

Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get my puppy spayed/neutered?​
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We always recommend waiting at least until your puppy is a year old before spaying or neutering, especially if they are not at risk of getting pregnant or impregnating any other dogs they frequently come in contact with. One of the reasons for waiting is that surgeries are less risky for mature dogs compared with young puppies; one of the major concerns is the effects the anesthesia may have on younger dogs when they are put under for surgery. Another reason to wait is that your puppy's joints are still growing until it is 18-24 months old and staying intact helps to regulate growth hormones. Always talk to your vet and express your concerns and ask for their opinion when in doubt. We require our puppies to be spayed/neutered by 2 years of age.
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What are "parti-eyes" and "bi-eyes?"​
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"Parti-eyes" and "bi-eyes" are traits that are very common in the Siberian Husky breed and refer to the colors of their eyes. When a Siberian has "parti-eyes," it means that they have two colors in one eye or both. The main color could be brown or amber with a spot of blue or it could be blue with a spot of brown or amber; it could even be half and half! When a Siberian has "bi-eyes" it means that one eye is blue and the other eye is either brown or amber.
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What are the grooming requirements for woolly Siberian Huskies?​
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Siberian Huskies with woolly coats require to be brushed more frequently than a standard coat as their coat can get matted more easily, especially behind the ears, on the legs, and the rear end. A Husky will especially need frequent brushing when they are losing the soft undercoat beneath their guard hairs; this happens 1-2 times per year and is called "coat blowing" and can last weeks depending on how quickly the undercoat sheds. Siberian Huskies should not be bathed unless completely necessary as it could strip their coat of essential oils. If your Husky gets muddy, allow it to dry and then do a quick brushing session and it should be good as new! In addition to their coats staying fairly clean on their own, Huskies also don't carry that "doggy odor: that most breeds have, so bathing just becomes even less necessary. WARNING: DO NOT SHAVE YOUR SIBERIAN HUSKY. Their coat is designed to insulate them in cold weather as well as block out heat in warm weather; shaving them will only expose them to harsh UV rays and could cause permanent damage to their coat.
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Will an invisible fence work for my Husky?​
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The short answer is maybe. An invisible fence relies on a collar to send an electrical shock to your dog if they cross the invisible fence boundaries; the problem with this is the immense, thick coat that Huskies tend to have. Combining the thick coat with a Husky's desire to run is a dangerous mixture to rely on that electrical shock to stop your Husky from escaping their invisible boundaries. Sometimes using an invisible fence along with a solid fence will help to deter your Husky from escaping - but it may still happen. Here at Novel Siberians, we use a live, or hot, wire fence; this is the same type of fencing used for livestock and is perfectly safe for your dogs. We use a live wire fence in combination with a weld wire fence and we have had zero escapes, it can really be a lifesaver!
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Are Siberian Huskies hypoallergenic?​
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No, Siberian Huskies are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. Though they do not carry the normal "doggy smell," or need frequent baths like many short-haired breeds, anyone with allergies to dog dander or saliva will still react to being around a Husky. Please take this into consideration before deciding to add a Siberian to your life.
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​​What is the difference between limited and full registration?
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Full registration for events means that you have the ability to show your puppy in licensed AKC competitions and events to earn points and titles toward their name; full registration does not guarantee that your puppy will perform well or place in AKC events; puppies sold with full AKC registration for events are required to be spayed/neutered by 2 years of age. Full registration for the purpose of breeding means that you will have the option to keep your puppy intact and when they are of age, breed for the purpose of producing puppies; full registration does not guarantee that your puppy will have the ability to produce offspring. Limited registration does not come with any rights to show or breed but you will still have paperwork to show your puppy is purebred and the option to participate in certain AKC competitions and events; puppies sold with limited AKC registration are required to be spayed/neutered by 2 years of age.
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If I get 2 Siberian Husky puppies, what genders should I get?
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While every dog is different, and the way a puppy is raised is the largest factor over everything else, getting a male and a female puppy is usually the most recommended answer. If you have a male dog and plan to get a male puppy, one or both dogs should be neutered, as male dogs tend to fight for dominance when left unaltered; the same goes for a female-female dog household, one or both should be spayed to keep the peace more easily. This does not mean that all male-male and female-female pairs will have issues if left unaltered, but the chances of them fighting for dominance is increased if you do not spay or neuter one or both of them. If all dogs will be spayed or neutered, it comes down to personal preference.
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How large do Siberian Huskies get?
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Siberian Huskies are not as big as some people may think.. Their standard actually classifies them as a medium-sized breed. A fully mature male should range between 21-23 1/2 inches tall at the withers and weigh 45-60 pounds. A full mature female should range between 20-22 inches tall and weigh 35-50 pounds. You will find that the majority of our dogs and the puppies they produce fall within the standard size for Siberian Huskies.
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Do Siberian Huskies make good pets for first-time pet owners?
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Honestly, probably not. Siberian Huskies are usually only recommended for experienced dog owners, however doing your research can prepare you for the challenges of owning a Husky. Siberian Huskies can be stubborn, which tends to make them more difficult to train. They also have a high energy level and prey drive that can make new owners feel overwhelmed. Most Siberian Huskies that are surrendered to shelters can be attributed to new owners who were uneducated about the breed and did not realize the large amount of work they require. Huskies get separation anxiety and will become destructive if left alone for long periods of time and need to be exercised regularly. Those that do not have the time and patience to dedicate to training, will not be very successful in owning a Husky.​
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What type of brushes do you recommend for grooming?
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For grooming we recommend an undercoat rake for regular brushing (NOT one with blades like a Furminator), and a slicker brush for matted or tough areas. A high velocity blow dryer is also a great tool for grooming and helpful during coat blows!
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What is the difference between standard and woolly coats?​
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A standard plush coat has a soft, dense undercoat with medium-length, harsh guard hairs, whereas a woolly coat also has a soft, dense undercoat, but the guard hairs are less harsh to the touch and are longer in length. Woolly coats are seen with tufts of fur around the ears, feathering on the backs of the legs, and a long, plumed tail, and appearances of woollies will vary based on the density, coarseness, and length of the guard hairs; woolly coats will range from semi-woolly to extreme woolly in appearance. A standard coat Siberian Husky is what you would see in most show dogs, because the medium-length coat is what is considered standard for the Siberian Husky, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA); a woolly-coated Siberian could be disqualified from the show ring. Woolly coats are considered a fault in the breed because the longer coat distorts the overall appearance of the Siberian's build and could be a hindrance when hooked up to a sled for pulling, which is what Siberian Huskies were originally bred for; however, there woolly Siberian Husky owners who mush their dogs in harness successfully. Woolly coats will typically require more maintenance when it comes to grooming, which should be considered before adding a woolly puppy to your life.
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Is it safe to have Siberian Huskies around children?​
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Absolutely! Do not let the Husky's wolf-like appearance fool you, they are indeed very friendly dogs and make great family pets. They have a lot of energy so they can keep up with kids, and are durable and affectionate enough to deal with rough play from children. However, no one can guarantee that any dog will not attack if provoked and small, young children should never be left unsupervised around any dog. A great way to ensure success between children and dogs is to teach children the proper way to treat dogs and train your dog in obedience and proper behavior; children should never be under the impression that it is okay to tug on dogs or try to ride them.
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Do Siberian Huskies make good guard dogs?
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Generally, no. Since Siberian Huskies are usually so friendly, they are not likely to attack any unwanted visitors, and more likely to give them kisses! Huskies also tend not to bark very much so they might not alert you to anyone approaching either. Most likely the only people that will be scared off by a Husky are people that know nothing about the breed and mistake their wolf-like appearance as intimidating.
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Do Siberian Huskies do well with other animals?
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Siberian Huskies are pack animals so they do enjoy the company of other animals, but usually other Huskies or medium to large dogs. Siberian Huskies do not always do well with small animals such as smaller dogs, cats, and rodents due to their high prey drive; they are also pretty rough when playing. This is not to say that a Husky that is properly socialized and introduced to small animals at a young age can't live in harmony with your other pets, and even play gently with them. It is not typically recommended to add small animals to your family after you have brought your new puppy home, though, so if owning a cat and a Husky is your goal, make sure you get the cat first!
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