GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS:
The Siberian Husky has a delightful
temperament, affectionate but not fawning. This gentle and friendly disposition may
be a heritage from the past, since the Chuckchi people held their dogs in great esteem,
housed them in family shelters, and encouraged their children to play with them.
Today it is charming to observe the special appeal that Siberian Huskies and children have
for each other. The Siberian Husky is alert, eager to please, and
adaptable. His intelligence has been proven, but his independent spirit may at times
challenge your ingenuity. His versatility makes him an agreeable companion to people
of all ages and varying interests.
While
capable of showing strong affection for his family, the Siberian Husky is
not usually a one-man dog. He exhibits no fear or suspicion of
strangers, and will greet guests cordially. This is not the
temperament of a watch dog, although a Siberian Husky may unwittingly act as
a deterrent to those ignorant of his true hospitable nature. If he
lacks fierce possessive instinct, he also lacks the aggressive quality which
can sometimes cause trouble for the owner of an ill-trained or highly
sensitive guard dog. In his relations with strange dogs, the Siberian
Husky displays friendly interest and gentlemanly decorum. If attacked
however, he is ready and able to defend himself. and can handle the
aggressor with dispatch.
Care & Grooming
The Siberian Husky is a comparatively easy dog
to car for. He is by nature fastidiously clean and free from body odour and
parasites. He is presented in the show ring well groomed but requires no clipping or
trimming. At least once a year, the Siberian Husky sheds his coat, and it is when
armed with a comb and a rubbish bin, that one realises the amazing density and profusion
of the typical Siberian Husky coat. Some people feel that this periodic problem
easier to cope with than the constant shedding and renewal of many smooth coated breeds.
The Siberian Husky is noted as an easy keeper
requiring a relatively small amount of food for his size. That trait
too, may be traced back to the origins of the breed, as the Chuckchi
developed their dogs to pull a light load at a fast pace over great
distances in low temperatures on the smallest possible intake of food.
Habits
Chewing and digging? Siberian Huskies
have been know to do their share. The former is a habit that most puppies of all
breeds acquire during the teething period, and it can be curbed or channeled in the right
direction. Digging holes is a pastime that many Siberian Huskies have a special
proclivity for, but in this too, they may be outwitted, circumnavigated, or if you
have the right area, indulged.
RUN - RUN - RUN
There are many breeds of dogs which when let
out in the morning, will sit in the front yard all day. Not the Siberian Husky.
His heritage has endowed him with the desire to run and his conformation has given
him the ability to enjoy it effortlessly. But, one quick lope across a busy street
could be the last run that he ever enjoys, ever. Because of this, we strongly urge
that no Siberian Husky ever be allowed unrestrained freedom unless he has been trained in
obedience and will listen and obey commands. Instead for his own protection he
should be confined or under control at all times. Sufficient exercise for proper
development and well being may be obtained on a leash or in a large enclosure, or best of
all in harness. If you feel that it is inconvenient or cruel to keep a dog thus
confined, then the Siberian Husky is not the breed for you.
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SHOW OR PET:
Siberian Huskies seem to get
more and more popular every year. Because they are a beautiful and intelligent dog,
they have become a common sight in the dog show ring.
There are two kinds of dog shows. One
is the conformation show, where the dog is judged on its physical
appearance. The other is the obedience trial, where the dog is judged
on how well it carries out commands. If you think you would be
interested in showing your dog, attend several shows. This should help
you decide whether or not to get involved. The world of dog
showing can be quite exciting. But it is not for everyone.
A Siberian Husky that is going to compete in
the show ring must have excellent conformation. The American Kennel
Club (AKC) has set the BREED
STANDARD,
that is what the perfect Siberian should look like. A judge compares
each dog to this standard. The judge checks everything from slope of
the dog's nose to the curl of its tail.
Every dog that enters a conformation show
must be a purebred registered dog. There are shows open to all breeds
of dogs. There are also specialty shows for Siberians only.
Earning points is the main goal of showing a dog in Championship
Shows. When the dog has attained 100 points, it receives the title of
"Champion".
In
the show ring your dog has to gait at your side. It also has to stand
patiently while the judge assesses it. A dog show can be a
noisy, confusing place with all kinds of smells and sounds. If your
dog is used to crowds, it will be more comfortable at its first show.
If it isn't, a little socialising before its first show with other dogs and
people will help your dog to feel more comfortable. The best way to
learn about showing is to work with someone who has been around the show
scene or better still has experience showing Siberian Huskies. A
person like this can be a wonderful teacher. You can also get
information from the Canine Control Council (or equivalent) in your state or
contacting your local Kennel Club.
Many people think that obedience trials are
more exciting to watch than regular dog shows. At an obedience trail,
dogs perform a variety of command tests. The sit, stay, drop, heel,
jump hurdles and retrieve objects at their owner's command. Siberian
Huskies were not bred to compete in obedience trials, but they do quite well
in these competitions.
You should also think about whether you want
your puppy to be a show dog as well as the family pet. If you want a
quality show dog you could be expected to pay between $500 - $2000. A
purebred Siberian pet can cost between $150 - $800. The dog's pedigree
can effect price.
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PURCHASING A
PUPPY:
If you think you want a
Siberian Husky, do some research before you buy. Owning a Siberian can be a
wonderful experience, but it also takes a lot of hard work.
You should also have to consider where you
live. Siberians can adapt to fairly warm climates, they also love the
colder areas. Once your heart is set on getting a Siberian Husky you
should decide whether you want a male or female. If you want a show or
pet Siberian. It is simply a matter of choice. Of course
you don't have to breed your Siberian, a simple operation can fix
this. You can find a good puppy by visiting a registered Siberian
Husky breeder. It's important to find a breeder you can trust, so ask
around and don't just go to one. Check with The Siberian Husky Club in
your state, local Kennel Club or your local veterinarian.
When you buy a puppy from a breeder, you can
learn more about its background, you can meet one or both of the pup's
parents. Your puppy will probably look like its parents when it is an
adult. It may also have its parent's personalities. If its
parents are aggressive the puppy may be aggressive too. Siberian
Huskies should NEVER have this trait. Look for a puppy that is
friendly, playful, alert and healthy. Take it away from the other
puppies in the litter to see how it responds to you. Try calling to it
or clapping your hands, see if the puppy will follow you. Avoid
choosing a puppy that sits shyly by itself or slinks away. A puppy
like this may be difficult to train.
A puppy can go to its new home when it is 8
weeks or older. Make sure your puppy has been checked by a
veterinarian. Find out if it has been vaccinated and wormed, also if
it has started Heartworm treatment yet. All puppies should be on
Heartworm tablets by 8 weeks old. Ask the breeder what they have
been feeding the puppy. If you need to change the diet, do so
gradually. A sudden change can make your puppy sick.
When
you take your new puppy home, it will need to explore its new
surroundings. It has to be watched closely so it doesn't get into
trouble. Remember the puppy is going to be excited.
You will be excited too! Try to be calm so that the puppy will soon
settle down. A puppy's first night in it's new home can be a hard
one. It might be lonesome and missing it's littermates. Put the puppy
in a cozy box or basket next to your bed. If it wakes up during the
night and is frightened, pet it soothingly. After several
nights, your puppy should be sleeping soundly. If it keeps crying
during the night try to ignore the cries, if it gets attention every time it
whimpers, the puppy will form the habit of whining to get the
attention. Always keep your dogs sleeping area clean whether it is
inside or out. Don't be surprised if your puppy sleeps a lot.
Puppies grow very quickly and use up a lot of energy. They need
sleep to get that energy back.
Never give your puppy sharp bones. Chicken,
fish and pork bones are very dangerous. They can splinter and stick in
your dogs throat. Rawhide bones or special nylon fiber bones make much
better chew toys. Plenty of fresh water should be available to your
new puppy as Siberians love to play in it. Change the water several
times a day and keep all water and food dishes clean.
Siberians love to run. Long
walks, jogs or a game of fetch are a few ways to exercise your puppy.
A puppy can be taught several commands when it is quite young. A few
basic rules will help teach right from wrong. Be consistent.
If you find that you need some help with your
puppy in regards to certain things don't hesitate to contact the breeder as
they will be only too willing to help you.
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CARING
FOR YOUR PUPPY:
WORMING YOUR PUPPY FOR INTESTINAL WORMS.
Puppies and dogs can be affected with round, hook, whip and tape worms, all
of which can cause severe damage to the digestive system. It's worth
knowing that:
-
Pups can be infected with round and
hookworm larva whilst in the mother's uterus or via the
milk.
-
Hookworm can kill young pups from blood
loss.
-
Roundworm can cause vomiting, coughing,
blockages in the intestines resulting in a pot belly appearance.
-
Whipworm can cause lots of abdominal
pain, fever and diarrhea.
-
Tapeworm can be carried by fleas and
cause itchy bottoms.
VACCINATION
Pups - Temporary vaccinations can be given to puppies older than 6
weeks. In pups we vaccinate against distemper, hepatitis and parvo,
all highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.
A TYPICAL VACCINATION SCHEDULE IS
-
6 - 8 weeks - distemper, measles, parvo (DMP)
-
12 - 14 weeks - distemper, hepatitis,
parvo (DHP)
-
After that a once yearly booster (DHP)
A
pup is not fully protected until both needles have been given and ideally
should be kept away from other dogs and off the streets until then.
Protection of pups is a special problem : bitches immune to DHP through
previous vaccination have a protection level of antibodies in their
blood. These antibodies are passed onto the pup through the
first milk and give the pup limited immunity, but can interfere with initial
vaccination. This is one reason for the above schedule.
If you are likely to place your dog in
boarding kennels in the future or are taking part in obedience classes, then
it is worthwhile vaccinating against kennel cough. This is a disease
which causes a persistant cough lasting approximately 1-2 weeks and in pups
it may progress to pneumonia.
HEARTWORM
Heartworm is a major concern throughout Australia. It is a disease
that is far better prevented than treated, even though today's treatments
are far superior to those of the past. Heartworm is spread between
animals by mosquitoes. This is the only way it can spread. When
a mosquito bites an infected dog immature heartworm in the blood stream
travels into the mosquito where it develops even further. The mosquito
then bites a dog and injects these immature heartworm. It is at this
stage that the heartworm prevention tablets work, by killing the immature
heartworm. If your dog is not protected by these tablets then the
worms will develop into adult heartworm inside your dogs heart.
A HEARTWORM SCHEDULE
-
6-8 weeks all puppies should commence
heartworm prevention
-
No later than 14 weeks
-
Heartworm can be given daily in tablet
from or monthly.
-
If your puppy is older than 4 months of
age, or you have forgotten to give your dog it's heartworm tablet,
please see your vet as it can be dangerous to give a puppy a prevention
tablet if it is already infected with heartworm.
FLEAS
Whilst a flea is just a tiny insect it has as an Olympic standard high jump
and the ability to drive pets and owners crazy.
-
make sure the products your use on your
puppy less than 12 weeks of age are safe, Most flea washes and
rinses are toxic to young animals.
-
fleas need to be controlled on your
puppy, in their kennel or basket, in the home and in the yard.
-
fleas breed over a 14 day period meaning
than an egg laid today may be a female flea laying eggs in 14 days
time. Therefore treatment should be at least every 14 days.
-
collars, sprays, rinses and bombs are
available and there is a new product that can be given once a month that
actually breaks the flea life-cycle.
-
fleas transmit dog tapeworm, causing
anaemia, but most significantly cause flea allergy dermatitis and cause
moist dermatitis (hot spots) both very frustrating problems. In
short there is no easy way to control fleas, however with the new
monthly prevention control it is becoming easier.
DE-SEXING
Ideally dogs that are not going to be used for breeding purposes should be
desexed around 6 months of age. Most breeds don't become sexually
active until they are 6 months old and there is no need for them to have a
litter, mate or come into season before desexing. Female dogs that
aren't desexed need to be fully enclosed for around 3-4 weeks every 6 months
(they come into season on average twice a year).
TAKING HOME YOUR NEW PUPPY
Taking home your new puppy is a fantastic experience for Mums and Dads as
well as the kids and can provide years of enjoyment and companionship for
all concerned, but never forget that you have also taken on a huge
responsibility. It is up to you as the owner of your new puppy to make sure
that your puppy is well cared for. By providing warmth, shelter, food,
water, love and friendship many years of happiness can be assured for both
your and your puppy.
