New Subject: Siberian Huskies 101
This is Mrs. Idaho-ar15. Before you get all worked up over getting a puppy, you really should go to www.siberianrescue.com and look up your area. There are THOUSANDS of Sibes out there that need a good home, and if you get an adult, you don't have to go through those terrible teens that Huskies always have. Rescues do have puppies sometimes, but don't count on it.
I run an informal Rescue, and TRUST me...these dogs need people who can deal with them and understand them. They are NOT for everyone.
Go to this link
[url]http://shusky.hypermart.net/husky.htm[/url]
and take the profiler...it will tell you how well a Husky will fit in with your lifestyle.
Don't take this wrong, but here's a hint...NO REPUTABLE BREEDER WILL EVER EVER EVER SELL A PUPPY TO SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO GIVE IT AS A CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Statistically, dogs given as presents end up being rehomed MUCH more often than dogs who were acutally bought by the person who will own it. If it is to be given as a present, the recipient should be involved in picking out, researching the breeder, and have a say in the selection of the puppy.
Basically, if you find a breeder that will consent to sell a puppy that will be given as a surprise present, you don't really want to get a dog from that breeder. True reputable breeders will interview the buyer to find out if the home will be acceptable.
Some reasons you don't want to get a dog from a non-reputable breeder:
Genetic problems
Hip Displaysia (can be tested for)
Juvenile Cataracts (hereditary)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (hereditary)
Zinc defficiency (prevalent in Siberians)
Epilepsy (hereditary)
All these problems can be minimized by knowing the lines, and buying from a breeder who will know abou these things. Ask the breeder...if they don't know about them, you don't want to buy from that breeder.
Also, psychological and behavioral problems can be hereditary, as well as developmental...good breeders will have given the puppies a good socialization and do not sell them too early. Huskies need to be with their mothers until at LEAST 8 weeks and preferrably 10-12 weeks. They should have already had vaccinations before you buy them.
I have seen the effects of irresponsible breeding. It is not fun, and many many dogs have to be put down because they are unadoptable. This could have been prevented by responsible breeding.
AND, the difference between an Alaskan Husky, an Alaskan (two different types) and a Siberian is this:
The Siberians are recognized by the AKC. They have a breed standard and are bred for a specific look and purpose. The are from Siberia, originally, but the breed as it is today was really developed in America. They are bred to survive in awful conditions and require less food per pound than other breeds do.
The Alaskan, from what I understand, is a pure breed with pedigree history. However, it is not recognized by the AKC. I believe it may be recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club. IIRC, Susan Butcher used Alaskans. Take this paragraph with some reservations, I'm not 100% sure of these facts.
Alaskan Huskies are basically what they use in racing, such as the Iditarod. They're bred with northern breeds such as the Alaskan but many now contain sighthound blood. They are tough, determined, and usually fast as sin. Doug Swingley uses Alaskan Huskies.
Whew! Long post!