About Denali

Denali has an outstanding personality! He is friendly, mature, and easy going. He enjoys company and easily makes friends with everyone. Such a pleasure to be around, he is a great companion and even has a quirky side that makes you laugh. Slightly aloof at first he gets more and more loving and affectionate as you spend time with him. Denali is a 5 year old male husky mix, probably with German shepherd and maybe other breeds. When Denali was transported from a shelter in Utah to his Northern Star foster home, he spent time with one of the volunteers' granddaughter and was very good-natured about her attentions. He will probably make a great family dog. Denali has only a moderate need for exercise. Don't get us wrong, he loves long walks but they aren't critical. Most of the time that we are not doing something he just lies around, and he would probably be great for someone working from home. He is tall and long, about 63 lbs., but since he is a calm boy it isn't a problem. Even when he takes up space stretched out on the kitchen floor while we cook, we just step over him and he doesn't flinch. One good walk a day is probably all he'll need as long as he gets a bit of mental stimulation at home. Of course he would be happy to go hiking or skijoring as well. And if you go winter camping he can help you stay warm! Denali is intelligent and observant though still has some of that independent husky attitude. He listens well in his home environment; not so much when out on walks where he is distracted by other things. He learned to use our doggie door quickly and he is fully house trained. It is quite easy to walk him on leash with the right harness on him and he could partner a runner as well. Denali is not cuddly exactly, but he likes to be petted and just to hang out with you on the couch or the floor by, or rather on, your feet. He is a quiet boy both in the way he moves and in not barking. He could even work out in an apartment, especially as he would be more interested in walks than just going out in a yard. He has a playful side but doesn't show much interest in toys. Denali could make a remarkable emotional support dog for the right person; someone who benefits from a dog that remains solid and collected when his person struggles with emotions rather than mirror those feelings. He is super tolerant of handling and when you lean into him for comfort he usually pushes his forehead against your chest and makes you feel supported and loved. While Denali currently lives with multiple dogs, we are adopting him out as a single dog or to someone with just the right match (females seem to be a bit easier) who is willing to work with him on integrating him into the pack. Which dogs he will be fine with and which he may not be takes a few meet-and-greets. He has no problem passing other dogs on walks if they are also on leash or under control and he can even hang out with you at a restaurant or other establishment when you manage him with diligence. He is amazingly tolerant of his fellow foster dog, Tasia, who is 6 months old. We are not sure about cats but don't think it is a good idea. Before going to the shelter, he and his partner in crime killed a goat. Huskies are bred to be able to hunt and kill prey which is why it is so important to contain them safely and not let them run after vulnerable animals and especially not let them run in packs or pairs without control/fencing. Hunting behavior is NOT related to aggressive social behavior. A yard will need to have a 6 foot fence in good condition. He is UTD on vaccines, microchipped, and altered.

Ada County
Boise, Idaho