Things
to Consider BEFORE you Get a Dog
What will I do with the dog?
Before trying to locate a Siberian, it is a good idea to decide what you want
to do with the dog. Are you interested in having your Siberian pull a sled?
Are you thinking about showing and possibly later breeding the dog? Or, are
you mostly interested in having a Siberian as a pet? These questions, perhaps
difficult to answer right now, may affect your selection of breeder, bloodlines,
and dog. Breeders from whom you may purchase a dog or puppy will want to know
your plans for the dog-this information will help the breeder select the best
dog for you. Remember, you are making an average of a 12-year commitment to
your dog--it's better for both of you that you get what you want.
Is it better to get a puppy or an adult dog?
This is always a difficult decision. Nothing is more adorable than a Siberian
puppy! But, nothing is more work than a puppy! Siberian puppies, like other
puppies need a great deal of supervision, attention, care, and training. An
adult Siberian, on the other hand, may not be quite so cute, but may come
with his or her manners. The decision between an adult and a puppy really
should be made based on your situation. If you have ample time and patience,
a puppy might be in order. But, if you work, are busy with young children,
or otherwise occupied, perhaps an adult might be better.
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Which makes a better pet, a male or a female?
Each gender has its positives and negatives. Males are larger than females,
and if left intact tend to mark their territory. Females, on the other hand,
are smaller and if left unspayed will come into season twice a year. Both
can make wonderful pets. The relative size may help you make your decision.
If you already have a dog, its gender might help you make a decision about
your Siberian. However, for the health of the dog, and for your peace of mind,
if you are not going to show or breed your Siberian, have it spayed or neutered.
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What is the difference between "pet" and "show" quality?
If you have no intention of showing or breeding your Siberian, a breeder may
recommend a "pet" quality dog rather than a "show" or "breeding" quality dog.
Generally, at the time of selling a dog, a breeder will evaluate it based
on the Siberian Husky Breed Standard. This is a word description of what the
perfect Siberian should be. Unfortunately no dog is perfect, so a breeder
may evaluate the faults of a dog, and that some dogs with few faults demonstrate
"show" potential while others with more or more serious faults do not. Many
of these faults are not even noticeable by others, and should not keep the
dog from being a wonderful pet. Should the breeder feel the faults are significant
enough that the dog should not be bred, he or she may sell the dog on a contract
requiring spaying or neutering, or on an AKC "limited registration" which
makes offspring from the dog ineligible for registration. However, even if
a dog has such a fault to keep it from being bred, it can still make a good
pet.
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Why
do some Siberians look so different from others-some are much "huskier" than
others?
Although all breeders try to breed a dog that conforms most closely to the
Standard of the Breed, the Standard, itself, allows for a range of what is
acceptable for the Siberian. For example, there is an acceptable range of
height and weight. Also, there are vast differences in color, markings, and
eye color-all of which are equally acceptable within the Standard. To know
if a dog fits within the acceptability of the Standard takes time and study.
Familiarize yourself with the Breed Standard
and discuss it with potential breeders and other breed fanciers. Additionally
the SHCA Education Committee has some other opportunities for education on
the SHCA web site.
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Northern California
Siberian Husky Club, Inc.
All rights reserved.
This page last updated: 01/31/2021