Thinking of Adopting a Siberian Husky Dog?

It has probably happened to all of us at one time or another. Something catches your eye and you immediately think you want one. It could be a car, a house or even just furniture. Generally, before we run right out and buy these items, we stop to think about how practical it will be.

That 2-seater sports car is beautiful, but how practical is it for a family of five? Sure, that old Victorian house is gorgeous, but is it really a good choice for a pair of recently graduated newlyweds with student loans to repay? And how is that nice wicker furniture going to look once your cats get their claws into it?

With the upcoming release of the Disney Movie Eight Below, remember that the Siberian husky is not the dog for everyone. You may find the dogs in the movie beautiful and entertaining, but before you go out and add one to your family, be sure to do your homework to find out if the breed is right for you. Bear in mind that the dogs you see in the movie are actors; they are trained to behave in a certain manner, but may behave totally differently the rest of the time.

Before adding a husky to the family, ask yourself these questions:

� Do I have time for the daily feeding, training and exercising of a husky?

� Can I cover the cost of veterinary care, training, food, boarding, grooming and other supplies in my monthly budget?

� Do I have the maturity and patience to successfully train an adult dog or deal with teething and exuberance of a puppy?

� Am I restricted by my living situation on the size of a dog?

� Do I have the means to properly contain what is known as the Houdini of the dog world?

� Am I physically strong enough to properly train and manage a large, active adult dog?

� Do I have any physical or work limitations that may make it difficult, if not impossible, to walk a dog regularly?

� Does anyone in my family show signs of allergies to fur or pet dander?

� Does everyone in the family agree to and understand the demands of having the furry, four-legged equivalent of an infant in the house?

� When I go on vacation, what will I do with my dog?

� If I need to work long hours, how will I properly care for my dog?

� Is my yard my pride and joy? Will I mind having a furry landscaper?

� Am I prepared to be outside in all kinds of weather?

Dogs are social animals and require time with the family every day. Huskies are no exception. Don’t think that just because they have a thick coat that huskies should be kept strictly as outside dogs. The husky was bred to closely interact with the family. A husky that is kept outside, with no human contact, will express its displeasure and loneliness by digging and howling.

If you are still interested in adding a husky to the family, do more homework! Avoid pet stores and backyard breeders. Find a reputable breeder, one that educates adopters, has an interview process, provides contracts, and stays in touch with owners. Or, better yet, adopt from a reputable rescue organization. Again, do your homework; reputable rescues temperament test their dogs, provide contracts for your protection, are familiar with the individual personality and temperament of the dog you adopt, and never, ever, refer you to a shelter dog that they have never seen and can not attest to the personality and temperament of.