Siberian Huskies: MISUNDERSTOOD!

We all know Siberian huskies as the beautiful wolf-like dogs with the shocking blue-green eyes and naturally friendly personalities, but what we don’t know about them seem to be more important; so much so that if the pros and cons are ignored, it can result in thousands of huskies being left alone and homeless every year. Their beautiful features are diverting people away from the fact that these animals are unlike any other dog breed and have certain needs that can not be fulfilled by just any human being. This dog is not a look-how-cute-it-is let’s-adopt-it-now kind of pet. People buy these dogs as puppies because of how cute they are, ignoring the breed’s unique characteristics, and sooner than later, when they are all grown up, they start behaving like sled dogs, which results in them ending up homeless or in rescue homes.

Huskies are hunters; it is in their blood and can not be eliminated from their behaviour. In Siberia, huskies are free to roam over the Summer time, where they have to fend for themselves and hunt for food, like wolves. They are working dogs and are bred to pull sleds for hours every day which is why they have great stamina and are incredibly smart. But that also means that they have a lot of energy that they have to get rid of daily. If you can not provide them with physical as well as mental exercise, you might lose a garden, a couch or a sprinkler system! Jogging, long on-leash walks or flyball are all fun exercises that will keep energy levels stable. If you are a couch potato, please do not adopt a husky!

They are bred to run and in addition are very curious, which is why they have to be rehomed to “husky-proof” homes. They will not hesitate to run if given the opportunity and often gets lost, not because they do not like their home or humans, but because they will run and run and run and simply become lost. A 6 foot wall, separate front and back garden and double gate system, amongst others, will make sure the dog is safe.

Siberian Huskies are pack dogs, obviously, and hate being alone. Husky Rescue recommends that they at least be kept with one other canine, preferably of their own breed. Some huskies, however, may not get along with other dogs at all, and will have to be rehomed alone and kept as a single dog. Small dogs or animals might be seen as prey to them (they are hunters, remember  ) and they might “play” a little too rough. They will sometimes hunt and kill livestock like chicken, sheep and goats, as well as small household animals like hamsters, birds and even cats. Some have even killed cats they have grown up with, for no apparent reason.

If you are looking for a guard dog, a husky is not for you! They are friendly to everyone and would much rather play than protect . That is also why they make lovely family dogs. They are great with children, even small ones, and may be a bonus in helping to keep your energized child busy for quite some time!

Need to know: Pros and Cons

1. Friendly with people of all ages.
2. An honest dog- his body language and voice can be taken at face value- he says what he means.
3. He has no guarding instinct and will greet and kiss an intruder the same as any other visitor.
4. Gregarious- he likes company.
5. Youthful in outlook, he often reaches 14 years of age, sometimes 16 or more.
6. Robust athletic constitution.
7. Good travelers, new sights and sounds do not upset them.
8. Intelligent and mischievous.
9. Easygoing and forgiving.
10. Clean, little or no doggy smell. Some people allergic to dogs can tolerate Siberian husky fur.
11. Straightforward to groom.
12. Quiet. They do not often bark, but they do howl like a wolf- often just for the joy of it. This may be a disadvantage in some neighborhoods.
13. They do not require as much food for their size as many other breeds.
14. Not fussy eaters (but see minus point 12).
15. Get on well with other well adjusted canines. However they will take up a challenge if offered.

The above assumes a normal puppyhood and socialization.

The Minus Points:

1. Not a one-man dog- any human will do- this may be seen as a lack of loyalty.
2. He will not guard your home or property.
3. Strong desire to run. If he gets free he will run so far he will be lost, if not hit by a car or train, or shot by a farmer.
4. Cannot be relied on to return to you on command. He will decide whether or not to return for himself, knowing that you cannot catch him.
5. Too independent and strong willed generally to be a candidate for obedience training/work.
6. Keen and efficient hunter and killer: Cannot be trusted with non-canine pets or livestock of any sort. On occasion been known to accept into the pack a cat that he is brought up with, but all others will be regarded as fair game. Please note - huskies have been known to kill cats that they have lived happily with for many years, for no obvious reason.
7. Like any dog- must be exercised to keep him fit and contented, but this must be done ON lead.
8. Can be very destructive, especially when young and/or if left alone for a long time.
9. Needs company, either human or canine, and is miserable without it.
10. Needs a safely enclosed exercise area. Your garden must be fully fenced and secure. Six foot high fencing is USUALLY enough. Check neighbors will not object to high fences. Take care he cannot dig his way out beneath it, and do not leave dustbins etc near the fence or he may use them to get over the top. Keep the garden gate locked; otherwise there is a risk that visitors, window cleaners etc may leave them open.
11. Your garden is unlikely to remain neat and tidy with a Sibe, rampaging happily within.
12. He needs correct feeding- breeders will be able to tell you which foods suit Sibes and which can cause problems.
13. Moults twice a year. The quantity of fur shed can surprise you, especially in spring when the winter coat is replaced by a shorter, thinner summer coat.  Never shave a husky
14. You need an understanding and experienced veterinary surgeon. Sibes are sensitive to some drugs, particularly anesthetics, sedatives and tranquillizers. This is due to their relatively low metabolic rate and lack of body fat. Also the bulk of their fur can lead vets to overestimate their weight and so overdose them. Sibes should always be weighed accurately beforehand to avoid this.

I look at all the reported lost Huskies and my heart breaks: Was it perhaps that their “owners” made the same mistake as most husky-owners, or did the dogs just happen to dart through a gate opening? Either way, if informed about the pros and cons, this could have been prevented.

So, I ask you, if you want to adopt a husky, or if you know of anyone that wants to, inform yourself or them. Make sure you are aware of all the pros and cons, look at the breed characteristics and background. Make sure you are committed enough, because if you adopt and are not, you are going to cause a husky an unhappy life. And if you, like me, love animals and feel the need to do something about this problem, go to www.huskyrescue.co.za Small donations are accepted, as well as volunteers for foster homes.

“Husky Rescue Southern Africa is a non-profit organization that specializes in the rescue and re-homing of huskies and other Nordic breeds of dogs. With the popularity of the Siberian, Malamute and other Nordic breeds increasing over the last couple of years we have found a dramatic increase in the number of lost and abandoned dogs. Families have seen movies like Balto and Eight Below and dog lovers are captured by the beautiful white coats and gorgeous blue eyes and puppies were purchased by the dozen. An increase in demand results in an increase of supply and as a result irresponsible backyard breeders have flooded neighborhoods with puppies without educating people on the very specific needs of these breeds of dogs. Families have found themselves unable or unwilling to accommodate the needs of the dogs and dogs are found roaming the streets, abandoned or even worse; abused. Hence the need for an organization like ours.

Husky Rescue SA has developed a rescue program to accommodate these unwanted, abandoned and very often abused dogs. Husky Rescue SA are contacted by a member of the public or an animal welfare organization. One of the members drives to the location to collect the dog. The dog is then taken to a veterinary clinic where he or she is treated for any illness or injuries, sterilized, vaccinated, de-wormed and micro-chipped. The dog is then placed with a foster family until a new owner can be found.

The program relies very much on the support of foster families who agree to home the dog for a short period at their own cost,  until a new owner has been found. HRSA have as many as 50 or more dogs in foster care at any given time. Finding a new owner is not an easy task and potential owners and their homes are screened very carefully against very specific criteria before an adoption is allowed to take place. The organization relies on donations and small adoption fees for funding. Operating expenses are relatively high as vet bills are costly, although some of the veterinary clinics do afford non-profit discounts. If you would like to contribute as either a foster family or as financial support, please contact us. We’re a group of passionate volunteers who dedicate as much time as our busy lives possibly allow to the safe rescue, rehabilitation, fostering and re-homing of these dogs.”

By educating ourselves and others about the unique needs and characteristics of this breed, we can make a difference…