23 replies to this topic

[Carta]

Well, I thought I'd introduce myself, seeing as I have been lurking a bit!
Hi! My Names Carter! Original name right? Carta? Carter. Anyhoo one of your admins (Paul) contacted me, thinking I was a bot or a spammer, but no! I am a person. Basically, I have/was just lurking around reading topics, reading most of the basic things on what to know about Siberian Huskies and what not. Due to the fact, I am trying to figure out if it is the right breed for me. I've kind of already determined that I want to add one into my life, hence why I am introducing myself now...

Well, a little bit about myself. I'm 19 years old. I live alone, in a big apartment and go to college. I've never owned a dog. I've watched dogs, dog sat, etc but have never owned one personally. So I'm bit of a newbie. So any advice you could give me would be great.
I've researched the breed quite a bit already, They love to run, a bored husky is a destructive husky, they shed, they can get lonely without their pack(family around) and they are escape artist. Oh and the possible health issues.
So is there anything else I should know? Any Advice?

Also I'd like to thank Paul for pming me and explaining a bit more about the raw feeding process.

Cheers,
Carta

Edit: I should say where I live too I live in Florida.

[Jennet and Embry]

Welcome to the forum Great job on researching the breed before jumping right into the Husky world as they can be quite the handful!
Are you home a lot? As I'm sure you've read they love being with their family and do tend to become destructive.
They need tons of exercise or your apartment will be a goner
but as long as you're dedicated, patient, consistent and have plenty of time on your hands they could easily be the breed for you

[Eskimo Ice]

Hi there Carter,
Welcome to the forum. I hope we can all guide & help you with the process of choosing your new Husky puppy.

It's a breath of fresh air to know you are researching now rather than after, well done!
Your research into the breed of a Siberian Husky now will stand you in good stead for later, should any problems arise.

When you get to the research stage it's usually a good sign that you are determined to have a Husky in your life.
The possible health issues with a Husky are fairly minimal compared to other breeds as they haven't been tampered about with & interbred too much.
My advice is take your time in choosing your pup, when you finally have your pup home & settled for a few weeks, then try to take your Husky everywhere that you possibly can, socialize it well on lead & you shouldn't have too many problems.
The pup will look upon you as his leader, so will look to you for its guidance in the learning stages.

There's lots of information on the forum, feel free to post any questions that you may have, add to any topics that you want to.
When you do get your Husky puppy, please post your photographs up, we all go goo goo & love to see puppy pics

[Carta]

@ Jennet Thanks for the welcome! Currently, right now I go to school, somewhat most of the week, but I only live about 5 minutes away from campus and usually with how my scheduling goes I have an hour or two in-between my classes most of the time. So I figured when I do have those breaks instead of just sitting on campus, hanging with friends or doing w.e. I could easily just go home, let the pup out, play with her, etc.
I know they like alot of exercise but most of the websites I've looked at don't really say how much, minimum/ maximum. Can you guys shed some light on that?

@Ice Thanks for the advice! I will be sure to post pics up!

[Tiki]

Welcome! :D

Love that you've done your research, that is so great! I do want to say, check with your apartment complex. I know that here, some apartments say No Huskies (and some other breeds) because they can be destructive when left alone. So, to save yourself some time, check their rules first.

As for the exercise level.. think.. a 7 year old, 5 year old and 3 year old, all boys, rolled into one. Now times that by 12.. LOL! Just kidding (kinda) Let just say that those are the ages of my human kids, and the husky kids out last all three of them.

[Missus Mac]

Glad to have you!

I am really impressed by how much research you are doing before getting a husky. My husband and I were acquainted with huskies beforehand, so I just did some more research on them for a few months before buying. I unwittingly bought from a backyard breeder because I just didn't know better... I still feel guilty about it.
My advice to you is to do the best you can to research reputable breeders if you just don't want to adopt. There are a few husky rescues here in Texas and I'm sure somewhere in Florida. Heck, I will personally help transport from Texas if you found one here you liked!

I love Miko, and I wouldn't trade him for the world, but I do feel like we dodged a bullet (so far) with him. We haven't had any problems, but without reassurances of hip and eye certifications, and only a few generations of pedigree... you never know what can happen. A reputable breeder does not necessarily mean big prices, either. My puppy was $800 from some lady who had a few sibes in her backyard kennel in the suburbs of San Antonio, but I've found reputable breeders in the US since that ask for much less. Reputable breeders are less interested in making money and focus on improving the breed.

Here is a link to help you find a reputable breeder, including questions to ask breeders. Remember, this your baby for the next 15+ years (hopefully, with raw feeding even more!) so do your due diligence.

Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now. Just wanted to share that.

Again, welcome, I'm the Missus, and enjoy yourself!

[Rachael]

Welcome to the forum, and I'm so glad you're researching the breed before you get one!

[Loopy Loo]

http://eskimohuskies...tyle_emoticons/default/Hello.gif Carter,
Welcome to the forum.

I get very little time to visit here, due to work commitments, but I've just logged on and read your post.
It is very nice to see you are researching into this wonderful breed, I am very impressed to see such a young person as yourself doing you homework, sadly so many do not.
Hence, when things start to go wrong they panic having no knowledge to correct the bad!
I think you are going to be a very responsible person towards your new Husky pup when you go ahead and choose your new companion puppy friend

Have you decided whether you would like a Boy or Girl?
My personal choice would be a Boy Husky, others would say they prefer Husky Girls, everyone is different.
I don't have a Husky myself, (sadly, far to strong for me in my older years, I would be pulled from pillar to post lol My little Shetland Sheepdog is quite a handful for me!) I do get to see my Brother's Huskies on a weekly basis and I have no idea why, but I just have more of a heart for his Boy Huskies, don't get me wrong, his 2 Girls are lovely, it's just something about the Boy's that pull my heart strings more!

Also, have you decided on a specific colour?
Silver & White, Black & White, Red & White, Pure White, Piebald, the choice is yours!
My heart always falls for Silver & White when I see the Husky walking down the street in Bude during the summer months, (I live in a holiday town in Cornwall that has lots of holiday homes that accept Huskies when their owners come for their holidays) it's something about the colour also that makes me stop to say hello and talk to them.

Do you have an eye colour choice?
Blue eyes, Hazel eyes, Bi-Coloured eyes, Parti-Coloured eyes, again the choice is yours!
I have no preference when it comes to eye colour, when I see a Husky in the street with any colour of eyes, I just melt, whatever eye colour they may have
But many do, so if you do have a preference, I believe that my brother has some advice on how to pick a puppy at the age of 4 weeks to help you find out if your puppy will have Blue eyes, Bi-coloured eyes, etc.
Don't quote me as it being fool proof, but I have heard him say that it is something he uses as a guide when he is looking for his puppy when he's with the breeder.

Here is what the The American Kennel Club describes the Husky's eyes as:
"An almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely." The eyes of a Siberian Husky are Ice-Blue, Dark Blue, Amber, or Brown. In some individual dogs, one eye may be Brown and the other Blue (complete Heterochromia), or one or both eyes may be "Parti-Colored," that is, half brown and half blue (Partial Heterochromia). All of these eye color combinations are considered acceptable by the American Kennel Club.

I hope I have not put to many hurdles in your way, just thought I would ask you the questions to try and guide you further.
Let us know your thoughts and I wish you luck in your Husky puppy search

[LoganCooke]

Hello Carter and welcome to the forum, I'm glad your researching the breed as they are more demanding than other breeds especially for your first dog.
Has your family and friends had a dog before? If not i would advise against getting a husky. I'm not having a go as you have shown the maturity to ask about the breed first which is what the majority of people don't even consider! If thats not the case then I'm sure with a little help you will be fine

I know your asking about a pup but have you considered a rescue or an older dog? I've only had our older 6 year old dog for a month or so but he's already much less work than our pup whose now 6 months.

Dan

[Benno_Bro]

Welcome to the forum! we really hope you enjoy it here!

A Siberian as your first dog... wow hehe your either brave or silly BUT in all seriousness, looks like you are doing it the right way by researching the breed so you know what to expect. Just remember puppies are like children, if you don't teach, care for, stimulate them etc...they just grow up to be horrible teens hehe and this is for EVERY breed of dog!

Another thing to consider (this is just my OPINION!); I personally don't think you should rescue a husky as your first Siberian (not unless you have a decent amount of dog experience) as you are usually starting with a troubled dog in most cases. It's best to get the first one from a puppy so you can learn the breed from the start... and mold the dog.

I'd also suggest (as hard as it is!) to refrain from limiting your selection by insisting on blue eyes, or a certain colour dog. I'd personally go looking for the healthiest Litter I could get with good genetic lines

Sorry about this mess of a post anyhow... I'm currently at work and had to rush it.

Enjoy your stay

Clive

[Carta]

Loopy Loo, on 26 January 2011 - 02:13 PM, said:

http://eskimohuskies...tyle_emoticons/default/Hello.gif Carter,
Welcome to the forum.

I get very little time to visit here, due to work commitments, but I've just logged on and read your post.
It is very nice to see you are researching into this wonderful breed, I am very impressed to see such a young person as yourself doing you homework, sadly so many do not.
Hence, when things start to go wrong they panic having no knowledge to correct the bad!
I think you are going to be a very responsible person towards your new Husky pup when you go ahead and choose your new companion puppy friend

Have you decided whether you would like a Boy or Girl?
My personal choice would be a Boy Husky, others would say they prefer Husky Girls, everyone is different.
I don't have a Husky myself, (sadly, far to strong for me in my older years, I would be pulled from pillar to post lol My little Shetland Sheepdog is quite a handful for me!) I do get to see my Brother's Huskies on a weekly basis and I have no idea why, but I just have more of a heart for his Boy Huskies, don't get me wrong, his 2 Girls are lovely, it's just something about the Boy's that pull my heart strings more!

Also, have you decided on a specific colour?
Silver & White, Black & White, Red & White, Pure White, Piebald, the choice is yours!
My heart always falls for Silver & White when I see the Husky walking down the street in Bude during the summer months, (I live in a holiday town in Cornwall that has lots of holiday homes that accept Huskies when their owners come for their holidays) it's something about the colour also that makes me stop to say hello and talk to them.

Do you have an eye colour choice?
Blue eyes, Hazel eyes, Bi-Coloured eyes, Parti-Coloured eyes, again the choice is yours!
I have no preference when it comes to eye colour, when I see a Husky in the street with any colour of eyes, I just melt, whatever eye colour they may have
But many do, so if you do have a preference, I believe that my brother has some advice on how to pick a puppy at the age of 4 weeks to help you find out if your puppy will have Blue eyes, Bi-coloured eyes, etc.
Don't quote me as it being fool proof, but I have heard him say that it is something he uses as a guide when he is looking for his puppy when he's with the breeder.

Here is what the The American Kennel Club describes the Husky's eyes as:
"An almond shape, moderately spaced and set slightly obliquely." The eyes of a Siberian Husky are Ice-Blue, Dark Blue, Amber, or Brown. In some individual dogs, one eye may be Brown and the other Blue (complete Heterochromia), or one or both eyes may be "Parti-Colored," that is, half brown and half blue (Partial Heterochromia). All of these eye color combinations are considered acceptable by the American Kennel Club.

I hope I have not put to many hurdles in your way, just thought I would ask you the questions to try and guide you further.
Let us know your thoughts and I wish you luck in your Husky puppy search

Hey thanks for the post. I put a deposit down on a Red/White Girl ( at this kennel ( http://www.carmonakennels.com/home.cfm ) I don't have much on the choice of eye color ( But Blue is my favorite), but any color would be fine with me
But again thanks for the post, I'm sure closer to the time I'll have a lot more questions!

@Logan. One of my old neighbors had a husky, which I think is where I fell in love with the breed (Around 13). He was an "inside" dog, but for the most part, they would have him tied up outside during the day and that's when I would walk over to their house, and ask them if I could take him out for a walk. Then when they would go out of town I would dog sit I dog sat him maybe once a year... Other then that though, I havn't had any more experience with a Siberian.
And to your other question about a rescue I thought about it and to be honest it was one of my options.
I looked at http://www.siberrescue.com/index.html and http://www.sibrescue.com/ and both places require you to be 21 and you can not give them as gifts, so a friend or family member couldn't adopt for me.

[Tekisyen Husky]

Carter that looks like a great kennels you are getting your pup from Congratulations.
We are all here to give you any help and advice that you may need so post any questions you want.
I must admit I'm kind of relieved that you didn't get a rescue for your first Husky as it may have put you off them for life
A lot of rescues come with baggage and unless your familiar with handling Huskies then it's best to stick with a pup even though it is a lot of work raising a pup.
Looking forward to seeing you pics and watching your pup grow.
Paul

[Carta]

Hey! I'm back with pictures of Dakota!

3 weeks old





I pick her up on the 16th!

[Awesome Bikerbabe]

oh my god OH MY OH wow how cute . me thinks she stole your heart away from the first second . nice one on the research and congrats on becoming the owner of the most amazing breed of dog you will ever experience xxx

[Tekisyen Husky]

Congratulations Carter.
Wonderful looking pup you have got yourself.
Looking forward to seeing her grow and more pics.

[Karly Larkin]

hiya carta

welcome to the forum and family your pup is cute im looking forward to seeing her grow into a lovely looking girl.

[Carta]

Hey I got updated pics again. Just wondering when do their ears stand up? Her's are still floppy, while her brothers and sisters are up..

[Awesome Bikerbabe]

storms ears stood up by 3 months then flopped again and stood up properly when he was 4 months old hes now 5 months old and his ears flop when hes fast asleep but when hes awake his ears are pricked up and his tail curls . silver whos 3 didnt have floppy ears but her tails never curled either they're all different.

[Tekisyen Husky]

Sometimes it takes until they have got their Second lot of teeth in for the muscles in the ears to stiffen up properly for them to stand up.

[Chris_Heilong]

Welcome, Its so funny you were mistaken for a bot, you puppy looks fantastic, well done.

[Carta]

Chris_Heilong, on 31 March 2011 - 11:37 PM, said:

Welcome, Its so funny you were mistaken for a bot, you puppy looks fantastic, well done.

I guess that's what happens when you lurk to hardcore

[Eskimo Ice]

Carta, on 22 March 2011 - 07:54 PM, said:

Hey! I'm back with pictures of Dakota!
3 weeks old
I pick her up on the 16th!

Hi there Carter,
Welcome back mate!

Your Dakota is a FANTASTIC looking puppy - She is just wonderful. Well done!
@ Chris_Heilong - The Forum Software is very sensitive at this end with regards to bots - The damage to the board can be horrendous should one ever get through.
However, due to it being "computer software" we do always "check" to see if it has it wrong & on this occasion it had collected data that was indeed very wrong.
Carta, I am so glad that we as humans decided to Private Message you to check that you were human.
It is very nice to have you & your Dakota on board - Thank you for staying with us

[Eskimo Ice]

Carta, on 22 March 2011 - 07:54 PM, said:

Hey! I'm back with pictures of Dakota!
3 weeks old



I pick her up on the 16th!

Have a lovely day today Carter when you go to pick up Dakota.
I hope you enjoy your new bundle of fun. She looks so beautiful in these pictures.
Update us with new pics as soon as you have time, we would all love to see them.
We are here for you should you need any help with anything

[Carta]

Eskimo Ice, on 16 April 2011 - 08:54 AM, said:

Carta, on 22 March 2011 - 07:54 PM, said:

Hey! I'm back with pictures of Dakota!
3 weeks old



I pick her up on the 16th!

Have a lovely day today Carter when you go to pick up Dakota.
I hope you enjoy your new bundle of fun. She looks so beautiful in these pictures.
Update us with new pics as soon as you have time, we would all love to see them.
We are here for you should you need any help with anything

Thanks! that was so nice of you to remember I get her today!
Yep I got her today and man has today been eventful! But right now it's bed time and man is she howling..
Also i have a question about something that happened today. But Ill make another thread for that.

Anyways Ill put some updated pics soon! Cheers!