I recently walked past a pet shop and saw that they had four Siberian puppies in the store. I also overheard the shop staff telling an interested purchaser about all the wonderful aspects of the breed and why they make a wonderful pet. What is the problem with this? The fact that a husky is not always a great "pet."

As most of the people on this website would know, a husky is not only a wonderful animal but also a huge handful. I have 2 wonderful Siberians and would never trade them for anything or even have another breed of dog. However, there have been many occasions when other people uneducated in the ways of huskies have asked me "what is wrong with your dogs?" Of course the answer is "nothing" they are simply typical huskies - and being so, they are very different to other dogs. They very rarely behave the way that a dog "should" behave.

The biggest curse of huskies is their looks, people purchase them for the way they look and are completely ignorant of their true nature and needs. This often leads to the husky being dumped, escaping the yard or even being put down. While I was eavedropping on this pet store conversation I was also horrified to hear that the pet store was asking $1,200.00 Australian dollars for the pups. I almost couldn't believe my ears, given that I paid $1,000.00 for my boy and $1,500.00 for my girl, who are both from grand champion show lines.

The moral of this story is that I ask all people who are considering a husky (or any dogs for that matter) as a pet to take the following into consideration:

1. Please do extensive research into the breed - they are wonderful but NOT for everyone. If you want a dog that will act like a dog please do not get a husky. I often say that my dogs are like cats in dogs' bodies.

2. Please do not even consider purchasing a dog of any kind from a pet store. This only leads to further demand for the dogs and creates a breeding, purchasing, dumping cycle. Remember most of these dogs are bred in appalling conditions.

3. Do not purchase a puppy from a backyard breeder. It may be cheaper but you will sacrifice the quality of the animal and make people think it is ok to breed for "fun" with no view to improving the breed.

4. Consider rescuing a dog from a shelter. The difficult nature of huskies means that there are many pure bred huskies in rescue who are in need of loving homes.

5. If you want a puppy - get one from a registered breeder and research the lines to make sure they are reputable.

6. Before you bring a pet into your home make sure you are ready for it. A dog is not a disposable item. When you take a dog into your home, you are responsible for the life of another being. You need to be prepared to love and care for it (and pay for it!) for the rest of its life.

Thanks