‍ Thoughts on  Siberian Huskies

You have to be crazy to have a husky as a pet; she is more like a person. In fact in Eskimo lore, when God made men they complained they were lonely so He made women, then the men wanted to go away from the women so God turned some of the women into Huskies (my take on the creation story ;).

I had dogs when I was young, a German Shepard then a beagle. Never did I suspect to be surprised by a dog, until I adopted a Siberian Husky. As a puppy she looked like a cat. She hated walking on concrete, her foot pads were so sensitive. Her mannerisms were puppy like, although she ate our house instead of shoes. Wood walls. She is as a full of energy and curiosity as a pup after two and a half years - not your run of the mill dog. More wolf than hound.

Huskies are work dogs, bred to pull sleds in Siberia, but also for more. They love people (they lived in close proximity to people in tents), they are hunters and will even attack bears if necessary. They are not good guard dogs because 1) they love people 2) they have no territorial instincts. It is said that any husky that showed aggression towards people was killed thus insuring their people friendly nature. (My first female was a friendly Alpha, she goes along with other dogs but woe be to anyone who tries to take advantage of her!) They are independent; in the far north some natives leave the dogs on islands during the summer to fend for themselves. They are incredibly strong and have great endurance for their size; they are used to eating little and pulling for days on end. They are enthusiastic - they love to play and run and go new places. My dog still runs around in circles when she knows we are going in the car. Did I say intelligent? They are curious, but careful.

My second Husky is a monster; already as large as my adult husky was when she was adult. She is powerful, and head strong and intelligent.  What a character. We will see…

Some breeders (puppy farms) breed for blue eyes in Huskies. I chose a place that bred for good nature. If a husky loves you, he/she will do anything for you. When I took her to obedience class she was the worst student, but after a lot of time spent with her playing at obedience games, she won the most improved prize - to everyone's surprise.

©Patrick McDonnell 2021