March 3, 2009
A few questions about German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies?
What can you tell me about German Shepherds and Siberian huskies.
What is the best type of family/environment for them?
What kind of owner do they need?
How are they with other dogs?
Can they be trusted off leash?
How much exercise per day do they need?
How are they to train? Are most eager to learn?
Which is the better family dog?
How do they compare in strength?
Thanks
I've read a lot about them…but don't know anyone with personal experience with them…..
I just like to learn about breeds
Siberian huskies are very eager to move and wanna be alpha a lot. They easily need 15 miles a day or more. they can be trained good but need someone very consequent to teach them
The German shepherd can be trained anything, it's curious and usually family like. It needs about three walks of 30 to 45 minutes a day. it's patient with kids and accepts a person as alpha.
The husky is more likely to compare strength with other dogs but then it's all a matter of training
Filed under Siberian Huskies by Andrew Preston
Comments on A few questions about German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies? »
1. We had a GSD mix from a shelter. They need a yard, but you should always be outside with your dog(s).
2. See question 1. These are dogs that need mental stimulation. They need quite a bit of running.
3. That ties in with 1 and 2.
4. Usually good with other dogs.
5. Dogs should always be on a leash when not in a fence or in the house.
6. Need quite a bit of running.
7. No dog is easy to train, but these are very smart dogs.
8. Good family dogs.
9. They are one of the stronger breeds.
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In my experience with both breeds. The husky is very energetic
very sweet and sometimes extremely independent. Mine would take off running and completely ignore my dad so working with them is key. Training is a great idea and classes would socialize the dog as well. The german shepard is protective and also very kind. I think the german shepard wants to please his owner a bit more then some but when it comes down to it, you make the dog, not the breed. If you raise them right, you will have a great companion 
References :
Siberian huskies are very eager to move and wanna be alpha a lot. They easily need 15 miles a day or more. they can be trained good but need someone very consequent to teach them
The German shepherd can be trained anything, it's curious and usually family like. It needs about three walks of 30 to 45 minutes a day. it's patient with kids and accepts a person as alpha.
The husky is more likely to compare strength with other dogs but then it's all a matter of training
References :
have never had a German shepherd but we had a Siberian husky before.
He was a great dog, we got him at the age of four and he was already neutered. He was great with kids. They are a working dog so they need to be doing something, or they will find something to do. They need to be trained early, they can be stubborn dogs to work with so they need a firm but kind handler who is willing to put in a bit more effort. We couldn't trust our dog off leash but we also never worked on training him when off leash so I can't really honestly answer that one. They are good with other dogs, tend to be calmer if the owner has established themselves as head of the pack. Our Husky lived until he was 14, which I'm told is old for a husky, but when given love they always give back. We found that firm but kind was the best way to train our dog and they need someone who won't waiver in the boundaries.
I kind of answered the questions out of order, sorry. Some I just can't answer, like which is a better family dog, even within the breed of Siberian husky you can find differing personalities and will have to find the one that is right for your family. Hope this helps!
References :
What is the best type of family/environment for them?
Both breeds are active and need their exercise, so an active family would be best for them. As with all dogs, they need a steady family who can stick to a schedule and knows where they'll be in a few years. Family members need energy, time, and patience to devote to their dogs.
What kind of owner do they need?
One who can take the time to train and exercise them. They need a confident, sure owner who is not intimidated by them.
How are they with other dogs?
Any dog can get along with any other dog provided that they are properly socialized from a young age.
Can they be trusted off leash?
If you take the time to establish a strong recall.
How much exercise per day do they need?
Both are working breeds; both need their exercise and plenty of it. If they don't get the stimulation they need, they will find other ways to entertain themselves, like barking, chewing, digging, etc. I'd recommend two hours daily, mimimum.
How are they to train? Are most eager to learn?
All dogs can learn, but shepherds tend to be more biddable then huskies, who can be stubborn. Both breeds are intelligent.
Which is the better family dog?
It depends on your family. Any well-socialized dog is friendly.
How do they compare in strength?
Shepherds are a little taller, but both breeds get large and are very strong. They need an owner that they can't drag around and will work on loose-leash training from the start.
References :
You've been around here long enough to have seen tons of information on both breeds…!
Siberians:
Best type of family: An active one, with older children…older children remember to close doors/gates, and can exercise a high-energy dog.
Best type of environment: A home with a well-fenced yard, and one of the following:
A. A human being at home most of the day to hang out with, or
B. Another similar-sized dog to hang out with
Kind of owner needed: A physically active person who doesn't want a dog who hangs on their every word, and appreciates a dog with a sense of humor.
With other dogs: They do fine, but tend to be overbearing and/or play rough…which can be misinterpreted as "aggression" by people who don't know the breed. Hierarchy is important to them.
Intact, dominant dogs can be aggressive with intact dogs of the same sex.
Can they be trusted off-lead: As a rule, NO. There are exceptions. Don't count on owning one.
Exercise amount: At least an hour a day of non-stop, unrestrained movement, and/or playing with other dogs. A casual walk doesn't count.
Training/learning: They need to see the point in doing what you ask. Food is an excellent motivator. "Because I said so" is not. People who don't understand the breed call them "stubborn", because they're expecting a Genie — Your wish is NOT a Siberian's command. That isn't how they think.
Siberians are eager to learn…anything that can benefit them. Such as, how to get outside a fence, how to open cupboards, how to get to that cat over there, etc.
Family dog: I would say the GSD. More likely to work for all members of the family, whereas a Siberian will want to rank itself within the family.
Strength: I don't know how to answer this. Siberians were bred to pull, and they will. They are not heavy-load dogs, but I do know they can sometimes pull over 1000 lbs. alone (Professional Weight Pull records).
GSDs are larger, and possibly physically stronger…but they are more responsive, and weren't bred to pull.
Can't answer the other questions re: GSDs, as I've never owned one.
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