What are the advantages and drawbacks to adopting a siberian husky?

The Siberian husky will be nothing like your Lab. Siberians are wonderful dogs, for the right people.

But they are not for everyone. Please do plenty of research on the breed before you make a decision.

They are very friendly, and do well with other dogs. They are a very upbeat, entertaining breed. But they do have several quirks:

1. They will become noisy and destructive if bored/lonely.

2. They blow coat twice a year -- if you don't like tufts of hair, you won't like this.

3. They are prey driven, and may kill cats/small animals.

4. They MUST have a fenced in yard, and CANNOT be allowed off-lead. They will take off, and ignore you when you call them.

Here is a collection of links that can help you decide if the breed is right for you:

http://www.kaylenbergsiberians.com/ready.htm

Also, check out the Siberian Husky Club of America's website for more info on the breed:

http://www.shca.org/

I think it's wonderful that you are willing to adopt -- but please make sure the breed is right for you before you commit!

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. :-)

I don't know much about huskies...but my next door neighbor has a Siberian husky. It is very calm and collected and sits quietly while their other dog, a Great Dane, barks all day long. The husky is not shy, though. Once I went over to their house and found it was actually VERY playful.

They need exercise. They also have a high prey drive so are not to be trusted around cats or small animals without a LOT of training. Obedience training is a must. You might want to join up with a few husky bulletin boards or groups, check out yahoogroups for that.

First of all, I'd like to congratulate you on adopting! :)

One word you used in your note said it all..."SHED"! LOL....Huskies shed like crazy; due to the fact that they have a double coat, and should really be kept outside in the cool. A friend of mine has a Husky and also a burgandy colored carpet. When her dog lays down on the carpet and then gets up, it looks like half the dog is still laying there; even though she brushes him regularly. Their coat is a constant source of shedding, and requires constant grooming. So, I would think it would be your call as to how much time you can devote not only to daily grooming, but also as to how much exercise you can provide for these high-energy dogs.

But, good luck and God bless.

Huskies can be great dogs, as long as you can handle them. These dogs need a lot, lot of exercise. At least an hour daily. They need training or they'll drive you crazy. Also, remember that they shed a lot and all year round. These are pretty independent dogs, and most aren't huge and cuddly to everyone they meet. But people I who can handle these dogs, just love them!

I had a husky and she loved attention. They like to curl up on the couch with you. They can be very affectionate. They are pretty hard to train so you have to do it when it is a puppy.

yes GOOD FOR YOU, YOU ARE ADOPTING!!!!!