Siberian Huskies

Title: "Siberian Huskies"

OUTLINE

Exact Purpose: After listening to my speech, the audience will be more aware of what it may be like to live with a husky, how to keep your Siberian happy and healthy, and how to understand what your husky is trying to tell its owner.

INTRODUCTION

Attention-getter: Native to Siberia, the husky was brought to Alaska in 1909. They were used to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and be watchdogs. It was brought to North America by fur traders for arctic races because of their impeccable speed.

Audience motivator: However, today Siberian huskies have now become very popular as a companion dog.

Credibility: I own a Siberian husky and although she sometimes can be a little obnoxious, I still love her.

Purpose: The purpose of this speech is to better prepare anyone who is interested in owning a Siberian husky.

Preview: There are three important topics of discussion:

--living with a husky

--health care

--communication

[Transition to Body: Sometimes it's hard to visualize what it may be like to own a pet, so first let's talk about what it may be like to live with a Siberian husky.]

BODY

I. What it's like to live with a Siberian husky.

A. The Siberian husky is one of the most ancient purebred dogs but may not be suitable for all families. With a history of being sled dogs, Siberians usually have a desire to run and have very high energy levels.

1. They typically do not come when called.

2. They also love to dig holes. It's an instinct and survival skill.

3. And they shed their coat once or twice a year.

B. Siberian Huskies are very intelligent and friendly. They love children and

are extremely sweet and gentle towards them.

1. Those who love Siberian huskies primarily cherish their natural

beauty and athleticism.

2. However in a single household, they tend to become restless, bored, and lonely. Spending time with your husky is very important.

3. Though Siberians bark infrequently, they will yelp or yip if excited or howl if lonely; lonely Siberians can become noisy.

C. Siberians need to stay active in a fenced-in-yard, and they also need

help maintaining their social skills.

1. In many ways, a Siberian remains a puppy until he/she is about 7 years old.

2. Anyone who enjoys a bit of a challenge, has a sense of humor, and a sense of discipline, will ultimately be a great owner.

[Transition: We've identified what it may be like to live with a husky, now let's talk about how to keep your husky happy and healthy.]

II. How to keep your Siberian husky happy and healthy.

A. The Siberian husky is considered to be one of the healthiest and most

structurally sound of all dog breeds.

1. However there are Breed Specific Conditions, also known as "Red Alert". Some of these conditions include:

a. Cataracts and other eye abnormalities, although cataracts are the leading factor among hereditary problems in Siberians.

b. Epilepsy is an excessive discharge of electrical

energy in groups of brain cells that cause seizure convulsions.

They can become apparent between 6 months and 5 years

old and nearly all pure breeds and mixed breeds are affected.

c. Another condition is hypothyroidism Ð'- in which the thyroid gland secretes insufficient thyroid hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and aggression.

B. Taking precautions and researching preventive care will increase your

Siberian's lifespan.

1. Immunizations Ð'- Michael Jennings suggests that you talk to your

veterinarian about these important immunization shots.

a. Bordatella

b. Canine Distemper