Is a Husky the right breed for YOU?
Here at Sams Huskys, we want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into! Huskies are NOT for everyone!
We highly recommend doing your research if you are considering this breed. A great place to start is the book 'Siberian Huskies for Dummies'. This book gives you a very good idea of the exercise, training, and grooming requirements of the breed. We are always here as well, to answer any questions you may have! We do not write these things to scare you, just to help you understand this amazing and unique breed.
Grooming
Huskies have a very thick double coat. This means they WILL shed. The breed blows their coat at least twice a year, and will consistently shed throughout the rest of the year. If you enjoy a clean/hair free house, Huskies do not fit that bill. They require consistent brushing year round to keep their coats in healthy condition. Brushing helps reduce the shedding to some extent.
Training
The Husky breed is known for their intelligence. They are very smart, and food motivated. However, with that intelligence comes a strong sense of independence. The breed really does have a mind of its own. This breed is NEVER meant to be off leash. You will hear of rare instances when this has been successful, but for your dogs safety- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HUSKY LEASHED or fenced in. They are VERY inconsistent with Recall- especially if there are small animals around!
Typically the breed is pretty easy to house train, as they enjoy being outside for long periods of time. Take this into account if you are not a winter weather person. They LOVE the cold!
We do recommend you kennel train your new puppy for at least the first year. The breed is known for being destructive when left alone. Especially if not properly exercised.
Exercise
We do stress to our new puppy owners that exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important in your new puppies life. Without these things, your household may get the brunt of your puppies energy.
We do of course stress that you need to be cautious of your puppies growing joints throughout their developmental period. This means no hard exercise for the first 8 months of their lives. And a slow increase in exercise as they mature. If you intend on having your puppy pull (Skijoring, sledding, etc), be very cautious until they reach at least 1 year of age. Any unnecessary stress can cause future joint issues.
Mental stimulation can be achieved with puzzle toys, and interactive toys. If you can keep your puppies mind working, you can tire out their bodies much faster.
A tired puppy is the best behaved puppy you will ever have!
Yard Requirements
Huskies are notorious for being diggers, jumpers, and climbers. If your yard is your sanctuary, realize a Husky will change this if left outside unsupervised.
Our Huskies dig holes just so they can nap in the nice cool dirt. It is not uncommon to see a hole in their kennel that is bigger then they are!
Our fencing is 6 feet tall. Anything shorter, and you can guarantee our pack would challenge the fencing. With the breed, there is always the possibility that they will jump or climb the fencing.
Tie-outs can be used to contain your Husky if you do not have fencing. But please make sure to inspect your tie-out consistently, as they are known to break them if they are compromised.
Conclusion
We LOVE our Huskies and love to share them with others, however we do realize they are not for everyone. They shed, do naughty things, and have moments where they truly do not listen. But we couldn't imagine our life without them!
If you have read through this, and have done your research and believe this is the right breed for you- we would Love to help you in your journey!
Come meet us, and our pack. Your new family member awaits!