It will be no problem to find an ideal puppy for you, since the breed is quite popular. However, before you start looking, you need to learn as much as possible about Huskies. It is not a good idea to rely on your emotions; the best way to choose the right puppy is to do it with a cool head. If you are prepared to change your life and have enough time to spend with your new pet, then let’s go!
Essential Criteria
The first thing you need to consider is the color. For that, you might want to visit a local dog show to have a good look at all varieties of Huskies and have a few words with their masters.
Equally important is to choose the right breeder, i.e., the professional who operates a Husky kennel or the owner of a breeding bitch. Good breeders do not only want to make a lucrative deal; they also care for the future of the puppies they sell. A devoted professional will tell you everything you need to know about the care for your puppy and will share useful information about the breed. If necessary, they will assist you in making your puppy feel at home in your house.
As for the sex of your future pet, that depends on your preferences entirely. Husky males are usually big and strong animals, while females are quieter and more easily trained. However, do not take that at face value, because naturally each dog is unique and has its own character.
There are numerous cases of Husky males and females acting contrary to how they are supposed to be biologically programmed to behave. A male can react to a bitch on the rag and run after her, and a female can simply run away if you forget to lock the door. And you can consider yourself lucky if they return home on their own. Unfortunately, Huskies are not very likely to come back after they have escaped and been away for long.
If you would like your Husky to take part in dog shows, bear in mind that a male is always in his best form, while a female sheds extensively when in estrus or after she has given birth, not to mention seasonal shedding.
You will have to consider that your Husky will always pull at the leash, so a child or a petite and delicate woman will not be able to take it for walks.
You will also have to think about the place where you will take your dog for walks. If you live in a single-family home and plan to let your Husky do its business in the backyard, note that a male will mark his territory, pissing on trees and bushes, which could make them wither and die. A female will not do that, although both males and females can destroy your flowerbeds or dig up your vegetable garden.
An honest professional will always tell you all you need to know about the shortcomings of the puppy you have chosen. If a puppy possesses a feature or a characteristic that falls short of the generally accepted standards of the breed, it has little perspective to be accepted at dog shows later. Such puppies are usually less expensive; however, as they grow up, they may show the following defects:
- fur too long
- a tail to curled or too fluffy
- a shoulder too straight
- a wrong position of the tail
With time, the defects could get worse or, alternatively, disappear entirely. However, such problems as a snapped tail, abnormal bite, retained testis or an unusual color are considered serious defects and will be put into the birth certificate of the puppy.
Choosing a Husky for Dog Shows
It is not easy to identify a future champion in a litter of puppies. Aside from meeting all standards of the breed, you Husky has to be charismatic and likable. It is not easy, but it is quite possible, if you consult a professional breeder who is devoted to breeding Huskies specifically. It is true that a puppy that could potentially take part at dog shows will cost a lot of money, but money does not play the crucial role here. Most breeders are happy to sell puppies to people who are interested in dog shows and want to make their dog a champion.
You must understand, though, that even a highly experienced breeder cannot guarantee that the puppy you have purchased will definitely grow up to be a show class dog. Each breed has numerous subtypes, and the appearance of your dog will depend on it as well as on the pedigree. Most of the differences, however, are in the speed with which puppies grow up.
For instance, a puppy of late development at 1.5 months is still an ugly duckling, whereas one of early development looks more like a cute bear cub. At 6 to 8 weeks, the proportions of a puppy’s body are already close to those of an adult dog. That is why professional breeders recommend to choose a Husky puppy when it is at least 1.5 to 2 months old.
It is not possible to assess all physical and psychological features of a puppy all at once, better just to watch it for a while. Anyway, when choosing a puppy, you should be guided by the following characteristics:
- General appearance. The proportions of the puppy’s body are more important than the size. The puppy must be well-developed and have a good body balance.
- An energetic and friendly puppy will better suit for dog shows than a quiet and introverted one.
- Head and skull. At the age of 6 to 8 weeks, a puppy’s head to body proportion is the same as an adult Husky’s. The distance from the tip of the nose to the stop must be equal to the distance from the stop to the occiput. Puppies usually grow in bursts, so at times, their proportions may not meet the standards of the breed. There must be no spots on the tip of the nose. A too snipy or a too coarse head is considered a defect.
- They must be almond-shaped and set obliquely. Any shade of blue or brown, one of each color, or parti-colors are equally acceptable.
- Medium-sized, relatively close together, triangular in shape, tips slightly rounded. They must be set high on the head, the inner edges being quite close together at the base.
- Jaws must be strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e., upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
- Well furred, of round, fox brush shape set on just below level of topline and usually carried over back in graceful sickle curve. When carried up, it should not curl too tightly, nor should it snap flat against the back. The hair on the tail must be of medium length and approximately the same length all round. Puppies usually have less furry tails than adult dogs.
- It must be soft, fluffy and medium in length; too long fur is considered a defect. Overly furry puppies are usually sold as pet class dogs with no prospect to participate in dog shows. The breeder must inform the buyer of that in advance.
Buying a Husky puppy with an eye on participating in dog shows, you must understand that no puppy can grow up to be a champion without your help. You will have to overcome many obstacles and put in a lot of effort together. That is why it is so important to weigh the pros and cons before you go and buy your ideal dog.