At the end of June, I posted a story about some Rescue Ranch residents who have been waiting a long time for an adopter. I am happy to report that Joey and Presley, the burn dog, have since found loving homes. The others, Breelee, Onyx, and Rodeo are still looking. What I didn’t say, was that we also have several wonderful huskies looking for their perfect match. Most of them have been with us for quite a while. So if you want a husky, remember we have some great ones at Rescue Ranch!
Typically, pit bulls, senior, special needs, and large black dogs are what people think of as “hard to adopt,” but we have found that, for some reason, huskies and husky mixes spend more time with us on average. Perhaps it is because, young huskies tend to be energetic, they often need space and a high fence. Moreover, regardless of age, their coat requires some maintenance and they shed, a lot. But they’re also beautiful, and generally smart, fun, playful and can often make for great hiking or outdoor companions.
Breed isn’t the best predictor for future behavior
As working dogs, huskies are highly intelligent, and tend to be more independent than your average companion dog. They can get bored if they don’t have enough to do, and some, not all, are escape artists. Another characteristic of some Siberian huskies, is that they’re vocal. They talk a lot. We have one at the house that epitomizes this quality. She talks all the time. Her vocalizations owe more to a modified, lilting howl than a bark. It’s very cute.
Of course, it would be unfair to pigeonhole a dog based exclusively on breed. The vocal Siberian husky I mentioned earlier, for example, is nothing if not a homebody. That would be considered “atypical” by so-called husky standards. Nevertheless, she’s young and healthy yet has very little interest in leaving the property. She’s not remotely moved to jump over any barrier, much less a fence. So, on the one hand, she talks a lot and is fairly independent. On the other, she likes to hang around the house. Does that make her less of a husky? No. In fact, we think she’s probably a full Siberian.
At most, breed characteristics help us understand certain behaviors. As predictors, however, they’re not reliable. When it comes to mixed breeds, they’re pretty much useless. In the end, breed is just one of many factors that influence behavior, including socialization, history, environment, training, health, age, personality, size, etc. The best, most respectful, way to evaluate a dog and whether it’s a good match for you, is to get to know the individual.
Available Rescue Ranch Huskies
If you’d like to adopt an adult husky, we currently have a number of beautiful individuals who would love to get to know you. They run the gamut of high energy to laid back, and young to mature adults.
Bobby, Siberian mix, 10 months at Recsue ranch, nearly 5 years old
Bobby is a mid-energy adult husky. This friendly, playful soul would make wonderful addition to the family. He’s young enough to have plenty of good years ahead , but has passed beyond the frenetic young dog energy stage. When we met he was happy to chase down his ball when I threw it, and so proud to have brought it back!
Jax, Siberian mix, 10 months at Recsue ranch, nearly 6 years old
Jax’s smiling face shows you what a friendly, playful guy he can be. He would probably do best with an experienced dog owner who can help him learn better resource etiquette. He has had some adoption set backs becuase of resource-guarding behaviors. When we went into his enclosure,though, he was thrilled to have visitors and was particularly happy to see Thea, one of his caretakers.
Rory,Siberian mix, 10 months at Recsue ranch, 3 1/2 years old
Rory is a high-energy, young, silly boy who playfully body-checked me when I entered his enclosure. It was all in good fun. Rory is a good-humoured, attention-grabbing, vocal Siberian mix who always seems to be laughing at some private joke. As soon as I stepped into his yard I knew that whatever it was, the joke was on me. This friendly dog is on the large side for a Siberian and would probably be a bit rambunctious for small children. That being said, his enthusiam for life is contagious and he is likely to click with an active adopter.
Koda, Siberian/malamute mix, 8 months at Recsue ranch, 2 1/2 years old
Koda is a wonderful, good-humored, easy going dog. In our experience he does well both kids and cats! And he would probably accept the right canine companion as well. When I visited, he was sharing his outdoor yard with Meadow and they were doing great together. I could tell he really liked posing for pictures. He knows how handsome he is!
Meadow, husky mix, 9 months at Rescue ranch, nearly 7 years old
I wrote about Meadow and Breelee back in early January. When we fostered them, they were clearly bonded partners and we hoped they would be adopted together. But after several months at the ranch, the decision was made to separate them to enhance their chances at adoption. They still see each other and occasionally take walks together, but they no longer bunk together. The separation has gone better than expected. Meadow easily falls into the “laid back” category. While I avoid the term “sweet” because it is overused as a catch- all , it is an excellent descriptor for Meadow. If you’re looking for a companionable husky, who enjoys walks but would be just as happy hanging out with you in the yard or on the couch, Meadow might be the perfect gal for you!
