Winter coats

Question
My family recently adopted a german shepard/husky mix dog from the Humane Society.  Since we live on 11 acres in the country, the original plan was for the dog to be outside all the time.  Very quickly, I realized that this wasn't going to happen - my kids love the dog (Tipper) too much to leave him outside when they come in at night.  My husband and I work in the city, which means we are away from the house for 11-12 hours a day.  During this time, I would like Tipper to stay outside - it will give hime more room to run and play, as well as avoid any accidents if we are late getting home.  So - after all that, here's my question: is it OK for Tipper to spend 12 hours outside and 12 hours inside during the winter?  Will he be too hot inside, or too cold outside?  We live in Wisconsin and can have long cold winters.  We have a 6X12 kennel with a dog house for Tipper when he's outside (we only close/lock the door when we need to contain him for his own safety).

Thanks for your help,
Tracy

Answer
HI TRACY
I FEEL IT WOULD BE BEST IF THE DOG LIVES AS AN OUTDOOR DOG WITH HUSKY BEING IN IT MAKES FOR A DIFFICULT DOG INSIDE TO BE COMFORTABLE.
BUT, THE KIDS COULD LET IT LOOSE AND COME INSIDE WHILE THEY EAT OR WHATEVER A FEW HOURS.  THEY NEED TO LEARN TO PLAY WITH IT OUTSIDE AND IT WILL BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER.
THE MIX OF IT MAKES FOR A VERY HEAVY COAT IF LEFT OUT THAT MANY HOURS THEN INSIDE IT WOULD BE VERY OVERHEATED.  PERSONALLY, KEEP IT IN THE KENNEL UNTIL THE KIDS SOME HOME, THEN LET IT LOOSE TO GET A GOOD RUN AND RUMP AND PLAY.

KIND REGARDS
PATT
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