I want to adopt a husky puppy, I have 4 children ranging in ages 15-9, I have an english mastiff as well, would this be a good dog for us? We own our home and live in the subarbs, We have a fenced back yard and I am at home all the time.
Mom of Three
Favorite Answer
They will shed copiously.
They dig like a backhoe.
They are escape artists.
They need a handler who is a really good Alpha.
English Mastiffs won't always accept a second dog.
They are very high energy.
They can be very vocal.
They have a PREY DRIVE. If they grow up with your cat it will probably be okay, but if a neighbor's cat wanders in it will likely be lunch.
If, knowing all that, you still want a husky then go for it. They are great dogs, but there are a breed that needs someone to stay on top of them - like your Mastiff! :-)
Good luck!
humphry
Adopt A Siberian Husky Puppy
Anonymous
Siberians are:
-- Not like your “average” dog.
-- Very Friendly (want a guard dog? Think again!).
-- High Energy (A bored Husky is a disruptive Husky!).
-- Independent (They have no trouble ignoring you, They don’t live to please you).
-- Willful and mischievous and very strong willed. (Can you live with a 2 year old
for14+years?).
-- Too smart for most people. (They require firm and consistent training).
-- Prey Driven (They may kill small animals, including cats).
-- Loud (they will howl + “talk”).
-- MUST have a fenced in yard and NEVER be allowed off-lead.
-- Big time shedders.(and twice a year they blow their coat.. This takes shedding to a
whole new level).
-- Diggers by nature (using a sandbox will help but digging will not be eliminated).
Carry on researching this breed, there are countless numbers of Websites available;
http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm
http://www.siberianrescue.com/seneca.htm
http://www.huskycolors.com/siberian.html
http://shusky.hypermart.net/husky.htm (Are you right for a Siberian?)
http://www.siberianrescue.com/
Go to dog shows, meet owners and Siberians, learn all you can.
Many breeders can also send you in the right direction to finding a breed rescue.
But please do make sure that this *IS* the breed for you, they really are not average dogs.
If you honestly believe that this is the breed for you then I wish you all the best,
Good luck!
ADD-
Forgot to mention, they are a pack orientated breed and get on very well with other dogs.
As long as YOUR dog is fine with others then I don‘t see a problem there!
Barby
It really depends on a lot of things. They require a ton of attention and they can be little monsters. But I don't think anyone can tell you if you can handle it. Only you know yourself and your family. I will tell you, the shedding is ridiculous! Get a furminator or a fur buster. I think huskies are good with kids. The backyard is superb. Since you are home all the time that is a major plus.
P.S. When I get a house I want a mastiff and a husky at the same time. Maybe even a lab too. :-)
Laird C
The answer?
Maybe.
Huskies need exercise. No... They need EXERCISE! They're big, they're smart, they're escape artists, and they can run *forever.* They can also be aloof, and a bit "stand-off-ish." On the other hand, they're often intensely people-focused, and are generally very good natured. None of your children are young enough to be at risk of being accidentally run-over, and all are old enough to be responsible for ensuring that doors are closed, and so on.
The presence of the Mastiff is another big plus - a dog big enough to play with the 'Sibe, and hold its own. Most fences are NOT 'Sibe-proof. They can climb, and they can leap. On the other hand, if you're keeping the dog well exercised and supervised, you stand a good chance of keeping him home.
Talk to the local chapter of the breed club, or to a local 'Sibe rescue, and learn about the breed first. Then visit a few grown-up 'Sibes, and see if you like them.
Me, personally, I love 'em, but I don't own one - too much of a challenge for my lifestyle right now.