Husky- Pet owner's quest - Motivational Nepal

Husky is one of the favorite breeds of dogs in the world. This phenomenon has its impact in Nepal as well. It is always good to have a pet, as there are lots of positive sides to it. But what bothers me the most is and especially here in Nepal they just go for the breed, upon asking some basic questions regarding the dog they have no answers. So, for these people owning a husky is a matter of showing off and nothing else. I am not pointing to all the owners but most of them. Here below, I have compiled some info about the breed to the owners. Anyone can own a husky but not everyone deals with the problems of the husky.

Types:

There are two types of huskies, but AKC or American kennel club has only enlisted Siberian Husky as a registered breed. The main difference between Siberian and Alaskan is Siberian Husky remains the pure breed whereas Alaskan is sometimes a mixed breed. This might in the upcoming future Alaskan husky may be lost its identity and it might even extinct of the reason remains same.

For an untrained eye if presented they both look very similar. Alaskan husky has been mismanaged and so do their breeds are not pure. As the name suggests both are native of Siberia and Alaska respectively.

The Alaskan Husky was bred for its performance as a hard-working sled dog. The Alaskan Husky is not bred for appearance or to conform to any breed standard. Size, eye color, and coat color, and length can vary from dog to dog. An Alaskan Husky may have blue eyes, but brown is more common..

The Siberian Husky is a purebred dog that is recognized by the AKC and other breed organizations. Show quality dogs must conform to breed standards for size, eye color (blue, brown, or mixed), and coat–especially that furry double coat and brushy tail.

Purpose:

Both of the breeds were originally bred for one and only one purpose- they were used to pull the sledge, in other words, they were doing the job of the horse. Therefore going forward I will be only talking about Siberian husky, keeping Alaskan husky in a side as the main purpose will be similar.

The Siberian Husky was born to run. They are very beautiful in looks and almost resemble the wolf-like structure. But they need lots of mental and physical stimulus. They love to race, pull the sleds and carts and can be a wonderful partner for backpacking.

If you cannot provide enough exercise and become a company towards other humans, they will show their dark side. Then they can be very destructive and if left outside it will escape and returning back to the pack will be very tough. This breed was originally developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia as a sled dog. Later in 1900, they were introduced in the U.S for sled racing.

Siberian Husky with their owner in Siberia

Some important information to the owners of Husky in Nepal and rest of the world.

(Although you might think that you know some or many of the below, still if your knowledge is not implementing then it is a waste)

These breeds are extremely beautiful and with their blue eyes, it just adds the beauty in it, but do remember if they are not trained from the puppy and their other needs met they are master in escaping. Be it a slight door that is open or a wire fence they will escape. Later you will be wandering the streets with the missing dog pamphlets. Be careful that very few men will return the call or the dog itself.
Huskies are not city dogs, they need space. They should have a large garden or paddock with room to run and very secure walls. This breed can jump, chew through or dig under the fences if made of a wall. The Siberian Husky is a dog for active outdoor types, it is for people who enjoy canine activities. He is not suited to anyone who wants a dog that can run free in the park and will return on command. He is a companion for hikers and backpackers, and for those living in areas where there are sled-racing and similar. If you cannot fulfill these above points then please do not have this dog just for show. They are not only blue-eyed but also great athletics.

These breeds have a double coat and they shed a lot as well. The topmost shedding happens two times a year usually before the summer and winter. If sometimes you find a hair flying around and even in the cup of your drink and you can tolerate it then it is fine but if not then they are not your breed to have.
Usually, there is one major question that the owners have regarding the breed, that is if it is compatible with hot weather. The answer is Yes, they can and adapt to the weather. But be very careful as they will show the signs if the problem arises. The major symptoms of their overheating and dehydration are Whining, Shaking, and Weakness. Other signs include bright pink, sticky gums, lethargy, seizures, collapse, inelastic skin, excessive thirst, and loss of appetite. If these signs are shown then it is better to take it in shades or cut out a couple of packets of the ice pack in a big bucket where the dog can fit it.
These breeds are and have been raised in packs since they were tamed or even when they were in the wild. Hence, the gene is still there being they love to live in the pack. So, if you already own a couple of other dogs that will be good for them as an alternative to being alone
Please do remember that they do not like to be left alone for a period of time. Hence, if you are working from 9 till 5 it is advisable to have someone come in like every 3-4 hours and spent some time with them or take them for a walk. If not they can be very destructive.
Siberian Husky is a very healthy breed, but if their diet is not met and healthy meals not served they will be prone to disease. They will have problems in the eye like juvenile cataracts,comeal defects, and progressive retinal atrophy, and also they might contract occasional hip deformity known as dysplasia.
Get ready for their signature bark, which is howling. Some of us are not accustomed to this and might consider it a bad omen, but I see a beauty in it. I feel like I have raised a wolf not a dog.
Lastly, do remember this an adult Husky needs a 6-7 k.m brisk walk every day. This is the minimum, where the maximum is not outlined. It is nearly impossible to tire him out. Most Siberians must be exercised on a lead because of their urges to roam and hunt.