Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers, if you have a question not addressed here, feel free to e-mail me!

Q: Why do they need a fenced yard?

A: Siberians love to run, it is instinctual, just as Border Collies feel the need to herd. They are mighty crafty escape artists too, so they need a well fenced yard. A fence also protects your dog from the dangers of the outside world

Q: Are they good watch dogs?

A: They'll watch the burgler come and go, but they won't protect the house. They are not territorial nor are they 'guardy'. At best they can be a decoy.

Q: Are they good with children?

A: We don't have any small children around the house, but other people do have them both successfully. Siberians are not by nature dog or people aggressive. Mine are very patient with young children whenever they meet them. Infants or little children should not be left unattended with a Siberian (or any dog), because Siberians can be quite playful at times. If contact is supervised, they should get along quite well.

Q: Are they good with cats?

A: With training on both sides these two species can peacably co-exist. My cats do not run when a dog runs up to them. They stand their ground and hiss if necessary. Siberians enjoy a game of chase so if the cat runs, the dog wants to hunt it down. Keep your Siberian on a leash when you first introduce them and don't trust them alone together until you are absolutely sure they are okay with each other. It is easier to introduce a puppy into a cat household than a grown dog authough it is very possible to bring in an adult. If you are adopting an adult dog, check with the owner/foster if the dog has been cat -tested. Keep in mind, your dog and cat can be the best of friends indoors, but when they are outside, it is a completely different story. Anything outside is fair game to a Siberian no matter if they know each other in the house.

Q: All right, how about other dogs?

A: Siberians are not dog aggressive at all, they love the company of another dog, especially if it is another Siberian! Do take precautions when first introducing them because they have dominence tests to iron out (remember who the boss is - you!). All my dogs run together (except the ones in season) and I like to keep a dog and a bitch in each kennel, but girls in season and having more males require me to double up intact dogs of the same sex. They get along just peachy.

Q: Do they shed much?

They hardly shed at all until once or twice a year, then they release the windfall. They blow all their coat at once so more hair comes out than you even knew was there! Frequent bathing and combing with a brush called a rake helps speed the shedding process. Some Siberians (mostly males) roll their coat which means they shed more constantly, but keep a fluffy appearance year round.

Q: Can I leave my Siberian alone in the house while I am gone?

A: Leaving a Siberian loose in the house alone for extended periods of time can be hazerdous to your furniture. Siberians are easily bored, and when the get bored, they get destructive. If you are going to be away for a while, I recommend leaving your Siberian in their crate or kennel run. I would not recommend the backyard because they could escape.