Mishka, The Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies, for those who do not know, are medium sized dogs that resemble their cousin, the wolf. As they are strong runners with miles of endurance, they are the best working dog in the class. Originally from eastern Siberia, the breed belongs to the Spitz genome.

Huskies have personality. For the most part they are energetic, active, and can handle anything you put in front of them. Moreover, they are obstinate, free-thinkers that will do what you say only as you walk away. Very very independent creatures. Resilience is in their blood.

So just about every child loves a "snow dog"....but that doesn't mean that everybody should own one! Huskies are the most lovable and reliable dogs out there, but they are also very very quirky. Here are some of the realities of owning a Siberian Husky:

1. They Can and will Escape
No matter how loyal your husky is to you, they are free spirited creatures. There is no fence to tall, or too deep that husky will not attempt to escape from. May I suggest that if you do not have a lot of land for your husky to run on...don't get one. And if you do have a lot of land, make sure that fence is at least six feet high and two feet deep! Mishka tried to dig out, so we concreted the new fence in...

Moreover, we ran five miles every day and then still wasn't enough exercise for her.

2. Fur Everywhere
Huskies shed year round, so if you like a spot free house and clean couches, buy a short haired dog because Siberian Huskies shed everywhere. They shed so much that you could make another dog out of the hair that comes out each day. This is because they have two very thick layers of hair.

3. They Are Obedient, but they Independent Too
Siberian Huskies are so smart that they will decide when to listen to your commands. There is no doubt that they know how to follow commands...because some times they will gladly listen, but other times they will wait until you've walked away, defeated to sit or lie down. They are in control of their own lives. An obedience class serves them well, to keep them from getting bored.

Most of all, be prepare to be loved beyond belief!

Husky pups are wolves in essence. They love rough play.

Huskies again are a nordic arctic breed dog. Meant to live outside. Outside is their terrain. They chew trees,branches,rocks and any thing else. Like babies teething and growing, all things go in their mouth.

We have as humans taken an outside animal and domesticated it and try to kill all natural instincts which were meant for survival in the outside world. We bring it inside to our house where it is an environment that they do not know. Thus furniture is wood to them,they drag your stuff off to a hiding spot (DEN).

SOLUTION: Let them live and play outside most of the day.They have a lot of energy. DO NOT allow them to bit you! Be firm and discipline them. Just saying no is not always good. You MUST establish boundaries. What is acceptable and what is not.

When we got our Siberian Huskies, it took weeks of time BEFORE we picked them up to give them the perfect names. The day that I found my beautiful red-headed, green-eyed husky with the sweetest demeanor and funniest personality, I knew that she was Mishka. And the rambunctiousness little boy who couldn't stay still...well, that was Cosmo.

Names are important and can give a loving pet all of the oompf you could ask for. Here are some names that you may want to consider when looking for your next Siberian Husky :

Amani

Athena

Avalanche (Ava for short)

Baron

Bear

Nala

Cody

Blizz

Nero

Phoenix

River

Echo