Where can i get a Husky dog?

Question

My husband is interested in getting a Husky dog. We live in the south east region of the US, and it is very hot. I know they are a winter/cold weather dog, but i see them every where around here. I have a few questions about them...

Do they grow accustom to their climate?
How hard are they to raise?
Where can I get one with papers and everything?
How much to they typically cost?
Would a male or female be best? (i was thinking female - to have puppies to sell in the future)

help please...?

Answer 1

You NEVER SHAVE a Siberian husky. Ignore people who tell you to do so. It destroys the coat, opens up the skin to problems like sunburn, and is completely pointless. A well-brushed Siberian provided with plenty of shade and water does fine in the heat. Just expect that the dog will sleep during the hottest part of the day, and only really be active in the morning and evening.



Now, to your other questions:



2. How hard are they to raise?

Siberians aren't the breed for everyone. They are independent, not entirely obedient, and MUST have a well-fenced yard. They cannot be allowed to run loose, or you will never see them again. They can be destructive and noisy when bored. They shed more than some people can deal with. They can kill cats and small animals.



TOO MANY people buy this breed for its looks, and don't understand the breed itself. Don't be one of those people; do your research.



More info on the breed:

http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm

http://www.shca.org/shcahp2a.htm

http://www.kaylenbergsiberians.com/ready.htm

http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com/abouthuskies

http://www.adoptahusky.com/education/AAHI-education.html



Please read ALL of the information provided at these links.



3. "Where can I get one with papers and everything?"

From a responsible breeder, one who does genetic testing (hip and eye clearances) and actually proves their dogs worthy of breeding somehow. This link can help you learn who to buy from:

http://www.adoptahusky.com/education/Where%20to%20Find/Where%20to%20find.html



Be aware that a GOOD breeder will only sell pet-quality puppies on a spay/neuter contract. They don't sell to people looking to "recoup their investment" by backyard breeding. If you only want a pet, there is no reason to breed it. Let it be your pet.



4. "How much to they typically cost?"

A well-bred Siberian from a good breeder will cost $600-$900, depending on the region. Anything more than that is foolish, unless you are buying a dog specifically to show.



5. "Would a male or female be best?"

Opinions differ on which sex is "better" in terms of personality. Personally, I don't have a preference. Males are less expensive to neuter. As to your comment on breeding a female and selling the puppies, see my comments above. There is no reason to breed your pet when so many Siberians sit in rescue/shelters. Unless you are going to dedicate yourself to having a *positive impact* on the breed (by showing or running your sled dogs, and breeding only the healthiest, best examples of the breed), please don't breed. The world is already packed with carelessly-bred "pet" Siberians.



Not trying to be harsh...after more than 20 years in Siberian rescue, that's just the way it is.



Again, please research this breed carefully before you decide on one. They are pretty - but that is not all there is to them.



ADD: Siberian huskies are NOT Labs or Pit Bulls. As I said, they don't live to please you. You will not be getting that kind of temperament, or that kind of dog. And, IMO, no female dog should "get prego on accident". You either spay the female at a proper age, or you are responsible enough to properly care for a female in heat.

Answer 2

Husky

Answer 3

I live in south Florida so i know about heat. My huskies do FINE here. During the summer we spend most of the time in the dog lake and the pool because they LOVE to swim. DO NOT SHAVE THEM. They have BARELY any pigmentation in their skin and will hurt them without their coats. Their coats protect them from the cold AND the heat. Don't EVER shave a Husky.



Siberian Huskies are very... difficult dogs. If this is your first dog, i'd consider another breed. You really REALLY need to research them. They aren't for everyone, and you'll see why.



You'll need to find a good reputable breeder. The AKC website has some listed or you can check the Siberian Husky Club. You want to be sure these dogs are coming from good stock.



I'ver never gotten one from a breeder so i'm unaware of their cost. So many shelters are getting them in because people don't know what they're getting into. There are also a bunch of rescues.



Please, don't breed the b*tch. Raising a Husky is enough work. You don't need to raise a whole litter as well. Females are even MORE stubborn than the males. And Sibes are already extremely stubborn as it is.



You need to really look into this dog to see if you can handle it. Feel free to message me, i've owned a few. And currently have 2.

Answer 4

***Answers to YOUR questions***



Do they grow accustom to their climate?



Yes they do but they need plenty of water in hot climates which means more frequent potty breaks. This also makes it harder to give them the proper amount of exercise they need.





How hard are they to raise?



They are VERY hard to raise. With working in rescue I'd say 75% of them are surrendered around 1 yr of age. Very stubborn and definately NOT obedient. Although they are VERY smart (when they want to be).





Where can I get one with papers and everything?



You can contact a local Siberian Husky Club and ask to be refered to a reputable breeder. One who shows, has champions, and the bitc(h) and dog are health certified for PennHip and CERF.





How much do they typically cost?



A BADLY bred siberian from a back yard breeder will cost you anywhere from $100-$600. These dogs WILL have health problems and parents WILL not be health certified.



A WELL bred siberian from a reputable breeder will cost you anywhere from $700-over $1,000. $700 being with Limited registration, and $1,000 being with Full registration. Now since you will be breeding you'll have to get the full registration.





Would a male or female be best? (i was thinking female - to have puppies to sell in the future)



Well If you intent to breed and have puppies, I'd imagine you'd need a male AND a female No?? Both will need to be health certified and at least 2 yrs of age. The tests to ensure the offspring proper health can not be done to the parents till they are 2 yrs of age.



A lot more goes into breeding then you think. There are complications that can occur durring pregnancies and delivery that should not be taken lightly. There is also the problem of trying to find homes for 8-12 puppies. With the economy in the slump its in, this is not an easy task. You also mentioned that you see them "every where around here". That's also something to take into consideration. If they are everywhere then people must already have them and will not be interested in buying another (unless they are Owned by theirs).



This is NOT a get rich quick type of cenario. People who breed responsibly make little to no money on litters. Some actually loose some depending on the circumstance.



Seeing as you've had an "Oops" pregnancy in the past. I'd highly recommend you find another hobby. Responsible pet owners don't have "oops's". Sorry but it's a fact.



To find everything there is to know about the breed, please read all info on this site under sections on the left hand side.



http://www.adoptahusky.com/education/AAHI-education.html



If you are interested, you should probably foster for a siberian husky rescue before purchasing to see if this IS the right dog for you.

Answer 5

First of all they do not grow accustom to their climate. They need a lot of exercises and it will be hard to do it where you live. You can how ever sign him or her up for a lot of obedience classes and so on to keep them busy. If you have a lake near by you could take him or her swimming it would be a way to keep them cool. Also do some research on indoor places you can take your dog to play do you have a central bark near you? Do not ever shave a husky! They have a coat in winter that keeps them warm and one in summer that keeps them cool if you shave them or clip them they will get sunburned the coat protects their skin and if you shave or clip their coat it will never grow back right.

They are a challenge they are very independent and very bull headed. They have their own mind and are very very smart. They will not listen to you if they do not see the purpose in what you are telling them to do. They have a very high prey drive and can NEVER be trusted off leash. You have to have an at least 6ft fence with at least 3ft under ground and then 6ft above ground and do not be surprised if they are still able to jump it. They are escape artists and when they get bored they can be very destructive. Huskies have been known to chew right through the dry wall and tear apart couches.

You can check your local shelters for one a lot of people get them as puppies because they are so cute or because huskies are pretty and look like wolves but do not do reasearch on the breed before they get them and then when they can not handle them (they are like no other breed of dog) they give them up and take them to shelters. You could also find a husky rescue near you or find a repituble breeder near you.



We paid $2,500 for our female siberian husky pup she is papered and comes from a really good blood line. That is just the cost of buying her though you have to also factor in all of the shots and so on also any damage she does to your property and they need continued training. Our pup is only 17 weeks old and we have spent over $5,000 on her so far but its well worth it :).



Male or Female would depend on what your looking for in the dog. Males are more clownish and like to cuddle and so on more where females tend to be more independent and will usaly sleep in another room but will walk around and check on everyone every now and then. They are both very high energy.



They also chew a lot we have to buy our pup new toys and chew sticks to chew on at least twice a week. They also love to dig and will dig up your yard. They are very strong dogs. If you are really thinking about getting one please go and get a bunch of books and look online for all of the information you can about the breed so you are prepaired for owning one if you are prepaired then it does not come as a suprised and there will not be another husky sitting in a shelter. They really are great dogs as long as you are ready to handle one. It is really like having a 2 year old for their whole life. Good luck!

Answer 6

Sibes are a hard breed. They're not for people who have little experience with dogs and they can be very stubborn. On top of that, they're incredibly smart and can - and will - escape anything you put them in. They cannot be let off leash. Ever. They have no sense of direction and are bred to run, so if they're free, they'll simply run until they're so tired they have to stop and will be hopelessly lost. Also, they blow their coat a few times a year, which is basically when the entire under-layer of fur is shed and you have to groom them for more than an hour daily during this time.



To get one from a breeder, a good one that is, I'd say about $600+. However, no decent breeder would let you have a puppy if you want to get a female just to have puppies to sell in the future. That's a horrible way to look at things. Good breeders have contracts that include a spay/neuter agreement, which can be followed by a lawsuit if you don't get the pet spayed/neutered. You can get a show quality puppy with no spay/neuter agreement, but then you actually have to show the puppy and complete all the titles and whatnot, then get all the health testing done, then find a stud. Show quality pups are also more expensive. Good breeders will not simply give you a puppy because you have money. They're picky about where they place their pups, which is a good thing =]



And yes, you'll want to go to a good breeder. BYBs and puppymills (who sell to petstores) have badly bred dogs that are literally a ticking timebomb. Not only are they gimptastic genetically, but most defects don't show up until they're at least two years old, so by then, any "health guarantee" will be null, if your BYB even offers one. Most bad breeders supply you with papers, but they're to shitty registries, so you have to be really careful. Good breeders have papers for the AKC and CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), while bad breeders use CKC (Continental Kennel Club) and all manner of other useless places.



In short, be careful. Sibes are a really difficult breed and you have to do a lot of research on them to be sure, followed by alot of research to find a breeder.



EDIT - I starred this so other Sibe people will hopefully see it and help =]



And another edit - Don't ever ever ever ever EVER shave a husky. It messes with their undercoat (for lack of a better word) and by shaving, it may not grow back properly. Their fur insulates both ways - keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Just get a kiddie pool for them to play in.



Like Arooroo Mom said, females are even more stubborn and dominant than males. You have to really assert yourself to make sure they see you as the alpha, and even then it can be quite a struggle. I don't even want to imagine one with all the hormones of being in heat/being pregnant. The whole getting a female to breed and make money from the puppies is still a horrible idea and most, if not all, good breeders would turn you down in a second if you mentioned that (some would try to tell you why that's a bad idea - good breeders are very helpful and friendly, and easy to talk to about anything). Saying you want to get a b*tch to have puppies is like saying you want to have a few extra children to get a big welfare check or tax breaks. And in all honesty, most of the time breeders lose money with a litter of puppies because of all the expenses, testing, fees, puppy care, care of the mother, and so on.



If you're still set on breeding, you'll need to ask the breeder for help with showing. And if you just want to breed and sell puppies, walk into a shelter and ask to see the dogs on "death row" to get a clue at how many are killed needlessly.

Answer 7

i think if you provide shade and water when outside but mostly let the dog hang out inside it should be okay because i dont think they adjust to hot weather, they are more suited for cold.

no dog is easy to raise, you need to provide proper training and that takes work.

you can go to a reputable breeder or shelters and pounds, they usually have lots of puppies. another reason why you should get the dog fixed. i think its a bad idea to get a dog just to sell puppies in the future. thats called a backyard breeder and you will contribute to the massive amounts of puppies in pounds and shelters that cannot find homes.



EDIT: they would not get pregnant by accident if they were fixed which is very highly recomended for many reasons, that very reason being one of them.

Answer 8

Let me give my two cents...

You can have a husky in the south, but be aware of the situation. This MUST be an inside dog. Plan on taking walks early in the morning or late in the evening in summer when it's not too hot (I live in Florida and people successfully manage to own huskies all the time). It may seem logical to shave them, but don't! A husky's coat is important for its thermal regulation. They're smart and active dogs, but they can be dominant and strong-willed. Most huskies will take a firm hand and basic obedience training or else they can get out of hand easily.



Cost depends on where you buy (breeder costs tend to vary by state).

Do your research! Can't stress this enough. Make sure your lifestyle is appropriate for a high-drive dog with the exercise requirements of this breed.



As far as purchasing, start by going to the AKC website and visiting their husky website. If you're interested in adopting, they'll have info about the breed rescue program in your area. If you want to buy, they'll have info about local breeders or a club who can get you in contact with one. DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE! Not only will you be grossly overcharged, you may not get a good pup and you'll be supporting puppy mills. I realize it's a little more work to go through a breeder, but it's worth it. When you visit a breeder, go with your gut. Make sure the place is clean and the dogs well kept. You should be able to visit with at least one if not both of the parents of the litter. As tough as it is to walk away without a cute fluffly puppy, if you get a bad feeling then walk away. And remember, registration papers do not guarantee a good puppy. It's pretty easy to regiter a puppy and having papers doesn't speak to quality. Make sure you get a health certificate, not just reg. papers and take it to a vet promptly! Many states have puppy lemon laws to protect buyers who purchased a pup with disease, but these laws generally designate a time period during which you must have the puppy checked (it's 10 days after purchase in Florida).



Finally, I urge you not to purchase a female with intent to breed. Breeding dogs is about a passion for the breed, not about making money. A good, honest breeder will tell you that it costs more money to breed dogs than you get from selling them, if you do it right. Good breeders spend a lot of time and money finding just the right combinations of dogs (and genes) that will help advance the breed so they are constantly striving to breed better, healthier dogs. It also involves expensive tests for things like hip dysplasia, cataracts and harmful genetic diseases. And if you think one puppy is work, try dealing with 5-7 at a time! Pups need to remain with mom for 8 weeks before being sold. Be honest with yourself and decide if your schedule really allows for near-constant care for around 5 puppies for that long a time period. Then there's always the hassle of dealing with a dog in heat. Dogs do menstruate, which is a deal breaker for most people. Besides, most reputable breeders will have a sterilization stipulation in their contract which states that dogs they sell as pets must be spayed/neutered. And neutering costs about half what spaying does and is a far less involved surgery.



The important thing before getting any breed is to do your homework.

It's hard to deny ourselves the temptation to get that one breed we've always wanted, but we owe it to the dog to make sure they're right for us before we bring them home.

Huskies can be excellent companions, but count on training and lots of exercise. And given your climate, this cannot be an outdoor dog.



Sorry, this got a bit lengthy... Hope it helps



Addition - After reading your edit, you definitely shouldn't get a female. You say you gave the pups to good homes when your dogs "accidentally" got pregnant? Well, if you had done what you should have done and had them spayed, there would be no "accidents." Shelters are filled to the brim each year with the "accidents" of well-intentioned dog owners. If you're not responsible enough to sterilize your dog or to know her cycles and keep her under wraps during her fertile period, you have no business owning a fertile b*tch. If you're not intending to breed and do it responsibly, there's no reason to keep a dog intact. Period. I'm sure husky enthusiasts don't want any more "oops" puppies polluting the gene pool.

Answer 9

1) Yes - we live in Kansas and have had several huskies. You need to keep them shaved in the summer and have plenty of water (including a baby pool with cool water) on hand. Keep them inside on the really hot days.



2) Yes and no. They are independent dogs and can be difficult to train if you've never had a dog before.



3) Check your local newspaper. My advice is to only get one with papers if you are interested in showing or breeding. There are also rescue groups and husky (pure and mixed) in shelters



4) To buy? It depends where, the blood line, the gender, the purpose, etc. Female breeding dogs will cost the most - sometimes as much as $500. It goes down from there though, generally. A friend who breeds huskies sells his dogs for an average of $250 for pets.



5) I would really suggest not breeding dogs if you have no idea what you're doing. Trust me on this - there's a great deal of paperwork and tracing involved to make breeding a good idea. I've only had female dogs without a problem, but that was a general personality preference.

Answer 10

Your edit is worthless, hun.

Sibes are NOTHING like Labs.



"to have puppies to sell in the future"

Reason enough for you to NOT get a dog.



Try frequenting your local shelter and looking online at a few local rescues.

How many Sibes and Sibe mixes do you see?

A good hundred, more?



That's what YOU would be contributing to.

Answer 11

They don't grow accustom to the climate in a way that is really help full. They are hot as heck and can heat stroke if you aren't careful. You can have their hair clipped in the summer and that helps.

If you get one you will have to keep it indoors in the air conditioning a lot, and then you have a lot of shedding inside.

Any reason why your husband is so set on this breed? You might find something that would work better. If you are set on Husky just realize you will have to make accommodations for the heat and it's heavy coat.

Answer 12

Well my sister just recently got her husky mix from the humane society and she lives in daytona beach and its HOT so yes it can grow accustom to climate,my sister also says her husky is a bit aggressive not really towards her but other dogs,and since she got hers from the humane society she only paid $50..only problem is,they like to spay or nueter pets at the humane society. Try your local humane society.If you have no luck there..look online.

Answer 13

husky dogs don't grow accustomed to ther climate and they might get very ill so i wouldn't sudgest it but u can go to the dogpound

Answer 14

I am also a fan of Huskies, they're gorgeous! Check this out, http://dogtime.com/shelters to find Huskies for adoption.



Good luck!

Answer 15

Email Sara Palin.

Answer 16

You can look online or at a dogpound.

That's where i got mine

Answer 17

Bill's Pet Shop or Pet warehouse or the pound!