BORDER COLLIE/HUSKY CROSS

Question
QUESTION: We have adopted a Border/Husky Cross from our local pound.
They told me that he was "just" over a year old.  However, he seems VERY laid back (lies down a lot.)  From what I read this shoudl not be . Do you think that he is 1) older than they said or 2) Perhaps ill.  (He does not exhibit any other signs of illness.

ANSWER: I have a husky girl is completely lethargic, but there is nothing wrong with her. She is playful when I want her to be and lays around like she is dead the rest of the time. If you want to you can go in and have her thyroid tested (hypothyroidism can cause sleepiness and can be deadly if not treated), that is what I did for my girl. But everything came out normal. Some huskies mature fast and some take some time. It surprises me that a border collie mix is calm, I have yet to run into one that is haha!
-Michelle B

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does your Husky dig?  How can I stop Buddy from doing this?
Are Huskies runners? Do they need to be constantly leashed?
Also, are they stubborn?
Will neutering keep him from wandering?

Answer
Does your Husky dig? How can I stop Buddy from doing this?

Yes huskies dig, it is ingrained into them. To survive in there natural climate they had to dig down in the snow to keep warm. They do not need this instinct normally. But it is part of their breed type, you can only re-direct this trait (give them a little sand box in the yard they can dig in, but scold them when they dig elsewhere). I have holes I am constantly filling in but I know this is part of what they are so it doesn't bother me. Another way to minimize this behavior is giving them something to chew on or play with.
Are Huskies runners? Do they need to be constantly leashed?
If you do not have a fenced in yard, NEVER trust a husky off leash. You have border collie in the mix he might be good, but I wouldn't trust it with the husky mixed it their. Trust is the #1 killer of this breed. I recently had a friend that had their husky hit and killed in the road. It was the only time he left the yard in his life and he was 4 years old at the time. I know someone who had a Champion Obedience Husky that ran and got killed in the road as well. The leash is there life.

Also, are they stubborn?
They can be if they do not respect you, or they see no point in what you asked them to do. A husky has to always see some benefit to them for listening to you, weather it is a belly rub, scratch on the ears, or a treat.

Will neutering keep him from wandering?
No. Neutering does not change the curiosity this breed has they are the cat of the dog world. They must always see the point to stay where they are. Being a very intelligent breed mental stimulation is a must. The longer you keep you dog the deeper the bond you have the more I am convinced they understand what you ask of them. Like they understand every word you say.
-Michelle B