dogs dying in shelters in the US and adopting from a rescue or shelter helps save lives.

This looks like a great resource for UK huskies.

http://www.shwauk.org.uk/

If you do chose adoption, theres SHCGB, SHWA and Huskies in Need