Huskies suffering because of Game of Thrones hype

PSA: Direwolves aren't real!

As today is the day most people have watched the latest episode of Game of Thrones (I certainly didn't watch the leaked * cough * version) I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk about the issue Game of Thrones fans are causing with dogs...chiefly Siberian huskies but also other sled dog breeds. I can't blame people for loving sled dog breeds. They are stunningly beautiful and have a look of the wild about them but they are also fluffy and the puppies are the most adorable little guys ever. Sometimes their eyes are the clear crystal blue of White Walker eyes (in a good way) and they just look majestic, magical and utterly wonderful.

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People, especially parents, have long been susceptible to the “want it” factor. Kid goes to see “Finding Nemo”, kid wants their own Nemo. Neatly overlooking the fact that the whole film was about a clownfish who wants to be free. It happened with “101 Dalmatians”, “Ratatouille”, one of the most disgusting examples surely has to be snowy owls after Harry Potter...because we all know large carnivorous birds make excellent house pets.

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Rescue centres are reporting an increased number of huskies and malamutes being abandoned, often named after the Stark children's direwolves in “Game of Thrones”. Lots of Ghosts, Ladies, Summers etc. Huskies and similar breeds are already extremely in fashion to own and it appears Game of Thrones has made things worse. Ironically, the dogs shown in GoT are actually Northern Inuit dogs, not a husky but a mixture of a German Shepherd and several sled dog breeds (including the husky). Whether a husky or a Northern Inuit, these are not dogs for beginners, for fashion or for anyone who is not extremely committed to animals.

I'm not quite sure what it is about a horse sized wolf with glowing red eyes that makes you think “ooh, that looks like a good family pet” but I really wish it would stop.

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Huskies are beautiful, personable dogs but they are generally not meant for high rise apartment blocks in the middle of a city. People are attracted to their wolf-like beauty but coming along with the wolfy looks is a certain wildness and independence of character that make them totally unsuitable for the lifestyles of most people. There is a reason they look the way they do. They were bred for performance in barren environments, not to look adorable (although they certainly are). That's probably why they look more like their wolf ancestors than other breeds who's looks are often altered for the show ring or because certain features look cute. They were bred to pull sledges in the wildest of barren environments, not make cute lap pets who howl on cue.

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Without further ado here is 10 reasons you should think twice about bringing that "direwolf" home:

1. Insanely high energy needs. A dog that was bred to pull a sledge in arctic conditions is not going to be happy with a stroll around the block. You either need a lot of land for your husky to roam in (with very secure fencing) or you need to spend a couple of hours walking them on a daily basis. Before work, after work, come rain or shine.

2. Tendency to roam. Huskies are best kept on leashes, they are known for their high prey drive and independent nature. Let them off the leash and you may well never see them again. They can be gone in a flash, and with their friendly nature will approach anyone, and if that anyone is opportunistic they just gained an expensive dog to sell on. And that's the best case scenario...we all know there are some sick people out there, plus roads to run into and possibly even predators to attack your dog depending where you live.
   

3. Shedding. If you are house proud huskies are about the worst choice you could make for several reasons. They are known to be one of the worst shedding breeds in the dog world, so don't be fooled by the relatively short coats.
   

4. Destructive nature. If left to their own devices in your home huskies will often trash the place. Google “husky damage” and you'll get an idea of the devastation a lone husky can cause. Not only is this detrimental to your home but if your husky chews something it shouldn't like a piece of foam, you could end up with a costly vet bill to remove said foreign body from your dog's insides. Or worst, a dead dog.
   

5. They tend not to be very cuddly, despite their looks. If you want a lap dog, a husky is a bad place to start. Not surprising given their origins, they tend to be independent. Of course, individual temperaments vary and you will get some super snuggly huskies, but the breed standard is a fairly aloof personality that won't be too fussed with constant hugs and snuggles.
   

6. High prey drive. Even if you don't have any cats, small pets or even other small dogs, do spare a thought for the neighbours shih tzu or cat. Huskies often spot prey and bolt, in a truly greyhound like fashion. And you may have a small dead body on your hands before you have time to do anything about it.
   

7. They are very strong and it is in their instinct to pull. Bear this in mind, leash training can be a load of fun (and as previously mentioned it's best to keep your husky on a leash unless you are in an enclosed area). If you're not strong enough or very competent at training you could find yourself getting dragged pretty much everywhere by your dog.
   

8. They are not necessarily the most trainable dogs. You will see lots of cute Youtube videos of huskies howling on cue and maybe doing cute and clever tricks, but generally speaking although they are fairly intelligent their trainability is less reliable. Their independent nature means they are more likely to consider your request than instantly obey it. They aint no golden retriever!
   

9. Like their wolfy ancestors, huskies have a tendency to want to be top dog and they will constantly test your authority. This is great if you're an experienced dog owner (or at the very least someone who is committed to taking your dog to obedience classes and learning lots to train your new pet), not so awesome if you're a noob or a softie when it comes to training dogs.
   

10. Although a fairly hardy and healthy breed, huskies tend to have delicate stomachs and you may find yours needs a special diet which could prove expensive as they are pretty sizable dogs.

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Although this list mainly focuses on huskies, much of the information relates to malamutes and other sledge dogs too. These are big, powerful dogs that were bred to have a very specific job. Lots of times they don't make good house pets, and when they do their owners have to be very committed to giving them what they need to thrive in a domestic home.

Bear in mind this post isn't to slam huskies or malamutes or the people who own them, all breeds have their devoted converts who insist they have the best breed ever. And nobody can deny huskies are wonderful dogs. But if you truly love your huskies, you will want every individual of the breed to be in the best hands. And unfortunately, with the continuing Game of Thrones hype and the interest in wolfy looking dogs; they are not getting the best care at the moment. If you do think you'd make a good parent of a sledge dog, please consider taking one of the many that are finding themselves in rescue at the moment.

Mostly this is just about the irresponsibility of people who see a couple of cute Youtube videos or watch Game of Thrones and go out and buy a completely unsuitable pet (no matter what that pet is) on the basis of the entertainment they've watched. They see Ghost's loyalty to Jon Snow and assume that is what their dog will be to them, forgetting that animals are their own beings and sometimes they won't do what we want (especially if they are a wilful breed like this). Sometimes they will also trash our houses and maybe even hurt us if we are extremely incompetent at raising them. Then the poor dog gets the blame and called unruly, sent off to the rescue or rehomed if lucky, abused neglected or even put to sleep if less lucky. We all have a responsibility to the animals in our care and that responsibility should include thoroughly researching the animal we are interested in before we take it on.

Husky puppies are particularly adorable, but a puppy is only a puppy for about a year, and a dog for the next 10-12 years.

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Breeders have a hand in this too. Any time a pet becomes popular for whatever reason, dollar signs appear behind people's eyes and they want to cash in. Reputable breeders who strive for the best are swamped by back yard breeders and opportunists that don't give a damn about the animals in their care.

Please do not be swayed by beautiful animals in TV, film or on Youtube be it a blue dumbo rat, a clownfish or a husky. When you take them on you are responsible for everything in their life...good food, monumental vet bills and caring for them even when they do something you don't like. It is your responsibility to train them and ensure they are well behaved around other people and other people's pets. They are not toys, and people need to stop thinking of any kind of animal as a toy, a possession or a collector's item. Or worse still, a fashion statement.

Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) spoke up publicly about this a few days ago. Listen to him. He drinks and he knows things.

Further info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/40947570/game-of-thrones-star-peter-dinklage-warns-fans-not-to-buy-huskies
http://screenrant.com/game-of-thrones-direwolf-huskies/