(Advanced apologies for the ensuing text wall)
So, I already said my hellos in welcome thread and rather than go off-topic there I thought it would be best to utilize general chat.
I come here in search of people who actually live with their dogs, not breeders.
No offense to the breeders but often times the people who best care for the blood lines don't actually live with their dogs.
I want to talk about companion life, not kennel life. I read several pages of your “so you’re thinking about getting a husky” thread already but there is just so much, from both ends of the spectrum.

First a little background explaining my situation.
I grew up in a competitive conformation show dog family. My mother breeds and handles smooth and rough coated collies. I have personally owned two German Shepherds and now a collie. With the sheps I have experience with narcotics detection, passive alert, and a little shutzhund. My father ran a K9 and I became a non-associate member of the OPCA so I could tag along and help out with handling. My dogs were just companions but my first was an awesome bite dog in practice, and Hans, my last and sorely missed friend, was amazing with detection. For the record, none of our shepherds are “American” sheps; they are all working bred lines imported. None of that extreme rear angulation crap you see in the ring. I lost Hans horribly after 12 years this summer and would be completely dogless if not for getting attached to a sick little 2 day old collie pup with no mum. I thought I saved him a year ago, turns out, he saved me I guess.
So, I have some experience with somewhat complicated training, and intelligent but somewhat simple breeds.
I live with my collie, Teg (Touch’en’Go) in an apt during the school year and on the family farm during the summer. I don’t spend a lot of time out of the apt so the dog(s) are with me most of the time. I crate train them from day one and they remain in the crate during my absence until they prove than can handle themselves. Teg is too easy; he literally does nothing all day long and he is still a pup. Typical of collies, he is content to lay about the flat all day, every day, as long as he has a friend. He actually seems to hate going with me for my exercise, previously running now biking. If it is raining, windy, snowy or even cold, I practically have to drag him out the door, lol. This is a stark difference from Hans who once leapt through a glass window to catch up with me… During the summer the dogs have virtual heaven on earth, several fenced acres of land to run, beds in the house, and daily road trips. I wish I was as happy as them, lol.

Since I was a child, I’m told, I have wanted a husky. Unlike most childhood fascinations this one has withheld the test of time. I am in a position now where I am prepared for another dog. I don’t want another collie or shepherd; collies aren’t particularly interesting and I couldn’t have a shep in my apt even if I wanted one. The sharp analytical stare and generally eccentric personality of huskies continues to hold my attention. I have read pages and pages of the articles similar to your “So You're Thinking of Getting a Husky?” thread. I have gone to several breeders, in some cases traveled hundreds of miles to do so, listened to breeder’s warnings of impending doom upon inviting a husky into your home. I have spent hours meeting the dogs and watching them interact, though mostly in kennel environments, some over the top nice, others questionable at best. So far I still like the breed, but I want to know more about one-on-one home life.

What I want from dog is companionship and entertainment. I want a dog to be fearless but sensible, intelligent and aware, loyal and loving but at least somewhat independent. I love a dog that has miles personality; I suppose that by ‘personality’ I mean a little weird. I dog that makes you smile just going about his daily routine. Does that sound like a house husky? Do they generally “bond” with a person, or many people? How does the concept of a pack oriented dog differ from a German Shepherd who can’t stand to be away from his owner, refuses to leave his owner’s side, and is jealous? How would another house dog affect their relationship with an owner? I realize that huskies are known for running off but I also met an exhibitor who did off-leash obedience with a few, so I know there are exceptions and there is going to be variance dog to dog.

Set me straight here, convince me that it’s worth the ~15 year commitment, or that it is not. For better or for worse whatever dog I get will be mine forever and be loved. I don’t re-home, I don’t euthanize, and I don’t banish to a kennel.
Truth be told, I am considering a rescue dog, despite my mother’s panic regarding unknown genetic health, and warnings of never really being able to bond and train an adult with an unknown history. I hate going to shelters because of the all those lonely eyes crushing me with guilt but I feel compelled to help the ones that will probably never get the life that my dogs get. I understand her opinion, but I wonder sometimes if it isn’t worth the risk.

Huskies are very independent. They can be sweet, but they don't mind doing their own thing. Only issue is, if they get bored they get destructive, so they need lots of physical and mental stimulation. They aren't off-leash dogs (at least most of them aren't) so that's something to always remember and they are very good escape artists. But they are totally worth all the time you put into them. As long as you keep them stimulated, living in an apt wont be bad. And the collie will give them someone to play with.

Rescues are not as bad as you would think, BUT a rescue probably wouldn't give you a dog because of the apt. They prefer a yard and a fence. So it might be easier to rescue a dog off of craigslist instead. But if you are up to the challenge (and it sounds like you are) a husky is the way to go!!!

God knows Teg needs a friend. Since my housemate and her dog moved out Teg started being destructive and excessively clingy. During finals he would come up to me at my desk every 10 minutes, put his paws on me or the desk and cry directly at my face, then hook my elbows with is giant collie nose and pull my hands off the keyboard. I actually enjoyed that but if i didn't crate him when i left, which i often did, I would come home to a pyramid of household goods built in the living room.
The other day I jingled Hans' old collar and tags, Teg came running in franticly before sniffing the collar and searching the room. I of course teared up, lol. Clearly, I'm not the only one missing him.
This is was the final thing I needed to start pursuing another dog.

Let me weigh in on the trainability of rescue dogs a little bit..

I am a dog trainer. I operate a private training kennel, with 6 house dogs, including my rescue husky. My Rescue husky was 10mo old when I got her. She is pure race dog stock. She had never been on a leash, in a house, in a car, or around a person who wasn't abusive before the day I took her. In only 3 months, Panzer has come to accept and obey me well. Every day the bond grows stronger. At one of the kennels I used to work for as a trainer, I worked almost exclusively with owners of rescue animals, and we had outstanding results. Rescue dogs may have health issues later, but so could any dog. They are still trainable, and just as willing to bond to a new owner as any other dog.

I don't know if you have ever read it but huskies for dummie is a good book to read. From what I have ever been told huskies ate pack animal and bond with multiple people and can be family dogs an not just one person dogs. They learn as adults just like as puppies they are forgiving and do best with other dogs

I see your wall of text; and I raise you AN EVEN BIGGER wall of text!

Welcome to the forum, and +1 on starting your research so early. It is all too common for people to buy first and ask questions later so when we see the inverse we are always happy about it

I've read your whole post and all any of us can really do is to answer your questions with our own experiences and try and explain why, like you, this breed has captured us and won't let us go.

Growing up I had somewhat the experience you did with dogs. One of my Grandfathers bred Chow Chows for show in a very rural part of Quebec. Though I didn't live on the farm it was not uncommon for me to spend the summer there helping him and learning from him. I fell in love with Chows at an early age and soaked up ll the knowledge I could from my Grandfather on the breed and dogs in general.

I was gifted my first Chow at 9 and though it was very much a family thing I was in every way I could be involved in her development and training.

Moving out on my own at 19 and into my first apartment I wanted to wait until I got a house before I got another dog. This was simply for personal reasons but both my wife and I agreed it would be in the best interest of everyone involved if we did.

At 28 I finally got my dog. 8 Months later we got our 2nd (Or Kelly got HER dog )

That 9 year period was spend researching all breeds off and on again looking for the one who would best fit the people my wife and I had grown into. I found this site a full year before getting our pup and we lurked here for a long period of time before even posting a hello.

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What I want from dog is companionship and entertainment. I want a dog to be fearless but sensible, intelligent and aware, loyal and loving but at least somewhat independent. I love a dog that has miles personality; I suppose that by ‘personality’ I mean a little weird. I dog that makes you smile just going about his daily routine. Does that sound like a house husky?

Personality / a little weird is not one of the things we are missing in our household. I don't know I just feel like I could watch them both interact all day.

There isn't a night that goes by that I won't either laugh at them, stare in amazement, or shake my head in disbelief in the things they do. Sometimes as simple as the way they lay on a bed. They are both absolutely full of life, wonder, and spirit I don't think I've ever been as connected to a dog as I am with these two.

Both are extremely welcoming and full of an unwavering spirit. Everything in life is new and exciting and should be explored, played with, or loved! This often leads to mishaps as something as uncompromisingly naive and happy as this just seem to get in trouble... and I love them for it.

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Do they generally “bond” with a person, or many people?

Bonding was never an issue with us. Tika has a stronger bond with myself. Ripley has a stronger bond with Kelly.

They both however are firmly attached to both of us, and will listen to either.

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How does the concept of a pack oriented dog differ from a German Shepherd who can’t stand to be away from his owner, refuses to leave his owner’s side, and is jealous?

From my experience not much to be honest, but it is a diffrent kind of closeness then you get with a guard dog.

While my Chows would follow me through the house and "watch" me, The Girls tend to just follow me around the house to want to be close and hope I'm doing something they can join in on.

It is more a curiosity with them then a job.

That being said mine are generally very close to either one of us, and if they can't be by one of us for what ever reason they are by the other.... They like being with their pack.

Their Pack bond to each other is also extremely high. Though they can and are separated all the time they are truly happy together and there was NEVER a moment of resentment when we brought home the 2nd one from either side.


Unlike my chows when presented with a new area they won't go out right away and sniff out a perimeter and come back beside me... They instead will explore / play / cause mischief on their own. They will return when called but it was a big change.

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How would another house dog affect their relationship with an owner?

Like any introduction those can be sketchy at times... It is a lot to bring a new pup into an already established household and pack. A Feeling out period is normal and sometimes a lot of Moping, scuffles, or Drama.

If they get past that they tend to form a very strong bond to each other. This bond can at times feel like they are plotting together in their mischief, but in our experience it has changed nothing in our relationship with either.

They both have their own personality and have their own Highs and Lows.

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I realize that huskies are known for running off but I also met an exhibitor who did off-leash obedience with a few, so I know there are exceptions and there is going to be variance dog to dog.

They are first and foremost runner... We have a term we like to use called "Sled Head" where they tuck their ears back and just run for the hills never looking back. They just get into that zone and go.

I'm not saying it can't be done, but it is uncommon and not something you should expect to ever achieve. As with anything however proper training and experience can do amazing things.

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Truth be told, I am considering a rescue dog, despite my mother’s panic regarding unknown genetic health, and warnings of never really being able to bond and train an adult with an unknown history.

My Father in law is an avid lover of dogs. When adopting Ripley Kelly and I were told we were insane to take on someone else's problems and jeopardize the training and time we had put into Tika. Not only could it cause major problems but if we turned her over to a rescue (Ripley was a Foster Fail) Tika would never be the same because of how attached she could have become to her.

Ripley is not the same dog we fostered. The Ripley we have at home now is a well behaved, playful, respectful pup who just wants to be loved. We put a lot of time and training into her simply because from day one it was evident how worth it she was.

Even if I was blind to how she is now I wouldn't have changed a thing in our experience with her.

Biologically speaking she isn't a shining example of any breed, but she is without a doubt worth every bit of time we spend with her.


Wall of text over.

Hope it helped in some way,
~Chris~

I think Chris said everything very well.

A question, why do you say that you could never have a Shepherd in your apartment? Is it because they are high energy? Because Huskies are high energy as well. As said above, you will have a hard time finding a rescue that will adopt a husky out to an apartment because of the kind of dogs they are. It definitely can be done, you just have to be aware of the implications exercise-wise. Though, our 7 month old gets the majority of his exercise on leash on walks or at the dog park, and we have a decent size fenced yard.

Like you, I had wanted a husky since I was a kid but I grew up with Brittany Spaniels. I hated not having a dog around through college in an apartment, so as soon as I was in a house, the dog followed. I will say, husky personalities are not like anything I've ever experienced. He makes me smile everyday (and sometime yell ). I can sit there and have a whole "conversation" with him, he is so talkative. He's entering his teenage stage now, so he's becoming a little bit of a punk, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Chris said just about everything I was going to say, but I'll add a few things anyway.

You'll definitely get companionship and definitely entertainment. The way that she chooses to do things sometimes is enough to make me laugh. Because of her stubbornness, she often does simple things in the weirdest ways, just because she didn't want to do it the way I suggested.

Pippa is my dog, but I'm at my parent's house a lot, and she's very bonded with them. We have a dog at home that is a lot older and not very well socialized, so I keep Pippa downstairs. If my family is upstairs and making a bunch of noise, she's kind of upset. She isn't really happy unless she doesn't think she's missing anything upstairs, or if everyone is downstairs. She has definitely bonded to everyone, not just me, even though she sees them far less frequently.

While I wouldn't really use the word "fearless" to describe my husky, there are probably exceptions. I've had her since August, when she was about 7 months old and I've worked very hard to make sure she's well socialized since then. However, she's terrified of motorcycles/scooters and isn't sure about large birds. And I'm almost certain she has zero instinct to protect me in any way, shape or form.

However, most huskies, if they're aloud to get out and run, will do so in any conditions. PIppa is just as happy to go for a run in the rain and I never have to drag her outside if she knows she's going for a run. If I put my tennis shoes on, she tries to beat me to the door.

I was talking about this to my mom the other day, but it's a weird thing with huskies. It's hard to sell them on paper: they're stubborn, independent, can't be trusted off leash, have a ton of hair that will get everywhere.... But at the same time, there's something about them. I grew up around several dogs, and while I loved them all and was very bonded with a few of them, what I have with Pippa is different. They're very in-tune to what is going on, constantly observing what's happening around them.

Rescue dogs can be a handful, but I feel like it's worth it every time. After working with a dog to set straight what might be months or even years of mistreatment or neglect, there's no way you can't feel a bond with them. It might be difficult to find a husky rescue that will adopt out to someone without a fence (although not impossible and the more you show that you know about the breed, the more likely they are to make an exception), but most shelters (that are often full of huskies), aren't as strict.

Hope that helped some and good luck on your search!

Tika wrote:

TKnight wrote:

What I want from dog is companionship and entertainment. I want a dog to be fearless but sensible, intelligent and aware, loyal and loving but at least somewhat independent. I love a dog that has miles personality; I suppose that by ‘personality’ I mean a little weird. I dog that makes you smile just going about his daily routine. Does that sound like a house husky?

Personality / a little weird is not one of the things we are missing in our household. I don't know I just feel like I could watch them both interact all day.

There isn't a night that goes by that I won't either laugh at them, stare in amazement, or shake my head in disbelief in the things they do. Sometimes as simple as the way they lay on a bed. They are both absolutely full of life, wonder, and spirit I don't think I've ever been as connected to a dog as I am with these two.

Both are extremely welcoming and full of an unwavering spirit. Everything in life is new and exciting and should be explored, played with, or loved! This often leads to mishaps as something as uncompromisingly naive and happy as this just seem to get in trouble... and I love them for it.

Chris couldn't have said this better and I have to agree 100% with how he worded it. Not a day goes by that my husky doesn't have me laughing...or occasionally trying to pull my hair out. My sibe has more spunk and personality than any other dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and I wouldn't want it any other way.

TKnight wrote:

Do they generally “bond” with a person, or many people?

Most sibes bond just fine with their families whether they were raised or resuced by that family. While they may bond more to certain individuals than others I think most are not a one person dog like other breeds. And while my rescued sibe has a very strong bond with me more than any other person, he certainly wouldn't hesitate to leave me in the dust for food, love, the squirrel running across the street, someone willing to give him attention, or even just an interesting new person or dog. He's loyal and bonded to me but he's not like other breeds who will check out something new and come right back to my side. But when that something new holds no more interest for him, he will eventually seek me out wherever I might be.

TKnight wrote:

How does the concept of a pack oriented dog differ from a German Shepherd who can’t stand to be away from his owner, refuses to leave his owner’s side, and is jealous?

While I've never personally had much experience with GSD's (my mom had them before I came along) I can only go off of what I have heard and seen from others' experience with them. My sibe certainly won't hesitate to leave my side as I've stated above. If something else interests him, he is gone and he doesn't return until his curiousity/play have been satisfied or he is called back.

In the many trips to the dog park I have been to, I have observed many huskies and GSD's. Most GSD's hardly waiver from their owners' side and when they do run off they are generally right back beside their owners within a matter of seconds. While sibes on the other hand go into the dog park and seem to forget their owners' existence until they are called or until they are just ready to go home. In a dog park situation, my sibe totally 'forgets' I exist initially but every so often, like every 5-10 minutes, will run or walk by me just to check up on me and then he's back to playing with his doggy friends. When he's had enough playing he'll come and lay within 10 ft of me and just wait for my cue to leave. All the GSD's I've observed seem to hate leaving their owners and never appear to be really enjoying their time at the dog park. That just my observations anyway. And my sibe is never jealous, not in any situation, even if I pour out praise, treats, love, and affection over another dog or person.

TKnight wrote:

How would another house dog affect their relationship with an owner?

I think this will vary depending on the individual but I don't think it really changes the relationship with the owner. Yes, they will form a bond with the other dog(s) in the house but that is a totally separate relationship which I think more often than not will not affect their bond with you. I know in my case, none of my relationships changed with any of my dogs when I added to the pack.

Tika wrote:

TKnight wrote:

I realize that huskies are known for running off but I also met an exhibitor who did off-leash obedience with a few, so I know there are exceptions and there is going to be variance dog to dog.

They are first and foremost runner... We have a term we like to use called "Sled Head" where they tuck their ears back and just run for the hills never looking back. They just get into that zone and go.

I'm not saying it can't be done, but it is uncommon and not something you should expect to ever achieve. As with anything however proper training and experience can do amazing things.

Chris, hit the nail on the head here. Couldn't have said it better. I have invested a lot of time into recall training with my sibe and he does have a good recall (I've called him off chasing a squirrel even to have him stop dead run, turn the opposite direction, and run back to me and sit at my feet) but I will never trust him off lead.

TKnight wrote:

Truth be told, I am considering a rescue dog, despite my mother’s panic regarding unknown genetic health, and warnings of never really being able to bond and train an adult with an unknown history.

You can absolutely bond with and train a rescue of any age, that wouldn't even be a concern for me when considering whether or not to rescue. Now how much work a rescue will require will depend entirely on the individual and their background. But not all rescues are a complete mystery, there are plenty of rescues that come with a history provided some way or another. And some that don't have any background information you can learn a lot about from their foster parents or caretakers. Now genetic health is a bit more tricky when it comes to rescue but as an avid believer in rescue I wouldn't let health problems stop me from rescuing a dog in need if it was the right dog for our family.

All of my dogs are rescues and all of them adopted as adults. My sibe was a complete gamble, we adopted him from a kill shelter with absolutely no background information or any idea about his personality, temperament, whether he was good with kids or other dogs/cats/small animals, whether he was good on a leash, whether or not he had any health problems, etc. All we knew about him, as an individual, when we adopted him was that he was a stray prior to being picked up by animal control. He was 2 years old at the time and we took a chance on him. He's 7 years old now and by far the best dog I have ever had even though we've been through our trials and tribulations over the years. He needed a lot of training (and what puppy from a breeder doesn't?) but he was worth the effort and to date he is the healthiest of all my dogs, not a single health problem to speak of. Sure he's not a perfect example of the breed and wouldn't make it in the show ring but he's a classic example of a husky (wildly independent, crazy active, loving, and intelligent), a wonderful companion and I don't regret saving his life one bit nor can I imagine life without him.

Wow everyone had state alot of information for you..

We were walking our pups today and I was feeling like I have two teenages and two 2 years old at the same time..

My pups are both about 2 1/2 years old..

A lot of good information here for you to read.

First, I'm sorry for the loss of Hans. He sounds like he was a wonderful dog (as most GSDs are)

I can only give my perspective as the owner of one adult rescue. I've only had him since late September, and he is just now settling into what I assume is his normal personality.
I would say that he is bonded to me, but not in the typical sense that most people think of bonding. It's just that he is more likely to follow me around the house and to do as I ask. But, he doesn't get too worked up if I'm not around and will either hang out with whoever else is home or go to his crate (door open). I seriously doubt he would ever lift a finger (paw) to 'protect' me. He might scare off an intruder because he is large for a husky, but that's about it.
He has some dominance issues with my hubby that has gone beyond a warning growl.
He's pretty good on a leash, which in husky terms mostly means that he doesn't drag me down the street to chase a squirrel or cat.
He is extremely quiet. I've never heard a proper bark or howl, and he doesn't "talk" as much as other huskies that I hear about. He only has 2 "phrases" and is very judicious about using them. He is also very lazy about 85% of the time. He will spend all day laying around and only gets "The Hypers" for about an hour in the evenings (or when he needs to go out to poop). He has yet to chew up anything and usually even ignores shoes and kids' toys scattered about (except for 1 particular stuffed animal that he wants to 'kill') Compared to others I read about on this forum, I would almost say he is the Un-husky. lol

I think your best bet is to lurk around the forums here and read the types of posts what people make. It's very enlightening about the day-to-day life of having a husky. I also feel that I need to say that if you are used to GSD and have done shutzhund and detecting, then a typical husky will seem like comparing apples to oranges.

Kuddos to you for researching and realizing that a new breed will be different from what you are used to with your GSDs and collies!

You have some great advice here. I second the suggestion that you read "Huskies for Dummies". I really is a great book! Also, as suggested, lurk around here and read what we are talking about.

We have never owned 2 dogs at the same time, so even though that is often recommended it is not necessary. I think having only one might make the bond with humans tighter but, on the downside, it also makes us his constant play partner! We have had 2 huskies over the last 23 years and I am not sure I would ever have another breed of dog. Our entire family prides itself in its weirdness, so our husky obviously fits right in!

Good luck with your research!

Welcome! not much more to add as everyone one has giving you great feed back! both my huskies were rescue, one at 6yrs old and one that was 1-1.5yrs when we adopted them, and you know what, our bond is as strong as if we raised them as pups! they take longer to come around to you and their new life with a family that wants them but for me thats even more special!

MGoBlue wrote:

I think Chris said everything very well.
A question, why do you say that you could never have a Shepherd in your apartment? Is it because they are high energy?

No, I can’t have sheps because they are on the “banned breed list”

Thank you all for all the info, I will certainly check out that book.

You’re right Eresh, I am accustomed to sheps and collies. They are so easy to train I don’t even formally do it anymore. Hans in particular seemed to read my mind and just did what I wanted him to. I swear he understood every word I ever said to him, haha.
I definitely don’t expect that from a Husky. With all the input I have received regarding temperament, I expect something of a cross between a raccoon and spoiled teenage girl, only slightly less prone to violence. And yet I am still not deterred…
Being home for the holidays I am facing an extra difficult decision. My mother has a 6 week old litter and one of the pups homes fell through due to a show fault (gay tail); she is hinting at me to take him when I return to school in January . It’s hard to say no with this little hellion running around. Puppies are good at decreasing one's will power.
Tichondrius (Ticho)

Anyway, thanks again all. I will lurk around the forums a bit and post if I have more questions I can’t answer by reading. I am kind of interested in this urban mushing thing, seems like a long board and proper tack might be an interesting way to make use of the “sled head” should I get one.
I’m sure I can find something on the forums!
Merry Christmas.

TKnight wrote:

With all the input I have received regarding temperament, I expect something of a cross between a raccoon and spoiled teenage girl, only slightly less prone to violence.

Pretty accurate!

Good luck on your search and definitely keep us updated! Although...after that video, I'm not sure I could leave without that little guy.

Merry Christmas!