How 'bad' are huskies? (don't worry, I don't want one!)

[DaisyheadMayzie]

We had a husky on our property the other day and in the few minutes it was here, it broke apart our guinea pig cage and killed on of the gps. Didn't eat it, just killed it and left it. I've never seen the dog before and don't know who it belongs to. We live in rural NZ so it could have come on a nice run over the hills and far away. I very much doubt it belongs to one of our close neighbours although intend to ask around.

I was concerned in case the dog came back and killed the other piggie or broke into the chicken run and slaughtered the chooks. Then I told my mum and she has worried me saying that it's a 'dangerous dog' and my golden retriever and even the children could be at risk. Are huskies likely to be this dangerous? I know any dog could be, but are they a dangerous breed?

There is no way I can fence 2 acres to be husky-proof. I could electrify the fence line, but if it jumps over this won't help (do they jump or squeeze? - my dog is a squeezer!). Dogs are supposed to be registered in NZ so I'll call the council in case they have had other complaints in the area, but doubt they'll be much help if not.

[wannabedomesticgoddess]

They jump. And your mum is right, they are dangerous. My DP has had rottweilers in the past and he says that even he wouldnt chance it with a strange husky.

[Fraggle78]

Huskies are no more dangerous than other dogs. Yes, they can jump, and yes they have a high prey drive, but so do many other breeds. As usual it's all down to the owner and how they have been brought up. My husky likes to hunt mice in the fields on our walks, but he's not about to savage a child or another dog. You may have had the misfortune to have come across a badly behaved husky and I would suggest taking steps to protect your animals in case it returns, but they are not a "dangerous" breed.

[toboldlygo]

Huskies are no more dangerous to humans than any other dog and should (should be, not necessarily are) gregarious animals with very little inclination to guard or be wary of strangers. Historically as they were required to live in packs in close contact with humans (and indeed used as big furry duvets for the kids in winter - a cold night would be a three-dog night ) and so should be well accepting and even enthusiastic about strange dogs and people. It's often quoted that a husky will greet a thief and show them where to find the family silver.

However, sadly the same does not apply for small animals and livestock - they have a huge prey drive and will kill for fun, not just food. Chickens most definitely at risk as are cats if you have any. They will jump a 6ft fence with ease and most will not be deterred by an electric fence, their coat is dense enough that they don't get a decent zap off most fences. They will also squeeze, climb and swim.

[DaisyheadMayzie]

Oh dear, yes we have cats - one who could probably look after herself, but the other is a bit 'special' maybe a bit blind, definitely a runt, and I don't fancy his chances.

Do huskies dig? Our chook run has a high fence, maybe 7 foot, but isn't buried so could be dug under if so inclined.

So the consensus is that neither us nor our children are particularly at risk, no more than any other random dog, and hopefully our daft doggy would be OK too - she is no guard dog, so wouldn't be aggressive, although is out on a long lead at times to prevent her from absconding.

[MrsZoidberg]

Our Husky is the only dog I have ever met that I could safely say will never bite a person. She is cuddly and adorable and would welcome in any burglar .

She is also a thief, an escapologist (we have husky proofed 2 acres), a digger and a danger to anything small and furry.

[toboldlygo]

Yes, they are supremely efficient diggers. Do you have an NZ equivalent of a dog warden you could contact for advice?