Siberian Huskies

My 12-year-old son came home from school the other day and told me that several of his classmates want to get one of 'those blue-eyed Siberian dogs' from the movie.  As if '102 Dalmatians' wasn't enough, now it's 'Snow Dogs' and the Siberian Husky breed that has caught on as the latest 'in' dog to have.  Shortly after the release of the 1997 Disney movie '101 Dalmatians', it was estimated that 10,000 Dalmatians were mass-produced for quick profit.  The results were disastrous as the spotted dogs were left on shelter doorsteps, abandoned and euthanized at alarming rates and in record numbers.  Dalmatian rescue groups across Canada and the US could not begin to handle the number of dogs needing 'new homes'.   Are we destined to repeat history with the Siberian Husky?  Let's hope we have learned something from our past flights of fancy.

Paul and Nedi Sweeny operate the Siberian Husky Emergency Boarding and Adoption (SHEBA) Foundation in the Belleville area.  It is a non-profit rescue organization that has been devoted to Siberian Huskies in need for over 17 years. Paul and Nedi have invaluable insight about the breed and have the following information to share.

 

Siberian Huskies originated in the Kolyma River Region of Siberia and were imported to Alaska in 1909; however, their use as working dogs dates back as far as 1668 with the Inuit.  They were bred by the Chukchi Tribes as companions / hunters / and indispensable means of transportation. Capable of covering hundreds of miles in the most extreme of winter conditions, they are known for their endless energy levels.  Huskies were originally bred to be independent thinkers and have been referred to as 'harder to motivate' when it comes to getting their attention. 

As a rule the Siberian Husky has a high prey drive which can be quite predominant with small animals. This breed often can not be 'walked' enough to burn off their energy levels therefore, it is essential that the dog have a large, fenced area where they can be safely exercised. Huskies are also known for being escape artists, so be sure your fence is secure and check for gaps under the fence line. As with all canines, Siberian Huskies need to be part of the family; they do not fare well when left alone for extended periods of time. Far too many people acquire Huskies as 'outdoor' dogs because of their thick fur and northern background.  The dog is banished to live a life of isolation and solitude tied to a doghouse in a backyard, we have seen it too often.  No dog of any breed should be subjected to endure such a life.

These dogs have been known to 'chew anything', 'dig anywhere', 'run any distance' and 'howl at anything'. High energy levels and inattention account for 85% to 90% of their behavior 'problems' which can be traced back to human errors in training, lack of training, or misunderstanding breed behavior.

When Huskies shed their heavy coats they can produce enormous amounts of hair and don't forget that undercoat!

Huskies don't generally bark, but tend to sing and howl.

 The Sweeny's are bracing themselves for something they hope doesn't happen - thousands of displaced, abandoned and neglected Huskies.  They hope by providing information about the breed they can not only educate people but also dissuade those who may be acquiring a Husky for all the wrong reasons.

SHEBA is a non-profit organization, which operates solely on donations and does rescue work strictly for the love of the breed. SHEBA helps Siberian Huskies from shelters and owners who will no longer care for their dogs or no longer make the time to spend with them. Some of the dogs are with SHEBA for months, others for years, and a few will be there for the rest of their lives.   All dogs adopted from SHEBA are spayed or neutered prior to placement.  Financial support is always greatly appreciated.

For more information contact:

Paul and Nedi Sweeny

SHEBA FOUNDATION (Siberian Husky Emergency Boarding and Adoption)

(613) 396-3695 or visit their web site at www.shebafoundation.com