Hope Springs Kennels: FAQ

Husky Frequently Asked Questions

Are Siberian Huskies part wolf?

Although they are wolfish in appearance, they are no more a wolf than any other dog is.

Aren't All Huskies Black and White?

No, they can be any color from solid black to solid white and any combination in between.

Don't all Siberian Huskies have blue eyes?

No. Some do have two blue eyes, others may have one brown and one blue eye (bi-eyed), and others may have one eye with a brown or blue "chip". Any combination of colors is acceptable and none are preferred over the other.

Why do some have one eye that is both brown and blue?

This is called a "pinto eye", a "parti-eye", or a "split eye." It is also fairly common in the breed. One or both eyes may be all blue with a brown pie shaped wedge, or all brown with a blue wedge. At first glance, it may appear that there is something wrong with the eye but there is not. It is simply a matter if pigmentation. This too is perfectly acceptable in the breed.

Why are some noses partially pink?

It is called a ”snow nose”. The black pigment lightens during the winter months. It goes away as there is more sunlight.

I've heard Siberians are dumb. Is that true?

No, they are not dumb. Just the opposite – they are very intelligent and independent.

I have heard that they are a very aggressive breed. Is that true?

Not at all! They are dogs that were bred to work in teams.

Aren't huskies great watchdogs?

No, too friendly and outgoing! They would rather go home with the burglar than guard the house. But because of the wolf-like appearance of the Siberian, people who aren’t familiar with the breed might find them frightening.

How do I know if it's the right breed for me?

Do your homework: read a few books, research on the web, talk to others who have had them. Yes, Siberians are beautiful, but they do have some characteristics that you should be aware of when contemplating your decision. For example, some like to dig, others can be escape artists, and they all shed copious amounts of fur twice a year. If you honestly think you can deal with these factors, a Siberian might be right for you or your family

Should I get a male or female? Is one better than the other?

We don’t feel that one is better than other; it is a personal preference. Un-spayed females have a heat cycle twice year at which time she must be guarded against unwanted pregnancy. Intact males will lift their legs and mark things, plus want to find females in season.

Are Siberian Huskies good with kids or other animals?

Huskies are exceptionally good with children and if trianed properly, like any other dog, can be good with other animals as well.

Can't I just let my husky run, and they'll come back when ready?

No, if you did he may get lost or just go home with someone else. And why would you ever want to worry about your dog getting hit by a car?

I live in a very hot climate, can I still have a husky?

Sure, they just won’t grow as heavy a coat as in a northern climate. Also you wouldn’t leave any dog out in the heat without shade and water. Their coats also act as barriers against the heat. There are a lot of Siberians living in Texas and other hot states. They get use to heat just as we do.

I've heard huskies are purely outdoor dogs. Is that true?

No, they like to come in, but you must be willing to deal the hair. Huskies are very ‘pack-oriented’ dogs, and you and your family are their pack!

Are Huskies genetically pre-disposed to suffer from Epilepsy?

No. However, Epilepsy does occur in the breed. The seizures are not, generally speaking, life threatening, but if your dog does have a seizure, you should have him checked by a veterinarian to rule out the many other possible causes. If, in the end, Epilepsy is the diagnosis, seizures are usually controllable with medication (Dilantin or Phenobarbital are usually prescribed).

Aren't huskies genetically pre-disposed to suffering from blindness?

No, there is juvenile cataracts and corneal dystrophy but they don’t always cause blindness. These animals should be spayed and neutered so as to not pass it on.

Aren't huskies genetically pre-disposed to hip dysplasia?

Actually, no. They are one of the few breeds that as a whole are fairly healthy. Checkout www.offa.org (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) to learn more about hips.

What are huskies genetically susceptible to?

When poor breeding occurs they are susceptible to all genetic defects. Most often eyes are the main problem. A lot of inbreeding will cause cancer and other defects to show up.

Couldn't I just go to the mall and buy that cute puppy in the window?

Please don’t EVER buy a dog from a pet store! Most of them come from ‘puppy mills’ where dogs are bred until their bodies give out and are kept in deplorable conditions. Most puppies coming from puppy mills have not had proper veterinarian care, are sick, and my have bad temperaments. Don’t think you will be ‘rescuing’ a puppy by buying it from a pet shop, you are only keeping these less-than-human "breeders" in business!