I was just stopping by PT too post about our newest Sibe addition - Moo. she's our 5th Siberian. As everyone said, Sibes are great dogs for the right owner, but an unbearable string of aggrevations for the wrong owner. Of course each one has its individual traits, but ours have taught me:
If you do get a puppy, you have GOT to train it. Siberians are thinkers who may choose to do what you ask, and may choose to totally ignore you. (nothing personal- it's a Sibe thing.)
Some can be very strong-willed & you have got to establish yourself as the pack leader. Our neighbors adopted one because they thought ours was sooo nice, but their Sibe had them terrorized!!! She ended up being given away, & then running off from that home.
They hunt. They also kill & eat what they hunt. A great trait if you're out in the wilderness, but sometimes city folk find it distasteful to go out & gather up the guts & pieces so you don't step in them.
They dig. Lots and lots and lots of pits in the yard. Not for the prim landscape-minded homeowner.
Some can be unbelievably loud, others rarely make a sound. A husky's howl can be heard up to 10 miles away.
They escape. They dig under, climb over, and some even learn to untwine metal fencing. You'd better plan on 6' minimum fencing height, and may need to sink fencing under ground or line the bottom with rocks & cement blocks.
They need to be leashed at all times. They've been bred to run for miles & miles & miles, and they will, if they get a chance. Running away from YOU is a game. Even my husky who was nearly blind with cataracts loved to play "catch me if you can!" Note* Sibes are prone to juvenile cataracts & retina detachment. Be sure to ask to see the CERF (eye) & OFA (hip) certifications if you purchase one.
They shed. Lots. Then lots more.
They're not good watch dogs. They're also not good as single dogs. Huskies need a pack. So unless you can be with them 24-7, plan on getting two. Now the real fun begins!!!
They can be very destructive when they get bored. I can always tell when mine needs more exercise by how destructive they get. Fortunately, mine have all been well behaved inside, but that's just mine. However I do know people whose Sibes eat furniture, bedding, car interiors, nick-nacs & jewelry. Mine ate the check I left for the dogsitter once.
They are a very intelligent breed with a playful, mischievious nature. They have to be smart to do their job well. Even if they are a city dog, they need things to do to challenge & engage them. Plus, a good dose of exercise, but you don't have to run marathons, I walk mine a couple miles a day and play fetch in the yard.
Please do your research, this is not a breed that is recommended for first time dog owners. I've had other breeds, and these guys are pretty unique. I love mine to pieces, but it is a breed that often gets dumped once they aren't cute little puppies anymore because many people just can't handle their special needs. That's why you'll find purebreds at shelters.
Good luck!
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