Before bringing a Siberian into your home there are some points to consider:
THEY SHED - They continuously shed on a daily basis however twice a year they will "blow" their coat. You will find hair everywhere.....in your food, in the air you breathe, rolling on your floor, on your clothing, in your car. You will require a high quality vacuum, a lint roller, and a sense of humor.
THEY DIG - If you value your landscaping and prefer not to have it modified by someone other than yourself, this is probably not the dog for you.
THEY REQUIRE A STRONG FENCE - A curious Siberian will go to great lengths to get to the other side of a fence. They will dig under, climb over, or go through a fence if the urge is strong enough. You will need to constantly inspect your fence and modify the base so that they cannot dig underneath.
THEY HAVE A HIGH PREY DRIVE - Cats, small animals, and small dogs will not be safe around a Siberian. They are a breed with a naturally high prey drive and really don't care that kitty is your beloved pet.
THEY RUN - A Siberian can never be let off lead. They were born to run and that's precisely what they will do. Their stamina is amazing and they can cover miles within a very short period of time. If you are looking for a dog that you can take to the park to play fetch with, this would not be the breed for you. Family members will need to be mature enough to monitor open doors and unsecure windows so that your Siberian does not escape.
THEY PULL - It's in their DNA. It's very difficult to walk most Siberians on lead. Most children are not able to do it safely. If you're looking for a dog that your child can walk, this would not be a good choice.
THEY ARE STRONG WILLED - Siberians are "free thinkers" and are working dogs. They don't respond well to human's commands and do things on their own terms. If this frustrates you, this is not the breed for you.
THEY CAN BE VOCAL - Most Siberians don't bark, however they have a soulful howl that most of us find hauntingly beautiful. Your neighbors may not agree.
THEY ARE NOT PROTECTORS - Despite the intimidating look of a Siberian, they do not make good watchdogs. Everyone is their friend and they will assume anyone attempting to rob your home is there to play with them.
THEY ARE PACK ORIENTED - A Siberian will want to be a member of your family. Your family is their pack. They will not do well being separated from their pack members during family activities. They will demand attention and thrive on being included. If left alone, they will find something to do on their own and it won't always benefit the structure of your home!
THEY ARE AMAZING AND LOVING - and If you feel you can live with all of these traits, you will find the Siberian to be an incredibly loving, intelligent companion who adds such joy to your life. Their striking beauty and fun loving personalities are captivating
