I’m not fat. I’m Husky.

TRACY BRITT, CERTIFIED MASTER DOG TRAINER

Within the last few years I took my very first trip to warm, beautiful, Southern California at the ripe old age of 40-something. What took me so long to take that trip remains to be answered, but I did have a lot of takeaways from that trip that left me wondering. First, how does one afford a 300 thousand square foot mansion; hovering over a cliff with scenery only the gods themselves could have come up with? Secondly, what do they eat there? How can an entire region of people be so fit, thin and beautiful? Do carbs even exist in this region? Lastly, and probably most importantly, why would one of the most popular dogs there be a breed that was bred for colder climates? I saw so many of these dogs, and as a chubby girl being a cool climate sympathizer myself, I felt for the thick coated pups as sweat poured down the back of my legs the second I opened my front door to go outside.

Curious which breed landed as one of the most popular in such a warm climate?

The regal and gorgeous Siberian Husky of course.

Originally developed by the semi-nomadic Chukchi people of Northeastern Asia to pull sleds over long distances, this breed proved that these dogs were nothing short of athletic, working machines. Due to Huskies being developed for snow country, it should be expected that their comfort level is in temperatures that are on the colder side. Adaptable as they are, having a Husky in an area that has year- round high temps is probably not something they would choose to do if they had a say in it. Watching a Husky, or any thick coated cold weather breed, play and romp in the snow for a bit is like watching pure happiness and joy. They simply love it.

Siberian Huskies are usually able to get along with other dogs but this breed has a very strong predatory streak that can make it hard for them to be around smaller animals, such as cats, small dogs, chickens and so on. They may see them as prey. One needs to be very cautious being in a multiple animal household and considering a husky as an addition to their home. While there are exceptions to all rules, this is one to take heed of and not take lightly. Huskies not only look wolf like, but they are close to it in behavior at times. A lot of these gorgeous, digging, predatorial, escape artists love nothing more than to break free and go on a nice long walkabout for days until they show back up at your house with a dead chicken in their mouth. Trust me, I know because that last point was sadly made from a firsthand, personal experience.

As born pack dogs, Siberians enjoy family life. They are nimble footed and are very clean dogs with little odor. They are dogs that usually show no fear or tentativeness around new people, and will often greet them with a happy smile as they march right up to them to say hello. Cunning, curious and energetic the Husky makes a good companion for the active person who enjoys a good outdoor adventure.

As always, make sure you do your homework prior to purchase. Understanding that your need for a beautiful, blue eyed, silver coat companion may not be the best choice for you, and if that’s the case it most certainly isn’t the best choice for the dog. Know your breed.

Will the Husky.