Breed Question

    • Gold Top Dog
    Unless your dog has been xrayed and OFA'd no matter waht the vet *thinks* that's a dangerous assumption......has he been shown and proven in conformation?
     
    No one is trying to be unkind, but, unless you are proving your dogs, doing all the genetic testing, etc, then you become a back yard breeder...someone who is not breeding to better the breed, but breeding for "other" reasons, in this case wanting a pup who may or may not turn out just like your current dog.  An unpapered dog should never be considered for breeding....you can't trace her bloodlines and you can't determine what genetic weakness might be in the lines, or if her momma went postal one day and took a chunk out of the mail carrier....these are important things to KNOW in order to make a determination as to breed or not to breed.  What we are trying to explain is that breeding should never be undertaken just because, but only after extremely careful research, genetic testing, bloodline research and proving the dogs in question either in the show ring or in some other manner.
     
    I too do rescue and foster care and it breaks my heart to think of even more pups being born because someone wants one like one of the parents....what about the other 8 or 10 in the litter?  Are they just expendable?
    • Puppy
    Wow.  I too am a new member to your forum, also a friend of Purple Chaps AND Kayjun's.  I think that although you all have a very valid point about backyard breeders, you have jumped on PC and she is merely asking a question. 
     
    PC, as you know, one of my dogs is a malamute/siberian husky cross.  He is 4, NOT fixed, and is one of the best dogs I have ever owned.  I have had numerous tests done on him, and he is healthy, AND happy.  He is also a rescue, as is my other dog, who is a shepherd/husky cross. 
     
    I know that backyard breeding is a hot topic, and rightfully so, it strikes a cord with many, as does horse slaughter.  However, Purple Chaps is not a breeder.  She just wants a puppy.....it's not her fault that someone wants to breed their husky to a non papered dog.  And, I might add that Kayjun is a wonderful dog, and is very kind and loving.
     
    I found it upsetting that people feel it is their right to tell someone else that they should or should not do something.  We are not her parents, and she is an adult and can make her own choices, as an informed adult.  THAT is why she is here, asking these questions, because she wants to make an informed decision. 
     
    Attack me if you wish, however, I think that she did the right thing, by coming to you to get information about possible problems.  As for her not being able to drive 8 hrs to get a rescue, you don't know her situation.....maybe she doesn't have a reliable vehicle, maybe she doesn't have the time to drive that far, maybe she can't leave her house!  MAYBE she is not able to drive????  You are too fast to judge, and not fast enough to offer her answers to her questions.  
     
    Can you all just take a step back, and answer her questions without attacking her personally?  She is a wonderful person, who only wants a husky puppy and does not want to pay out the ying yang for one!!!!!!
     
    Again, my dog is a malamute/siberian cross, and I would get another IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Gold Top Dog
    The questions were answered.... You can not predict the outcome of type or temperment on an outcross litter especially when there is little information about the family lines of both parents. 
     
    Rescues will transport a dog to a home,,, driving ability is not always a determining factor in getting a dog.
    • Gold Top Dog
    her questions have been answered...in spades...other options have been given...in spades...and she has knocked all of them out...because she will do what she will. We work from the information that SHE has given...we are not mind readers as to the state of her car..lol.
     
    As to it not being her fault...that is about the biggest single cop out there is for people who buy from BYB's and pet stores for that matter.
     
    Everyone should be aware, as an adult, that every  action has a reaction...like a ripple on the pond...and so will hers. If she can deal with that fine...but since so many of us here deal directly with said ripple effect's fallout...then we certainly are fit to give our opinions on it.
     
    Maggie...people want confirmation...not information. She got plenty of information, and instead of focusing on that, thanking those that gave it...she says feels "attacked", because she got opinions along with advice. Guess what...that's life. Not everyone is going to applaud or be down with decisions you make. And when you ask in essence a room full of hundreds of people what they think of your red dress...guess what, not everyone is going to like it. If you didn't want to know...why ask?
     
    I appreciate you wanting to defend your friend...but IMO she got advice, and she got her questions answered. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    However, Purple Chaps is not a breeder. She just wants a puppy.....it's not her fault that someone wants to breed their husky to a non papered dog.

     
    Understood. But when you buy from a backyard breeder (which is what these people are, for purposely breeding non-purebred dogs for no good reason) you support BYBing, you support the dog overpopulation problem, and you encourage more irresponsible breeders to pump out litters. Everyone here cares so much about dogs, and many are involved in rescue. As such, it makes us very upset when people want to support unnecessary and poorly thought-out breedings like this. Not being able to drive 8 hours is an excuse - we have already mentioned that some rescues can arrange transport. There are so many huskies, young and old, needing homes. It is silly to say "I can't find one".
    • Gold Top Dog
    and does not want to pay out the ying yang for one
     
    Bargain shopping for a dog has never made sense to me. Coffee maker, TV, toaster oven...sure.
     
    The contract and health/temperament guarantee and advice you get from a reputable breeder...or reputable rescue org., more than make up for any initial cost.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Maybe it's me but based on everything she and her friends are posting, it seems someone's seeking a validation not education. But for lurkers sake, allow me to break it down...
     
    Actually, no, I wasn't asking anyone to tell me my decision is okay.  I was asking others opinions on the cross breed.

     
    You asked and ye received. A lot of people have told you that impossible to predict traits in a mixed breed dog. Some pups may look/act like the dam, some may look/act like the sire and some may look/act like any other dog in the dam/sire's pedigree.
     
    I figured this would be a good place to ask. There are people here with many breeds of dogs and I was hoping that someone would be able to answer a few questions for me.

     
    Ye asked and ye did receive. This place is a wealth of information.
     
    That was all I asked. But when I polietly asked the questions I had a bunch of people jump on their soap box and practially insult me because "I'm supporting a BYB"

     
    Not only did you receive answers to your questions, you also received a bit more advice. And yes, if you do buy/receive one for free from someone who irresponsibly breeds, you are supporting a BYB.

    And as for those of you saying I'm not checking a shelter....if you go back and READ my posts instead of half of it and jumping to conclusions you will see I have said

     
    Ok, you checked "a" shelter and people have told you to try checking various shelters and rescues. No harm was meant. Some people don't even realize there are breed specific rescues out there and a lot of times, you can find just what you're looking for there.
     
    So please back off. I came looking for opinions on the breed, not looking for any sort of praise or awknowlegement for the fact that if we like the pups we will be getting one.

     
    Considering that a Husky/Malamute mix is not a breed, no one can tell you exactly what to expect.
     
    I have NO desire to SHOW OR BREED my dogs and thus feel the REDICULOUS prices that a breeder charges are not acceptable. I DO NOT need champion blood lines to have a family pet.

     
    Just because you don't plan on showing or breeding doesn't mean you should discount where you get your dog from. If you have any idea about responsible breeding then you can understand why they charge what they do but quite honestly, a responsible bred dog from a responsible breeder is usually costs the same or is slightly higher than an irresponsible bred dog.

    I also DO NOT want to get a dog that is more then a puppy. PERIOD. I already have a dog and I do not want to cause any problems by getting an older dog to throw in the mix.

     
    Who said you have to get an adult dog?

    And travelling 6-8 hours ONE WAY is not an option for us to get a dog from the Celtic rescue. Not to mention I have looked at the site before *Long before I stumbled upon this site and LONG before my friend decided to breed her dog* and they had NO puppies for adoption. We want to get a puppy, not an older dog to avoid as many head butting issues between the two dogs.

     
    Does your dog get along with dogs? The reason I ask is that if it has issues with older dogs, it may have issues with a younger one. Please make sure you socialize your dog with other dogs of various ages before you bring another one into the household.

    And like I had previously said, going to a breeder is out of the question as I REFUSE to pay $500-$1000 for a dog just because it came from a breeder. So all you folks that think it's okay because YOU YOURSELF ARE BREEDERS can get off your high and might soap box and go back to your over rated breeding world.

     
    $500 to $1000 is actually pretty cheap for a responsibly bred dog if that's what a responsibly bred Husky or Mal costs in your area. I'm not a breeder but I suggest going to a responsible breeder for various reasons. The chances of getting a dog that looks like the breed it's supposed to be, acts the way the breed is supposed to be, and is healthier is way higher than going to someone who put 2 dogs together just because they are the same breed/resemble each other and happen to live close by.

    I thought that a site like this would have some valuable information and not a bunch of people who are probably to timid to say boo to my face insult me over a simple question.

     
    This site has valuable information. That's if you're seeking information and not a validation. And believe me when I say whatever I say on here I would say to your face. I have the cojones to back up what I say. As if suggesting someone go to a responsible breeder or check out various rescues is such a horrific thing to say to someone in person. [8|]
     
    Now let's move onto the breeder...
     
    First of all,  I am the owner of the dog.  He is a purebred Siberian Husky.  He came from a very well known breeder who bred his for show.

     
    Was this dog sold as show or pet quality? The reason I ask is I don't know of many responsible show breeders, and not all show breeders are responsible folks, who would sell a pet quality dog on full registration or given full breeding rights nor do I know of any responsible show breeder who would sell a show quality dog without requiring it be shown and proven in conformation and/or other dog related events and would have no problem with the dog being bred willy nilly especially to a bitch of another breed/mix.
     
    Kayjun has ALL his vet records,  his hips and eyes have been checked at all visits.  No problem,  nor does the vet see a problem.

     
    Since when do vets OFA and CERF dogs on every vet visit?! Last time I checked, these things cannot be done by a regular vet nor are they done as part of a basic vet visit.
     
     
    He is a very well mannered dog,  not aggressive at all.

     
    Not a good reason to breed.

    The only reason I am breeding him is so I can have a pup that may have some if not most of the characteristics as him. 

     
    Still not a good reason to breed as the pups are not guaranteed to come out exactly like the sire. They may take after the dam or they may take after any other dog in the pedigrees.
     
    I didn't chose his mate,  she came to me.

     
    What is this? The Canine Love Connection. Uh no. Dogs don't breed because they happen to like the bitch/dog in question. They breed because nature tells them they need to procreate. They don't breed out of emotion.
     
    I am not going to tell her she can't breed her dog,  just because non has papers!!  Nor an I some back yard breeder [:@]

     
    Of course you can tell someone she shouldn't breed her dog because it would be an irresponsible thing. If she chooses to do so, that's her business BUT you can control what you do with YOUR dog. And if you choose to breed your dog based on everything you've stated here, then you would be an irresponsible breeder.
     
    I am looking to own a registered bitch,  or atleast another purebred dog,  even if no papers are there.

     
    While registration is important, that's not a good enough reason to breed.
     
    I am NOT going to breed unless I see that she is UTD on all shots as well.

     
    If shots and registration is the only requirement for breeding, you have very low standards. What about pedigree research? Don't you want to know what's lurking behind those lines as the past can and will affect the future? What about health issues? Husky's are prone to some [linkhttp://www.shca.org/shcahp4d.htm]health issues[/link] and so are [linkhttp://www.alaskanmalamute.org/Health/health.asp]Malamutes[/link]. There are tests that can help rule these things out. Do you plan on utilizing these things and/or requiring that the bitch will tested for these things as well? Considering that Husky's and Mal's can have large litters, what of the other pups? How will you ensure that they will find loving forever homes and will not be irresponsibly bred or end up in shelters or rescues? Most importantly, what are you doing that will be considered a positive contribution to the breed? There are enough irresponsibly bred dogs in this world. Do you want to add to that or do you want to do something that will be of benefit to the breed?
     
     
    I can't believe that you all jumped at the thought of this!!!!

     
    Considering that millions of animals are euthanized yearly due to a lack of homes and that many breeds are going down the crapper because of irresponsible breeding practices, I'm surprised that you'd think that people would keep their traps shut at the hint of irresponsible breeding.
     
    Now let's move on to her friend...
     
    Wow.  I too am a new member to your forum, also a friend of Purple Chaps AND Kayjun's.  I think that although you all have a very valid point about backyard breeders, you have jumped on PC and she is merely asking a question. 

     
    No one jumped on her. She asked questions, she received answers. Not our fault she didn't like the answers she received. I can only control what I say not how others feel.

    PC, as you know, one of my dogs is a malamute/siberian husky cross.  He is 4, NOT fixed, and is one of the best dogs I have ever owned.  I have had numerous tests done on him, and he is healthy, AND happy.  He is also a rescue, as is my other dog, who is a shepherd/husky cross. 

     
    What "numerous tests" have you done on him?

    I know that backyard breeding is a hot topic, and rightfully so, it strikes a cord with many, as does horse slaughter.  However, Purple Chaps is not a breeder.  She just wants a puppy.....it's not her fault that someone wants to breed their husky to a non papered dog.  And, I might add that Kayjun is a wonderful dog, and is very kind and loving.

     
    I know she's not a breeder. She's considering getting an irresponsibly bred dog and by getting an irresponsibly bred dog you have supported an irresponsible breeder. Just because someone irresponsibly breeds does NOT mean you have to support their breeding practices. By taking a pup, you ARE supporting irresponsible breeding practices.

    I found it upsetting that people feel it is their right to tell someone else that they should or should not do something.  We are not her parents, and she is an adult and can make her own choices, as an informed adult.  THAT is why she is here, asking these questions, because she wants to make an informed decision. 

     
    If someone is on here asking for advice, that's sounds like they're looking for help on what they should or shouldn't do. A lot of people gave advice as to what she should do. What she chooses to do is up to her.

    Attack me if you wish, however, I think that she did the right thing, by coming to you to get information about possible problems.

     
    I agree getting information is a great things. Getting mad about the information received is beyond me.
     
    As for her not being able to drive 8 hrs to get a rescue, you don't know her situation.....maybe she doesn't have a reliable vehicle, maybe she doesn't have the time to drive that far, maybe she can't leave her house!  MAYBE she is not able to drive????  You are too fast to judge, and not fast enough to offer her answers to her questions.  

     
    I've always felt that when there's a will, there's a way. If she doesn't have a reliable vehicle, perhaps she has a friend, especially the ones posting here in her defense, do have a reliable vehicle and would be willing to help her out. After all, that's what friends are for. Doesn't have time to drive? Again, when there's a will, there's a way. She can't leave her house? If she can't leave her house, perhaps someone, such as her friends, can get the dog for her. Then again, if she can't physically leave the house, how can she maintain a breed that was bred to run and needs some frequent and heavy exercise in order to maintain it correctly?

    Can you all just take a step back, and answer her questions without attacking her personally?  She is a wonderful person, who only wants a husky puppy and does not want to pay out the ying yang for one!!!!!!

     
    Who is attacking her? No one is attacking her. Unless you consider not supporting her decision to purchase from an irresponsible breeder to be an attack. She doesn't have to pay out the "ying yang" for a dog. She can buy from whomever she wants. However, I don't support irresponsible breeding so I can't help her out on that one.
     
    Again, my dog is a malamute/siberian cross, and I would get another IN A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     
    Good for you and lucky for you, yet unfortunately for the dogs, there's LOTS of them languishing in shelters and rescues. The majority made it there due to the irresponsible breeding your friend is about to support.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Bargain shopping for a dog has never made sense to me. Coffee maker, TV, toaster oven...sure.


    [sm=rotfl.gif]

    Thanks for the big smile, Gina.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Two responsible sibe breeders I know charge between $450-600 for pet puppies. That's a far cry from $1000.

    If you can't afford $450 for a pup, what on earth are you going to do if the dog gets hit by a car, has a run-in with a porcupine, or eats something he shouldn't? $450 is a perfectly reasonable amount to save up in 2-3 months (I assume you *won't* want to be housebreaking in the middle of a Nova Scotia winter, anyway?)
    • Bronze
    I live in Texas where huskies are not really all that popular and our local SPCA usually has tons of them. Back when I was still living with my parents they got two husky mixes from the shelter and they weren't even looking for a husky. Of course that was years ago, but even when I went with my mother-in-law a couple years ago to try to find a small dog they had several husky mixes there. I know you want a puppy, which a shelter might not have, but there is a good chance that they'll have a young dog that will fit into your family perfectly. My point is in a place where huskies are popular you might be surprised by how many of them there are in your local shelters.
    About the mix I really can't say. I think really a lot of depends on how the genes all line up. The best dog I ever had was a GSD/husky mix. He was sweet and loving and just wonderful to be around. Then we had a husky/chow who was like a cranky old man. He would be happy one second and be a total jerk to everyone the next.
    Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
    Pwca - I agree with you completely. I also think that it's reasonable to pay several hundred dollars for a dog that you know is healthy and has good, healthy parents. I think that you and Brookcove gave the best advice that anyone could have.
    M.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Yes you are a back yard breeder if you believe it or not.
     
    You are free to do what you want but right now we have 4 Huskies at our HIGH kill shelter.
     
    I am sure you can find a great rescue dog, or a well bred dog with the same characteristics of your dog..
     
    Intetntionally mixing dogs while those mixes die in shelters is wrong. There are tons of Huskies alone euthanize every year. Tons of Mals too. The mixes, at least at our shelter, get a whole lot less time.
     
    And if you had gotten your dog from a well respected person you wouldnt be able to breed it because you would have signed a contract stating the dog will be fixed at 6 months of age. Or else the breeder doesnt know that you didnt get your dog fixed, in that case you can be sued.
     
    It is a free country, you can breed your dog to whatever you want to breed him to, but I really dont think that anyone on here is going to say what you are doing is okay. My advise is why dont you ask a respectable (truly responsible. shows their dogs, only breeds a litter or two a year) Husky or Mal breeder what they think of it? If you are looking for a Husky with certain traits, talk to a rescue or a RESPONSIBLE breeder.
     
    [linkhttp://pet-o-nomics.com/home/?p=15]http://pet-o-nomics.com/home/?p=15[/link] -BYB vs Resposible breeder
    • Gold Top Dog
    I thought that a site like this would have some valuable information and not a bunch of people who are probably to timid to say boo to my face insult me over a simple question.

     
    What you are interpreting as "a bunch of people....insult"ing you is in fact a bunch of people who are involved actively in dog rescue, some that volunteer and spend countless hours comforting throw away pets before they are euthanized, and others, like myself, that do what they can to rescue and aid in the rescue of particular breeds.  What you see as a "simple question" is in fact an insult to most of us.  Dogs are the focus of many of our lives, despite whatever jobs we may hold.  We don't take lightly the whelping of a litter of mixed breed dogs that just as likely will end up in the shelter as in a good home.
     
    I'm sorry that you're not getting the "atta girl your new dog is gonna be great" pat on the back that you wanted, but we don't mince words when it comes to saving just one dog's life.  If there is the possibility that we could save the lives of an entire litter, or multiple litters of pups I don't think there's anything that most of us wouldn't do.
     
    I just had my female spayed-she was pregnant.  I could have sold the pups for alot of money.  But I opted for something more responsible.  She was also a rescue, an adult rescue- and she fit seamlessly into the framework of my household.  Just a thought for you there.
     
    As for your original question:  A mal/husky cross will need copious amounts of exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy.  You're looking at 2-5 miles of running every other day just to keep this dog in shape and to prevent digging, destruction of property, escapism, and other boredom related behaviors.  Your dog will be drivey.  I hope you don't have cats, if you do, you'd better start thinking about where they'd hide.  Your dog will be prone to sunrise howling, so if your neighbors don't like noise you might consider moving.  Your dog will shed.  And when you think he's done shedding, he'll lay down more fur than you thought you knew possible.  Your dog will probably play more aggressively than other dogs, and because of the curly tail, will likely not be completely understood by other dogs-leading to violent encounters. 
     
    Your dog will also be big.  80-120lbs big.  If you're not prepared to provide adequate space and good food for this dog, this dog will seek it elsewhere.  There is no fence that can stop a husky when it wants to escape.  Your dog will be quite stubborn, and will try to train you rather than the other way around- So basic, and advanced obedience are necessities rather than accessories.
     
    I hope this shed some light on "the breed" for you.
    • Puppy
    Unfortunatly this breed is very close to the "wild" therefore is makes them unpredictable and agressive. Huskies, Malamutes, and wolfs, all have strong pack instincts.

    These are things that the hybrids are prone to doing. That is why people say they do not make good pets.
    • Gold Top Dog
    ORIGINAL: dogguy

    Unfortunatly this breed is very close to the "wild" therefore is makes them unpredictable and agressive. Huskies, Malamutes, and wolfs, all have strong pack instincts.

    These are things that the hybrids are prone to doing. That is why people say they do not make good pets.


     
     
    Err...Huskies and Malamutes are no closer to "the wild" than any other breed of dog. Nor are the unpredictable and agressive. They're not wolf hybrids, nor are any of the other northern breeds, they're dogs. Strong, drivey, working dogs, but dogs nonetheless. [8|]
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm not sure which breeds, other than the chow are considered primative breeds....close to their origins, or at least closer than other breeds.  These could be among those "primatives"