Personality
Huskies are outgoing, gentle and pack-minded. They love people and other dogs, which also means they make poor watchdogs. They are very vocal (AKC barking 5 of 5), more often howling and “talking” than barking, and the AKC notes they need regular company and aren’t suited to being alone all day.
Exercise
Siberians are a working breed and need a lot of exercise, ideally activities shared with their owner. The AKC stresses that they were bred to run and will take every chance to do so, so keep a Husky on leash, in harness or in a securely fenced yard at all times. Running, hiking, sledding sports and canicross are great outlets.
Grooming
The AKC calls Huskies a “natural” breed: remarkably clean, with little odor, and often needing only a few baths a year. Weekly brushing keeps the double coat healthy; twice a year they shed their undercoat and need daily raking with a pin brush and metal comb.
Health: what to know
- Generally healthy and long-lived. The AKC describes the breed as relatively long-lived, with relatively low rates of hip dysplasia and eye disease; cancer and arthritis occur, as in all breeds.
- Eyes and hips. Responsible breeders still screen eyes and hips. Ask for the parents’ results.
- Weight. Huskies were bred to run on little food; the AKC notes they keep a healthy weight on less than many breeds of the same size. Avoid overfeeding.
Training
Huskies are smart but independent, with a mind of their own. The AKC recommends early socialization, basic obedience and making training fun. Recall is a particular challenge: a Husky that sees a chance to run often takes it.
Is this breed right for you?
- Very active owners who run, hike or want to try sledding sports
- Homes with secure, high fencing and other dogs for company
- People who enjoy a vocal, social, playful dog
- Owners wanting a reliable off-leash dog
- Hot climates without a way to exercise in the cool
- Homes where the dog would be alone all day