Why Temperament is Everything: Our Puppy Placement Philosophy

At Thistle Hill, we believe the foundation of a great dog starts with two things: health and temperament. And while health is non-negotiable, it’s temperament that truly determines whether a puppy will thrive in your life—or struggle to fit into it.

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking beauty, but they’re also a breed full of spirit, intelligence, and independence. That doesn’t mean they can’t be incredible companions—in fact, we believe they absolutely can. Our goal is to preserve the joyful, people- and dog-friendly nature of the breed, while also selecting for temperaments that make for trainable, engaged, loving pets.

We’ve seen firsthand what happens when temperament is overlooked. We’ve met dogs that were successful in the show ring but were otherwise unpredictable, aggressive, or so aloof they couldn’t be safely trusted in everyday situations. These dogs had been trained to do one task, but they weren’t happy, and neither were their families. That’s not what we’re building here.

How We Assess Temperament

We begin evaluating temperament as early as five to six weeks of age, and by seven weeks, our puppies go through the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. This structured evaluation gives us a snapshot of each puppy’s confidence, sociability, sensitivity to new stimuli, and how they handle being guided or restrained.

But we don’t stop there. We raise our litters using the Puppy Culture method, with an emphasis on early socialization, problem solving, and learning through positive experiences. From day one, we encourage manding (sitting for attention) and build from there, depending on each puppy’s pace.

We don’t just observe our puppies—we know them. We’re there for the kibble spills, the wrestling matches, the first time they bark at a leaf. We see who runs toward the new toy and who watches from a distance. And all of that informs our placement decisions.

Matching Puppies to People

We’ve had many moments where a family initially gravitates toward a puppy based on appearance. Maybe it’s the one with the flashiest markings or the one front and center in a photo. But what matters most is how that puppy fits into their life.

Take the family with a young child, for example. They were drawn to a high-energy pup, but I knew that puppy’s intensity would overwhelm their household. Instead, I guided them toward a more affectionate, mellow pup—and it was the perfect match. That puppy slid effortlessly into their family routine, and the bond they share is beautiful.

I often have families meet both the puppy they’re interested in and the one I recommend. Without fail, they recognize the difference. We’ve even had families come back later and say, “Thank you for helping us get this right.”

Trust the Process

The truth is, steering families toward the right fit is part of my job—and one I take very seriously. I will always advocate for the puppy and the people. Sometimes, that means telling someone no, or encouraging them to wait for a better fit.

We’ve never had a return from one of our own placements. That’s not a coincidence. When we’ve whelped litters for others who didn’t prioritize temperament matching, we could almost predict which puppies would be coming back.

This post isn’t meant to discourage anyone from falling in love. It’s meant to remind you that love deepens when it’s built on compatibility. If you trust the process, and let us guide you, we’ll find you the puppy who’s not just beautiful—but beautifully suited for your life.