Yes, that is my mother's fat beagle. As much fur - #112937919 added by Dember at Dog Headgasm

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#10 - GEARBOY

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(03/04/2014) [-]

I'm counting down the days until I can get a husky

#72 to #10 - anon id: fe458d32

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(03/04/2014) [-]

This is my husky.

He's just a year old, he's very energetic and if I don't take him for a walk every day he'll start jumping on the couch pushing all the cushions onto the floor and run around the like a crazy kangaroo. And he always makes this face

#73 to #72 - anon id: fe458d32

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(03/04/2014) [-]

another picture of him

#82 to #73 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

My husky/lab mix used to have a really silly smile too.

I miss her. < 3

#32 to #10 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Amazing dogs, but please make sure you've done enough research on them first. Just to name a few potential problems that most owners have: they shed, they hop six foot tall fences, they dig out of yards within minutes; they get bored easily and that means they can become destructive.
They were bred to run and explore and generally cannot be "off-leash" trained or taught not to wander off - and they will not come home if they do.

They are very active and need a lot of exercise to keep them happy, especially for the first year or two. They are social, friendly, good-natured dogs but they still need socialization (preferably at a young age) to make sure they aren't shy, skittish, fearful or even overenthusiastic when it comes to jumping all over people and sometimes nipping out of excitement.

They can be strong-willed (see: stubborn) and training will be difficult, so professional obedience classes (from an experienced teacher who has worked with more than low-challenge breeds such as labs and golden retrievers) would be advisable.

I've got four of them and I love them to death but I definitely wouldn't recommend them for most people, just out of fairness to the animal.

And people are NOT kidding you when they say "they shed", seriously. This is mine and when he blows his coat, you can get this out of him daily and it just doesn't stop. We've come to the conclusion that it's just part of our daily routine to eat, drink, sleep in and breathe dog hair.

But hey, if you really are well-prepared, then by all means I wish you the best of luck with your future husky. After the first year with him or her, one of two things will happen: you'll either never want to own another - or you'll never want to have anything else. Have fun! C:

#76 to #32 - anon id: 7942cf7e

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(03/04/2014) [-]

They're great running partners as long as you live someone cool.

#67 to #32 - epicethan

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(03/04/2014) [-]

THERES A DOG SLEEPING IN THE TOP RIGHT

#79 to #67 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Yes, that is my mother's fat beagle. As much fur as my huskies shed, at least their coats are soft and cottony - these beagles have stiff, pointy, singular hairs that embed themselves into every article of clothing and furniture available and jab into you like porcupine quills. I'd pick my "could stuff a mattress with dog hair"-shedding huskies any day.

#80 to #79 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

The other one is somehow even fatter...

#55 to #32 - milthyfoustache

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(03/04/2014) [-]

My friend has a Husky and I could not deal with having one haha, it does not leave me alone EVER when I'm at his house. I'm used to my golden retriever much less hard work

#81 to #55 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Yes, they are a very people-oriented breed who love their human pack members as well as any others that come to visit, especially if raised well of course. You're more likely to encounter a husky with bad manners who wants to jump or climb all over you, than a husky who is shy or skittish.

Mine are very enthusiastic about visitors too but I do my best to make sure they are polite. They're not too bad about disrespecting personal space because they know if they can't behave nicely, I'll just separate them from whatever they find interesting and that's practically a punishment for such social and affectionate animals.

Some people actually like how friendly they are, though. My neighbor usually ends up with one on his lap every time he comes over because he calls them up.

#83 to #81 - milthyfoustache

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(03/04/2014) [-]

My friends is only like 1ish so it's mental. It jumps up me and like kicks me in the face and puts his face in my crotch. It's quite funny though because if you stroke his chest his just stops dead and stands there and when you stop he carries on

#84 to #83 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

You might be unknowingly encouraging the behavior, actually. The best thing you can do when visiting a hyper husky (or any dog) is to completely ignore them. It's your attention they want and if being a nuisance is what gets it from you, they'll just get worse. Don't look at them, just turn your side or back to them and pretend they aren't there. Once they settle dog, calmly pet them - not with high-pitched baby talk and not with lots of enthusiasm, just calmly. If you set the energy level yourself and ignore them when they're being impolite, they get the hint quickly enough. One year old is indeed just a big puppy though. They're the most hyper until they're two or three years old.

#85 to #84 - milthyfoustache

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Yeah I ignore him I think it's just cos he's a babby and I'm used to my old dog, she was a nightmare until she was about 1 and a half then she was the calm as anything. Picture of her cotching deep

#86 to #85 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Not necessarily. I have huskies that are seven years old and they act the same toward guests as they did at one year old. Golden retrievers just have much different behaviors than any husky you will meet and are rather calm, lazy, low-energy dogs by comparison. They're good dogs but I personally wouldn't want one, if only because of how heavily prone to cancer they are, even from good breeders. Most will get it at some point. They can be very sweet animals though, I know many of them out at the dog park and most are pretty good-natured.

#87 to #86 - milthyfoustache

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(03/04/2014) [-]

I've never heard of the cancer problem golden retrievers. But that's because they're pretty different dogs depending on what country you live in (I'm British)

#88 to #87 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

You may have just lucked out so far, honestly. Different areas have different standards of the breed of course, but the majority of Goldens (and Boxers, for instance) are just prone to cancer, in the same way that German Shepherds and Rottweilers are unfortunately prone to hip dysplasia.

#35 to #32 - GEARBOY

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(03/04/2014) [-]

How long do you walk them? o:

#36 to #35 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

When I do walk them, it's usually for an hour or two, but I generally don't because a walk tends to tire me out far more than it does them. I actually have X-back sledding harnesses and I take mine urban mushing; just a scooter and sidewalks, but they love it and I can actually keep up while they get to run and pull like they were designed to do.

I also happen to live in California, where 110 degree weather occurs for months on end. During that time, most are fairly lazy and won't go outside longer than it takes to do their business, but I do have a treadmill they enjoy using in air-conditioned comfort.

Their all time favorite activity is going to the dog park, though, or just having meet-ups with their friends and relatives. They'll play for hours on end until the car ride home is nothing but dead silence and a pile of exhausted dogs in the back seat.

We're actually moving soon and the new yard is a huge fenced lot, about the size of the dog park we go to so they'll be able to run and play and have their buddies over as often as we want.

#39 to #36 - GEARBOY

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(03/04/2014) [-]

I'm noting down the tips Everything is fine at my end - I like jogging every morning and I can get used to the grooming.

However, despite me living in the UK- I like to have a warm house /: So what would you suggest I do?

#45 to #39 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

And you know, good on you for being open to learning. A lot of people think they know everything or that a different breed of dog can't possibly be any different than a larger version of the chihuahua they successfully raised, and when it comes to an unprepared owner or an inadequate home, it's the animal that suffers as a result.

It's good you're being responsible. Just check lots of educational websites and maybe invest in a couple good books about the breed, perhaps join a facebook group or two if that's your thing. You and your new best bud will do just fine.

Feel free to keep my name if you have any questions or email me at xDember@gmail.com , I'm on here regularly and I'm always happy to help out. I won't claim to be an expert but I've had Siberians for nearly a decade and I've learned a lot about them.

#41 to #39 - Dember

Reply +4 123456789123345869

(03/04/2014) [-]

A warm house is fine. If you're comfortable, a husky usually will be too. Worst case scenario, if they're panting a lot and seem restless, get them a nice box fan to set on the floor near where they like to lay. Problem solved. Mine do great with the AC on in the summer, or just the windows opened up on cooler days. If they have to stay outside for any length of time, make sure your yard's fencing is climb-proof, dig-proof, and has plenty of shade, shelter and fresh water.
Mine always appreciate a pool during the spring and summer here, but they're indoor-only unless supervised for their safety and for my peace of mind. I'm hoping to fix up the yard at our new place so it'll be escape-proof even by husky and wolfdog standards and then they can have the run of it and go in and out as they please.

#48 to #41 - GEARBOY

Reply +1 123456789123345869

(03/04/2014) [-]

So how exactly to you make a yard...dig-proof?

And have any of them escaped before? o:

#49 to #48 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

There are multiple ways to do it. You basically just need a perimeter at the base of your fence. Some use concrete, but the best tends to be wire fencing laid down flat to prevent the dirt from being displaced.

Here is an example of a high-content wolfdog in a specially made enclosure to prevent them from getting loose, because when born and raised in captivity, even a pure wolf would die a slow death - or a quick one, if someone decided to shoot them when they wandered close to people looking for food. Look under the feet - there is "dig-proof" wire along the entire base of the fencing.

To keep them from going over the fence instead of under it, you can add a lean-in (such as with barb-less wire), but make sure the fence is at least six feet tall already. The higher, the better - they not only jump, but can climb as well. Even a juvenile can hop a four foot fence with ease, and five feet isn't much better unless constantly supervised.

My oldest boy has only gotten loose once - because just by watching us do it enough, he learned how to unlock the deadbolt and open our front door while we were outside barbecuing without him. Luckily I glanced in the house, noticed the door wide open and when I ran out to catch him, he was mostly just happy to see me and he did come running right back. Hit me like a torpedo too, but most won't do that.
Thankfully I've never genuinely lost any of them, no. I'm very vigilant because I know if I did, chances are, I'd never see them again unless I found their body hit by a car.

They are very fun and intelligent dogs but if you want a pet who will follow obediently (or mindlessly) at your heel, it's probably best to get a nice labrador or toy poodle instead.

#50 to #49 - GEARBOY

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(03/04/2014) [-]

I'm still going to go with husky I'm afraid

My uncle has two of them and they always follow him by his side - when asked he said that you need to make them know that 'you' are the pact leader or something. So whenever the dogs notice trouble they tend stand behind him and see how he deals with the situation.

#51 to #50 - Dember

Reply +2 123456789123345869

(03/04/2014) [-]

I'm not saying "off-leash trainable" huskies don't exist - I'm saying, don't expect yours to be that way. As a trait of the breed, they generally are not. It's like expecting a golden retriever not to fetch.

It has nothing to do with training or being a good pack leader; it's the fact that this is a breed with hundreds of generations of deeply-ingrained instinct to run ahead of their humans as fast and as far as they can go. Even the best mushing teams generally will not stop on command, that is why sleds and rigs have brakes.

It's in their blood to run and explore and while they will enjoy your company and love you like no other, most simply will not restrict themselves for you. I'm glad your uncle hasn't lost either of his yet, but it may just be a matter of time.
Whether they spot a squirrel or a cat, another dog, a bicycle; or if a car backfires or a loud truck goes by, you can't control the world around you and you can't predict what a free-running animal might do.

Leash laws were invented for a reason and if you care about your companion, you won't mind using one for their health and wellbeing. I promise they are just as happy on one as they are off, and a lot safer too.
Don't take my word for it. Ask several people with huskies and other nordic breeds like malamutes and similar. I know literally dozens and out of all of them, only one "mostly" listens when off-leash.

I like to use a 30-foot leash for mine on fun outings so they can really explore, but I can always reel them in if I need to.

#71 to #51 - GEARBOY

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(03/04/2014) [-]

haha no they are are on leashes, I forgot to mention, but they never pull on the leash and tend to walk by his side. My uncle is a pretty strict disciplined guy - I can understand that a decent number of huskies don't listen well but he seems to have done a good job.

Moreover, he lives in the country side - so there are not that many surprises that will them running Granted they do get excited when they spot a fox - but when he yells for them to come back to his side he always then praises them to (I suppose) reinforce that aspect of obedience for reward. He also has a lot of 1 word commands which make the whole game easier so I think with the right amount of commitment you can get something close to what you want.

From some people's perspectives - they would think if I'm not mistaken 'oh here's another guy who just wants a dog for its looks or whatever, he has no idea what he is in for' - that's a fair assessment - since there are alot of kids on the internet who point and say 'I want!' at whatever looks cute. However, I think I will make the effort to make the best out of one when the time comes ^_^ haha

That's an adorable picture by the way

#78 to #71 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Oh, then we seem to be on the same page. Yes, huskies can definitely be trained not to pull on a leash - it doesn't mean it will be easy, but it can be done. Mine walk great on a leash, even all together - unless I put them in their harnesses, because the X-back sledding design promotes pulling (it makes it much more comfortable for the dog) and they want to run.
Good for him for being responsible with his huskies. Anyone who absolutely refuses to use a leash is just asking for an accident to happen in my opinion. Even in "the country", which people falsely presume to be a magical safe haven for dogs and cats, has a lot of dangers for a free-roaming house pet.

Of course huskies are always naturally beautiful, but aesthetic values aren't really the main reason I like them so much. First and foremost, I love how long-lived with about a twelve to fifteen year lifespan, they are and that they have very few common health problems - they "can" get hip and eye problems, but unless you buy from a bad breeder whose breeding dogs have these, you're unlikely to ever see them except for perhaps arthritis in the senior years. They have sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin (NEVER shave them or give them haircuts, not even a thin layer; they get sunburns, skin infections and even skin cancer).
Other than that, they are highly intelligent with "problem solving" thinking minds that might make you feel a bit disappointed by the IQ of other dogs, as if something is missing. They are very clean and generally don't stay dirty, I bathe mine about once a year at most and they never smell, nor do they get a "wet dog smell" either.
For all those reasons and more, they're definitely one of my top favorite breeds.

#38 to #36 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

These are my others, by the way. Four husky mixes and a pomeranian who can out-energize them all; that one is like a little bombshell full of rocket fuel.

Out of all of them, I would say my husky/shepherd mix (pictured on the far right) is the easiest to handle and the best behaved.
All dogs are individuals and mixes are particularly diverse, but I would definitely suggest a dog just like her for anyone who likes huskies but wants a bit less of a challenge. She has more drive to please and usually listens better; if you can handle the average border collie, you could probably raise this dog very well. She loves everyone but unlike most huskies, she's also a very good watchdog.

If anyone wants a low-shedding husky, I would recommend what they call a working husky. The two on the left are from sprint racing lines (mother and daughter) and they have shorter, smoother coats. They do lose a few clumps of fur seasonally, but otherwise they're minimal shedders, especially compared to my other two.

#66 to #38 - cmilanes

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Oh my gawd that pomeranian tho. Its just like **** ur **** i am huskee

#77 to #66 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Haha, yeah, she likes big dogs. Even at the dog park, she won't really play with the little ones, they're usually either timid or ornery and she likes the big goofballs like her 90-pound Newfoundland buddy.

My mother actually has a pom too and he's best friends with my oldest male husky who doesn't really like any of the girls.
He's bros with the pom though.

#40 to #38 - Dember

Reply +8 123456789123345869

(03/04/2014) [-]

And last but most certainly not least, this is the sire of the pup I'm getting this year. He does have some husky in him also, as well as malamute and shepherd, but primarily he is an upper-mid content wolfdog who will be paired with a high-content (mostly wolf) female. I'm very excited - but if anyone thinks a husky is a lot of trouble, don't even consider a wolfdog. Even true low-contents (very little wolf percentage) will requite far more effort and special care.

#27 to #10 - bitchesbanthymine

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(03/04/2014) [-]

They're cute but overrated unless you like hair everywhere.

#42 to #27 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

Best friends are worth more than some leftover fur on your clothes and furniture.

#26 to #10 - HAwAII

Reply +5 123456789123345869

(03/04/2014) [-]

As a husky owner, there are two things I don't like about huskies.
1.) They shed A LOT. I can probably make another husky with all the fur I've groomed from him
2.) They make smelly poopies.

Other than that, they're amazing.

#43 to #26 - Dember

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(03/04/2014) [-]

What are you feeding yours? Diet is important for any dog, but if yours has especially stinky poop, it may be a problem. Huskies have notoriously sensitive stomachs - about the only "health problem" of the breed, but it can be a real issue.
Especially considering most dog foods contain nothing but corn, meat by-products (slaughterhouse waste), and usually dead cats and dogs from vets and shelters.

#90 to #43 - HAwAII

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(03/05/2014) [-]

Blue Buffalo, as well as occasional cucumbers/carrots as snacks/treats. ****** expensive but worth it.

#91 to #90 - Dember

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(03/05/2014) [-]

Excellent brand, one of the best you can buy - but I have actually heard of quite a few dogs who didn't tolerate it very well; most of them huskies or wolfdogs that were part nordic breed such as husky or malamute, which often do have very sensitive stomachs. If he has any stomach issues, you could try another brand of comparable quality just to see if that might be causing it.

I have four husky mixes, a pomeranian and an elderly cattle dog mix and I feed them all Kirkland Signature, which is made by the Diamond brand.
It's rated to be four-stars and only ranked below Blue because it does use some rice and potatoes, which are healthy and easy to digest, but less nutritional than another named meat source would be.

They all do great on it, and the price is a real blessing - the dog food is just $27 for a 40 pound bag of adult dog kibble - $14 for 20 pounds of puppy food - and the cat food is $18 for 25 pounds.

#92 to #91 - HAwAII

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(03/05/2014) [-]

At first, I tried 2 brands whom which I forget. One was a disk-shaped food and the other was pellet shaped. Both made his poopies very watery and smelly. Then I said to hell with it, bought BB, and now his poopies are only smelly. Which is better than watery and smelly, because it's a pain to grab watery poopies.

#93 to #92 - Dember

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(03/05/2014) [-]

Absolutely. I couldn't tell you what they might be without seeing them, but considering just how very many - including (especially) commercial brands that are "vet recommended" are actually complete garbage with nothing but indigestible crap and disgusting spoiled meat from god only knows what source, it's a wonder more don't get sick.
Plenty do solely because of their poor diets though, fed by well-meaning owners who don't know any better and believe advertisements, labels and so-called professionals who promote it.

Good on you for providing yours with such a healthy food, and sorry to hear he has especially smelly waste anyway. I know I sure don't miss the days mine had constant stomach upsets before we found out about all of this, but they do excellent on the brand we use now.

#16 to #10 - jumabe

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(03/04/2014) [-]

that pic, so awesome XD

#14 to #10 - undeadpenguin

Reply +4 123456789123345869

(03/04/2014) [-]

I feel you man

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