a dog thread! I am stuck between a siberian husky and a Shiba Inu

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Dec 12, 2002
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I have ALLWAYS wanted a Siberian husky, but the Shiba Inu seems a little more practical.

I am a full time student, work 30-40 hours a week. Girlfriend does the same, but we have mis matched schedules so taking care of the dog at least once-twice a day is do-able.

Me and her have gornw up with dogs, 2-3 dogs at a time. I hate not having one, they are sooo awesome. The problem is, I live in a condo and I do not know how a siberian husky would take to that. We live in uptown Minneapolis, a block from lake calhoun (which we run around every so often, if not just walk around the lake).

shiba inu and more specifically the dog I really like is : Shamus

and in the local star tribune there is a Siberian Husky breeder huskys in the local paper
 

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
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Shiba Inus are really cool little dogs. They have great personality and they're pretty cute to boot.

Huskies are probably one of my favorite dogs in the world. Just something about them... and the two different colored eyes are cool too.

 

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Dec 12, 2002
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Originally posted by: Xanis
Shiba Inus are really cool little dogs. They have great personality and they're pretty cute to boot.

Huskies are probably one of my favorite dogs in the world. Just something about them... and the two different colored eyes are cool too.
I know! they have allways been 'too expensive' for my parents, but they are mine and my GFs dream dog, hahaha. lame, I know!

but can that dog stand the 'condo life' ? haha
 

thecoolnessrune

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2005
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Siberian Huskies are my favorite dogs period. But I would never think of keeping one confined to the city.
 

AnonymouseUser

Diamond Member
May 14, 2003
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I :heart: Siberian Huskies.

Please, for the dog's sake, don't get one until you have more time to spend with them.
 

sandorski

No Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
Siberian Huskies are my favorite dogs period. But I would never think of keeping one confined to the city.

Ya, especially in a Condo. That little dog looks about right and seems to be a good dog for what you're wanting.
 

Dudewithoutapet

Golden Member
Oct 10, 2005
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The shiba is def more practical, especially if you live in a condo. I've always loved siberian huskies compared to other dogs myself. They look very similar cept the shiba is smaller, lol. But those eyes on the husky are so sexy.
 

weiv0004

Senior member
Oct 28, 2004
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My parents live out in Buffalo Minnesota and have always had Huskies. They're great dogs, but my mom is a homemaker and is with them almost constantly. Even with supervision, they find ways to get in trouble, especially as puppies.

My parents have a 4 acre yard and take them on walks regularly.

I would say a husky would definitely not be happy in a condo, and I don't think you would be either.
 

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
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I would suggest an adult dog based on your situation. A puppy will require a ton of time and energy. I would expect a puppy to need to get out of the condo every 4 hours.
 

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Dec 12, 2002
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Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
I would suggest an adult dog based on your situation. A puppy will require a ton of time and energy. I would expect a puppy to need to get out of the condo every 4 hours.

thats fine, we can do that. gf has had to ween puppies for her parents a lot...come home form work/school to take care of em, stuff like that.

yes fenixgoon that husky is ADORABLE.

thanks weiv, I dont think it'd be smart right now to get one...maybe that other shiba, sooo cute!!
 

Luthien

Golden Member
Feb 1, 2004
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Don't buy it from a pet store that is for sure. Puppy mill...

If you live in the city then you should get a small low energy dog.

Doesnt seem like you will have a lot of time for your dog though. Your dog may end up laying in a dog crate 16 hours a day and bored to death literally. You would be better off with a cat.
 
Jun 27, 2005
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I had a pug that was happy to sleep all day while I was at work. Pugs rock. Especially if you work a lot.

Malemutes are another beed that can just hang out. Once they are grown, they are an incredibly mellow dog. If you like hte husky option you should look in to malemutes.
 

edtsui

Senior member
Aug 5, 2001
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I've been going back and forth like yourself with those two dogs and an akita inu. I basically eliminated a Siberian from contention simply because their demands are so high. You really have to devote quite a lot of time to them to keep them happy and away from boredom/destructiveness. They're an amazing breed though, but I find too many people taking one in based on looks and not realizing what else comes with the package.

A shiba is a bit more low maintenance and they're ridiculously fastidious. They blow coat maybe 1-2 times a year and they share some of the husky's characteristics in terms of energy and boldness. For an apartment/condo situation, a shiba is definitely more ideal.
 

dotcom173

Senior member
Jan 16, 2006
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neighbor has a shiba. pretty rowdy dogs, in a good way. that thing did backflips 4 feet off the ground when u throw a tennis ball over his head.

my government teacher has a sib husky, and he likes it i think, but hes into dog sleddding and stuff.
 

imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
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Love Huskies. Always wanted one, but they are pretty high maintenance. Very social, needs attention, is a predator and will kill small animals. Hear they could use a dog 'friend' so unless you have a lot of time or have family/friends to help take care of it, they could be too much of a hassle.
 

Analog

Lifer
Jan 7, 2002
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Siberian Huskys are very high strung, need lots of room, and are generally harder to train than other breeds. We had one for a few years, but we had to get rid of it because it attacked our cats. We lived in the country on 5 acres at the time. She was a sweet dog with people, but never barked at anyone, and was perfectly happy with all. We wanted a dog that was a winter sled dog, but more loyal and defensive of our family, with a sweet disposition. Samoyeds were the answer. We've had then now for over 20 years. We've even had several sets of pups. For us, the Siberians were just not a good fit. If you live in the city, then you shouldn't be getting one.