Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just adopted a 3 year old Sibe male. He loves to be outside, so we put up a kennel, and put an "igloo" dog coupe in it. I have read the Sibe's are very good in the cold, to well below zero. I realize this is more when he is working as a sled dog, not when he is sleeping. We live in Michigan where it can get below zero some nights. What is a "safe" low temperature for a Sibe? At what temp should I plan on brining him inside for the evening?

Thanks,
Ryan

In my experience, my outside loving dogs do not prefer to sleep outside- they prefer the end of my bed. yet, I'd bring my dog in any time the wind chills are below zero and when it's snowing. Wet dogs are cold dogs.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

If it's cold enough to snow, it's often not too wet. Also, their coats keep the snow away from their skin, so it doesn't melt and make them cold, it actually insulates them and keeps them warm. I remember my first Sibe used to curl up in a planter barrel and sleep during snowstorms. She'd be warm below from the dirt and from above with the snow. She'd get up, shake off a couple inches of snow, and either lay back down or come in perfectly dry.

I agree with the others... it's up to you. Sibes are very social, so they'd usually prefer to be with you, even if another dog is out there with them. It depends on the dog. If you don't have a problem with them being in the house, then by all means, if they want in, let them in. If they like it outside, don't worry about them. They are built for the cold (exception is a puppy who hasn't built up his first winter coat yet).

Good luck!

Walt

Ive known sibes, malamutes, and mixes that spent their entire life outdoors. In fact sibes will sleep in the open on top of their houses in the coldest windiest weather.
Keep in mind that they want to be with you, they hate being alone, they are one of the most heavily pack oriented dogs in the world.
I couldnt keep mine outdoors, but if we go somewhere thats not sibe friendly or dog friendly inside, both of mine spend the day regardless of cold, rain, or snow outdoors, and they love it, as long as someone checks on them alot.
They do slightly acclimate to weather, so they can live, work, and sleep in temperatures down to -75 f, below that they go under the snow, or snuggle together. Consider that in Antarctica for over 100 years inuit sled dogs were kept there outdoors, they see temps to -100f.
Id keep your dog indoors, your presence is more important to him than being in the cold all of the time.

Right on, SHvar!