Aurora Borealis Kennels

Home of our beautiful Siberian Husky & Alaskan Malamute.  In the future we will be breeding our Alaskan Malamutes, but for now we're concentrating on showing. If you are interested in being added to our waiting list, you will be notified in the order in which we receive your request for one of our pups.  All potential owners of our pups will be subject to fill out an application as part of our screening process.  This is to ensure the best possible homes for all of our pups.  We strive to make sure all pups are placed in forever homes, with loving families that will treat them as part of their own extended family.

 Please take the time to sign our guestbook, comments are always welcome, and picture updates are always encouraged.

 1.  Can I play frisbee in the park with my Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute?

Definitely NOT!
Wandering Star - These breeds should never be trusted off-lead. They will run and they won't come back when you call them. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can train them to stay in your yard. The many people who have tried and no longer have their dogs can attest to the risk associated with this impossible task.


2.  I can't take my Siberian/Malamute for walks, so how can I ensure he/she gets exercise?

Houdini Lives - Siberians/Malamutes are escape artists. Siberians /Malamutes need a SECURELY fenced in yard if you want to let them off a leash.
Define SECURELY...

Over - They can jump or climb most fenced-in areas. Six feet is the recommended height. If your dog is a climber, you may need a roof for your 'kennel'.

Under - They will also very easily dig out underneath the fence, so it is recommended that if the fence is not placed upon concrete then something should be buried along the perimeter of the fence in order to properly contain them.


Through - Leaving them in a yard or kennel unattended for great lengths is not appropriate for these breeds as they are highly intelligent and they WILL find a way out. If the fence is made of a weak gauge of chain link that isn't securely attached, they can push the fence up or chew through it. This can also occur with wood.

No other alternatives - Because they are sled pullers, tying your Siberian /Malamute out is not appropriate as not only will they escape, other neighborhood dogs then have open access to him/her. They are social animals and will want to be with you.
Underground or 'invisible' fences are also not effective for this breed. They learn very quickly that with a good running start, they can get past the range of the fence. Additionally, their thick fur interferes with the effectiveness of the collar.


3.  Is it true that Siberians/Malamutes dig holes and shed? 

Yes.
Green Thumb - They instinctively dig and will leave large holes, even trenches, throughout your yard.

Kirby vs. Hoover - Do you own a good vacuum? Twice a year, Siberians/Malamutes do what is referred to as "blowing coat" where they lose their bottom layer of fur, or undercoat. It is a mess! It generally takes at least a week, sometimes more, for all of the fur to leave the coat. You could brush the dog from sun-up until sun-down and the fur would still be coming out. This is not an exaggeration. When a Siberian/Malamute is not 'blowing coat', the amount of shedding is minimal to moderate, depending on the climate.


4.  Are Siberians/Malamutes Hyperactive?

Yes and No. Each dog is an individual, but as a general rule, they do have lots of energy.

High Voltage - This is a high energy breed, especially for the first two years of life. They are not usually suited for people who won't provide any exercise opportunities for the dog or leave them in a crate for long periods of time. Crate training is recommended both for the safety of your home, but also for the safety of the puppy; however, if your work schedule has you away from the house for much more than 8 hours a day, you will come home to a very anxious puppy!


5. Will my Siberian/Malamute listen to me? Yes, but it is usually on their terms!

Who's the Boss? - Because the Siberian/Malamute is a pack animal, they will establish a hierarchy, or 'pecking order' for dominance. Puppy kindergarten classes and general obedience classes are highly recommended for proper socialization and training. Consistency with training is extremely important or a Siberian/Malamute will 'walk all over you'. Both breeds should be outgoing and friendly. Proper socialization and training should help to ensure that your puppy or dog learns manners. People who have owned either breed are typically familiar with the saying, "Being Owned By A Siberian/Malamute".

6. Will my Siberian/Malamute get along with other dogs or my cat?

Snack Time - This breed has a high level predatory instinct and they will hunt cats, birds, and other smaller animals. Sometimes, when a Siberian/Malamute is raised with a cat, owners have had success with this integration; however, in most cases when an older Siberian/Malamute is introduced to a home with a cat, neither breed can be trusted.

7.  Are Siberians/Malamutes good with children?

Yes, both are great with children; however, as with any breed, they must be taught to respect children and view them as being 'Alpha' themselves in their hierarchy or pecking order.

8.  Do Siberians /Malamutes make good watch dogs?

No, both are social and outgoing.  They do not bark much, although they will howl.

9.  Do Siberians/Malamutes eat a lot?

Both are generally very easy-keepers and do not require much food.  They were bred for sprint-racing and traveling long distances as working dogs using little food.