A husky certainly isn’t the right dog for everyone, so do your homework on the breed ahead of purchasing one. A husky needs to fit in with your lifestyle. Make sure you read up on the breed as much as you can. Reach out to breeders with any questions you may have. There are events throughout the year that you can attend, like Discover Dogs, where you can meet people with many years of experience owning huskies, and they will be happy to answer your questions. Crufts is probably the best event you can go to for information on the breed. Try writing down any questions you may have so you won’t forget to ask something.
When deciding if you can give a husky a home, make sure he will fit into any future life changes. Sadly, too many huskies end up in rescue centers because people feel they can no longer give them what they need. Lifestyle changes like having a baby or getting a new job are the main reasons people no longer have time to dedicate to their dogs. So ask yourself before taking on a dog, what your life will look like in five or ten years’ time. Can you dedicate the next ten years or so of your life to a dog? If you get married and your partner doesn’t like dogs, or if you get a work promotion which means you’re moving abroad, the dog will still need to be your priority.
Boy or Girl?
Do I get a male or female husky? What are the pros and cons? Both sexes are equally loyal and loving. The temperaments of either sex are also the same. You won’t find that a girl is more loving than a boy or a boy is calmer. In fact, there are very few differences between the two.
When choosing the sex of your pup, you should take into consideration that a female will have seasons for about three weeks every six to ten months. If you already have a male dog or are planning on getting one, then the female seasons could be a problem. Not only will the female have to be kept well away from the male while she’s in heat, but they will also both go crazy to get to each other. You have to deal with the moods and the mess from the female and any unwanted pregnancies. So consider what you would do during this time. Will you get your female spayed, or is there a family member or friend who could take one of your dogs during this time?
Another thing to consider when deciding on the sex of your pup is that it can be harder to house-train males. They tend to mark their territory and so “cock their leg” on anything to signal “this is MY home.” If you’re thinking of getting a second male, would your first male allow the new dog into his home? Males tend to be territorial, making it difficult to house-train two boys once that testosterone kicks in. Males do tend to fight, as do two females when one or the other is in season.
If you are thinking of having just one husky, then either a boy or girl could be an option. However, if you’re thinking of a second dog somewhere down the line, then get a female first, as it’s always an option to introduce the other sex as a second dog. If you get a male first, you may only have the option of getting a female later on down the line. Boys will want to protect their house. Of course, whether you get a girl or a boy, make sure you have the time to dedicate to them.
