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They're not bred to pull sleds T_T You're thinking of the Seppala Husky. Siberians are more bred for looks, but they've still got pulling instinct when you're taking them on a walk, so you gotta have a strong arm and be pretty fit to own one.

...they don't really need 10 miles a day. That's a long walk for anyone.

I've never had one, and while I'd never say they aren't great dogs, I actually *don't* want one...I don't mean that the way it sounds. There are just dozens of other breeds I would want *first*, so reasonably, I doubt I'll ever have one. xD; But, I always tend to be in the minority on almost anything, so it doesn't surprise me when I realize how many people my age are crazy for "wolf-type dogs," like Huskies or Malamutes. My one friend has always loved wolves, and the two dogs she's had are a German Shepherd and a Husky.

I think it's a genuine love of the Husky that most people here have, though--not just because of Balto, but rather, the love of the two things just go together. They *are* beautiful, magnificent dogs, no denying that. But, it's always undesirable for any one breed to become "too" popular--I would obviously hope that anyone who wants a Husky DOES their homework and determine if they really do want one, and can provide a good home for it. I can pretty well understand why there is such Husly mania, but as with ANY animal at all, you've got to very careful before you actually acquire one. For those of you who do have or have had Huskies, you have some personal experience with the breed that I lack, and can share it...apparently some have seen temperament issues... Not that it's safe to generalize, either..

ETA: Regarding the other facts, or, mixed-up facts...here's my thought.
Obviously, all large and active dogs need exercise. Huskies require a great deal of it, and stimulation, and things to do. Especially if they're confined to small areas a lot or don't have access to a nice yard, you definitely want to walk them or let them run somewhere. 10 miles....well, heh, not that a dog wouldn't like it, but I personally don't know anyone who could walk a dog 10 miles on one average day. xD; That is very long when you think about it. But yes--Huskies are energetic and bred to run tirelessly for miles. They should have long walks or jogs or runs.

Umm, yes Huskies do run away.. alot. And can break the leash, but if you have a good fence, like 6ft tall, and can handle such a hypers, strong dog, then its fine to have one. My family had a Husky 11 monthts before I was born. And those breeds are like aways hyper. Even at an old age they can be hyper, and hard to take care of. Nut usually they calm dowb a bit when they get older.

Also if you get a husky, its not good to only have one dog. Its hard to house train huskies, and if you keep them outside, all they do is bark. ~_~ It says in several books that huskies aren't good alone, and need ALOT of exercise. They can also get agresive, but any dog can be.. just huskies go by this 'pack' thing like wolves do.

And Cobalt: Huskies were bred to pull sleds.. not for their looks. And yes, 10 miles a day is freat for a husky. They'd sure love that.

I thought Golden Retrievers were the only breed? O.o

The original breed (Seppalas) was bred for sledding. The modern breed (Siberians) were bred mainly for looks.

Huskies came before Seppalas. Huskies were bred by the Inuits, to pull things on sleds over long distances.

The Seppala sled dog was bred by Leonhard Seppala. Thats after the Huskies were bred. The term 'Siberian Husky' didn't come out until 1930, but it was still the same dog that the Inuits bred.

The original husky breed are what we see in Seppalas. As with any dog breed the old husky breed was changed and bred more for looks than sledding, otherwise they would have kept them the way they were. Got it? Good.

Huskies were bred for pulling sleds. Why do you think the Unuits used them as sled dogs, and why we use them today as sled dogs? Who cares about the looks? They were mesnt to be sled dogs, to pull heavy things pver long distances. ~_~

Ah, but can they not also be entered in shows?

Who cares about looks? Show dog breeders care about looks. Yes, they were originally intended to be sledders. But time has changed and they now also double as a show dog.

Then in that case every dog was bred for its looks. People use any dogs for dog shows, even mutts. So you shouldn't go by the looks subject. Huskies were bred to pull sleds and still do, thats it. This subject is getting a bit out of handle, don't you think?

I like huskies because for some reason something makes me like them! I especially like Siberian Huskeys! Those are my favorate dogs! Siberian huskies are black and white. Just like Steele! That's why he is my favorite Character! (I'm going to stop now before I start filling up the whole forum! )