My biggest issue is how much exercise they need. I couldn't stress it enough. They are only escape artists because they are compulsive runners. LOL... they can't help it though... I have a secret. Shhh... That's what they were bred to do! *mock gasp*

As far as blowing coat. HA!!! My shepherd shed five times as much. What she sheds in a month he shed in four to six days! ...and his coat and skin were MUCH healthier than hers. (I'm still learning about nutrition for her.) If people are complaining about how much Northern breeds shed i really do have to laugh. As far as that goes keeping our house clean has been a cinch.

Thanks for the shoulder to lean on though.

People always wanted a dog like King and said they'd be the first ones to want a pup if i ever did breed him. I warned them that his linage was rather clingy and needy. He was so well behaved they didn't notice. ...Until they agreed to watch him when we went on vacation. LOL. All but one family quickly changed their minds. Said he was great, but realized they would never have the time and commitment for one of his pups. (I was quite grateful they all came to that decision on their own because i didn't know how i could tell friends and family they weren't qualified for one of these Shepherds.)

It's so hard telling people they just aren't right for a particular dog while making them realize it isn't a personal insult. (And then there are others where they aren't fit to take care of a pet rock... but you're not about to tell them that.)

Meanwhile you find all these other GREAT pet owners while out and about... But where are they when you're trying to adopt out "this" lovely?!

Quote Originally Posted by cyber-sibes
I understand completely! I always talk to people that casually say "I'd like to get a husky someday, they're sooooo beautiful!" and encourage them to find out all they can. Of course, by the time I mention their Houdini tactics, major digging, need for constant companionship & something to do, blowing coat a couple times a year, what wonderful hunters they are, and mention that if you have cats, you might reconsider.... LOL!
Yay! 1000 page views! Thanks everyone for your interest in Koli! :- D ^o.o^_])