I want one so bad, they are extremely cute and I've heard they are loyal
However I also heard they shed a lot.

Is this true?
Is there anything that can help prevent it? ( I.e brush them )
I would not want to shave it.

then you better move to somewhere with a cold climate

yes its true and no there is nothing you can do to prevent it

looks like you need a different type of dog...

unfortunately it's true and there really isnt much you can do about it. They shed like you wouldn't believe especially in warmer climates. perhaps it can be reduced by living in a colder place?

holy wow I just basically repeated everything every posted... sorry guys

This post was edited by succulentdesire on Jun 2 2011 02:18am

I saw a video of the owners brushing theirs and it had a lot of hair all over the place.

they only live on average 8-10 yrs.

husky

^^

wrong



No, they do not shed excessively. They will do what is called a total shed 2-3 times a year (typically spring and fall), where they will lose most of their coat. It will come out in big clumps and with some grooming it is very easy to maintain.

Hair is the least of the issues involved with owning a Siberian.
Siberians are extremely independent. They will not play fetch with you (instead they will say 'you threw it, you go get it'. They will not follow you around and ask what they can do for you.
They are very smart, which tends to get them in trouble.
This is a breed that was bred to run. It is their natural instinct, you will never be able to have a Siberian just run loose. They need to be on a leash or in a fenced in yard (6 foot chain link). They run because they love it. This also means they need a lot of exercise, they are not a good apartment dog.
They will kill small animals (cats, chickens, sheep, etc..) this also is a natural instinct for them, and though some can be trained to live with cats, it is not easy and if the cat starts to run, it could trigger the Siberian's prey drive.

And last but not least... NEVER shave a Siberian. This will damage their coat and will likely never grow back properly. Their coat is designed to insulate them from heat, rain and cold and allows them to maintain their temperature better than most breeds.

Check out the SHCA website for more breed specific information.