Frequently Asked Questions About Siberian Huskies
Q. Are Siberian Huskies part wolves?
A. No. The Siberian Husky is a domesticated purebred dog and has been for many centuries. They are sometimes mistaken for wolves, and they are sometimes used in movies to depict wolves, but they are most certainly not wolves or part wolf.
Q. Why are some Siberian noses partially pink and partially black?
A. This is called a "snow nose", and is fairly common in the breed. A snow nose is a reddish or pink marking on a black or liver colored nose. Snow nose can disappear over warmer months and reappear over the winter months. There is nothing wrong with a snow nose, and it is perfectly acceptable in the breed.
Q. Can Siberians have different colored eyes?
A. Yes. This is fairly common in the breed. One eye may be blue while the other is brown.
Q. Is there something wrong with an eye that is both brown and blue?
A. No. This is called a "pinto eye", a "parti eye", or a "split eye." It is also fairly common in the breed. One or both eyes may be all blue with a brown pie shaped wedge, or all brown with a blue wedge. At first glance, it may appear that there is something wrong with the eye but there is not. It is simply a matter if pigmentation. This too is perfectly acceptable in the breed.
Q. I've heard that Siberians are mischievous. Is this true?
A. Yes and no. Siberians are very intelligent dogs. They will often do things that surprise their owners. They can get into things that one might think are impossible. When Siberians are bored, they can become quite mischievous, inventive, and destructive. This is typical of working dogs. This is why it is so important to include the Siberian in family activities and give him plenty of attention and exercise.
Q. I've heard that Siberians are high-strung. Is this true?
A. Yes and no. Siberians are a very energetic breed. As a working dog, they need something to do, some way of challenging their intelligence and an outlet for their energy. If they are not provided one, they will find one for themselves.
Q. I've heard Siberians are dumb. Is that true?
A. No! Siberian Huskies are extremely intelligent working dogs. People often mistake the fact that they can be difficult to train as a sign of stupidity. One must keep the Siberian interested and challenge his intelligence in order to properly train him. A Siberian will probably know what you want him to do; he just may not want to do it!
Q. Just how cold can a Siberian Husky live in?
A. Siberian Huskies can work and live in temperatures as low as 75 degrees Fahrenheit below zero.
Q. What about heat?
A. As stated repeatedly throughout this document, Siberian Huskies are remarkably adaptable animals. So long as they have adequate shade, shelter, and water, they seem to do just fine in warmer climates. See next question.
Q. I live in a hot part of the country. Will this be uncomfortable for my Siberian Husky?
A. The best approach to this problem is to select a dog from a reputable breeder in your area or that lives in an area with a similar climate to yours. These dogs will be well acclimated to the warmer weather than a Siberian Husky from a cooler climate. However, so long as the dog is well taken care of, brushed regularly, has plenty of water and shade, he or she will likely be just fine in your warm climate. Siberian Huskies are found all over the world, from the deep southern part of the United States, where it is very warm and humid, to South Africa, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, and Alaska. Literally all over the globe in every climate you can imagine.
Q. My Siberian Husky digs constantly and is destroying the yard. What can I do?
A. Digging can be a very difficult problem to solve. It is the nature of the breed to dig cooling holes to lie in. One method that has worked occasionally for me is to provide the dog an area in your yard, in which he is allowed, even encouraged, to dig and train him to dig there. A sandbox, of sorts, with soft cool dirt with an occasional treat buried there can work.
Q. My Siberian Husky puppy is very noisy, particularly at night. What can I do?
A. This is not particular to the breed, but since I get asked this question all of the time, it is worth repeating the answer. The noisy puppy at night is simply lonely. He needs to be near his "pack," which is you in this case. It used to be his littermates. Over time, your puppy will learn what I would call "pack permanence," borrowed from the term "object permanence" in which a human infant learns that objects that "disappear," i.e., a dropped toy, a parent leaving the room, return. They do not vanish from his or her "universe," that is, they are "permanent." In the puppy, he needs reassurance that you are "permanent." One easy method is to use a crate at night with your puppy, and put the crate next to your bed. When your puppy wakes and whines, you can easily reassure, or in some cases "rattle" the cage, to quiet the dog. This is also an effective house training technique.
Q. My Siberian Husky puppy seems to be potty training very slowly or not at all. What can I do?
A. Crate training is by far the most effective technique for potty training your dog. For most dogs, it took less than a week.
Things You Need To Know:
THE SIBERIAN HUSKY IS A RUNNER and must be on a leash at all times when out of a secure yard. They seldom slow down once they are free and the chase is on which sometimes leads to deadly consequences as they dart into a street.
THE SIBERIAN HUSKY LIKES TO DIG AND CHEW, they are no different from any other puppy. This behavior will include, but is never limited to, your landscape, rose bushes, couches, shoes, electric cords, patio furniture, barbecue, patio posts, trees, hoses and anything else they can latch on to. While they may outgrow the chewing stage, some stay diggers forever!
THE SIBERIAN HUSKY MUST HAVE A FENCED YARD, preferably at least 6 ft. high and solid. They have been known to go through a wood fence to investigate whatever they see, or hear, on the other side. They are an active animal and need to have room to exercise, so while some have done well living in an apartment-type situation, they really need a medium-to-large size yard to play in. The Siberian Husky does well being an outdoor dog but really would prefer to be a part of his family, especially when everyone is home.
THE SIBERIAN HUSKY IS EXCELLENT WITH KIDS but isn't a great fan of "smaller" animals such as guinea pigs, cats, chickens, rabbits, etc. They have a "prey" instinct and while they may not intend to kill, they will grab small animals and often cause them serious and fatal injuries. Remember that common sense should dictate when any dog is included in your family. An infant or young child should never be left alone with any dog, regardless of the breed. As for cats, if the Siberian is raised from puppyhood with the cat, they can co-exist in the same household HOWEVER it is not wise to trust them alone together when you are away.
THE SIBERIAN HUSKY IS NOT A WATCHDOG because he is not a "barker". Instead, they will eagerly greet their new found friend/intruder with a wagging tail and lead them to the bag of treats. They will "talk" to you but are not going to bark at the utility person or children playing on your lawn. If a watchdog is what you want, this is not the breed for you.
Siberian Huskies enjoy the company of other Siberians and often do better in pairs. They are trainable, despite what many seasoned obedience trainers will tell you. They are very intelligent but get easily bored and distracted so training is a bit more difficult for some. They need to be challenged so the same tried and true techniques used for a German Shepherd will have to be changed and modified to fit the Siberian. A good obedience trainer familiar with the Siberian is the best choice when you embark on the training phase. Training should begin early and be consistent, these dogs will try to outsmart you so persistence is a must. The best way to raise a Siberian is the same way that one would raise a child......with gentle firmness, persistence and tons of patience.
