Siberian Husky: Your Complete Guide
The Siberian husky is a goofy, fun-loving pup who is beloved for their wolf-like resemblance, expressive vocalness, and heartwarming antics. They particularly flourish with a family who can put their muscles to good use and exercise them for hours every day. They also make wonderful playmates for kids.
Most Siberian huskies reach 23.5 inches tall and weigh around 35 to 60 pounds. They have striking, thick double coats and muscular builds — both qualities that are a testament to their sled dog origins.
We don’t blame you if a Siberian husky pup has won over your heart. However, before taking them home, it’s important to consider whether you’re the right fit for them. Looking after this mischievous dog can be quite the challenge, particularly due to their stubbornness and high exercise needs.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about the Siberian husky to determine whether they’re right for you. We’ll cover their activity level, trainability, intelligence, care needs, health, and more.
Quick Look at the Siberian Husky
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 20 to 23.5 inches tall, weighing 35 to 60 pounds |
| Coat Type | Thick, dense double coat, medium in length |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Playful, energetic, loyal, expressive, mischievous |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
What Is the History of Siberian Huskies?
The Siberian husky’s origins date back thousands of years ago to Northeast Asia. They were originally developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia, who bred them for companionship and sled pulling.
These resilient pups were able to traverse long distances while tolerating sub-freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions — a skill that was vital for their (and the Chukchi people’s) survival.
Siberian huskies were later imported to Alaska at the start of the 20th century. Unsurprisingly, they quickly gained global recognition for their sledding prowess and became frequent competitors in sled dog racing. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
The Siberian husky still works as a sled dog today. However, the breed has now become a popular family companion, beloved for their unwavering loyalty.
What Do Siberian Huskies Look Like?
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized working dog who bears a striking resemblance to a wolf. They have a broad muzzle, piercing gaze, and muscular physique. They also have a distinct brush tail and erect ears; both traits that give away their Northern heritage.
Siberian huskies’ coats come in several different shades and color combinations. The most common coat variants include:
- Black and white
- Agouti and white
- Gray and white
- Brown and white
- Red and white
- Sable and white
- Pure white
- Pure black
Many Siberian huskies have heterochromia, where their eyes are two different shades. Some huskies even have two or more shades in their eyes (known as parti-colored). While this physical trait may be a cause for concern, it’s rarely ever indicative of a serious health issue.
What Size Is a Siberian Husky?
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized breed. They stand 20 to 23.5 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. Male Siberian huskies are usually slightly larger than females.
You can expect a female Siberian husky to stand 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh 35 and 50 pounds. In comparison, a male reaches 21 to 23.5 inches tall and weighs 45 to 60 pounds.
What Is a Siberian Husky’s Coat Type and Length?
The Siberian husky has a thick, moderately long double coat. The outer coat repels water and is made up of smooth, straight guard hairs, while the undercoat is dense and soft to the touch.
The Siberian husky’s coat helps keep them insulated from both hot and cold weather, meaning they can adapt to most climates. However, they do often struggle in temperatures above 85°F.
During hot weather, ensure they have access to shade, provide them with plenty of clean, fresh water, and avoid exercising them in direct sunlight. You should also familiarize yourself with the main signs of heatstroke.
What Is a Siberian Husky’s Temperament?
Siberian huskies are loyal, outgoing, and affectionate pups who form strong bonds with their families. They enjoy the company of children and other dogs, though they do have strong prey drives and shouldn’t be housed with small pets
Siberian huskies love to play and explore, and you’ll often find them getting up to all kinds of mischief. They’re also incredibly vocal and aren’t afraid to express themselves, whether through barks, howls, grunts, or whines.
Are Siberian Huskies Good With Kids?
The Siberian husky gets along exceptionally well with kids of all ages, particularly kids who can match their high energy level and enthusiasm for play. They’re also sturdy enough to tolerate roughhousing and boisterous, vigorous games.
The Siberian husky is incredibly patient and behaves gently around small children. However, they can get overly excited during play, which can cause them to accidentally knock over kids. This can potentially lead to injuries.
Never leave your Siberian husky and kids unattended when they’re playing. You should also make sure your kids know how to behave in the dog’s presence.
Are Siberian Huskies Good With Other Animals?
Siberian huskies naturally enjoy the company of other dogs. This is primarily thanks to their origins; they were bred to be sled dogs, which required them to work closely with other dogs in a pack, often for days on end. They get along well with practically any breed, though they pair particularly well with energetic, similar-sized pups.
However, while the Siberian husky is friendly toward other dogs, this doesn’t mean they’ll get along well with all types of animals. They have a high prey drive and may chase after small animals like cats and birds.
Are Siberian Huskies Aggressive?
The Siberian husky isn’t inherently more aggressive than other pups. They’re incredibly gentle and affectionate, and they warm up to unfamiliar people quickly too. However, they can be rambunctious due to their powerful build, independent streak, and high energy level. You should only consider this breed if you’re able to properly manage their size.
Regardless of whether a breed is more prone to aggression, you’ll still need to socialize them early on and teach them bite inhibition. Any dog can become aggressive without the right support at the start of their life.
Do Siberian Huskies Bark?
The Siberian husky is widely regarded as one of the most vocal dog breeds in the world. While they don’t bark excessively, they love to express themselves and often talk to their owner through howls, whines, grunts, and screams.
Their talkative nature is a huge part of who they are, and this behavior can rarely ever (and shouldn’t) be curbed with training. For this reason, the Siberian Husky isn’t a good fit for apartments with noise restrictions. They thrive in detached homes or areas where they can howl to their heart’s content.
Are Siberian Huskies Affectionate?
The Siberian husky may have been bred to survive in perilous conditions, but that doesn’t mean their heart is hardened; they’re an extremely affectionate pup!
They will happily transform into an oversized lap dog, as long as it’s on their terms, and they often show their love by talking to you (and quite literally singing your praises). They’re also outgoing and warm up quickly to everyone, including strangers.
Are Siberian Huskies Intelligent?
Like most working breeds, the Siberian husky is exceptionally smart. They’re alert and curious by nature, and you’ll often find them exploring new scents and smells or seeking out adventures. They’re also adaptable and able to think for themselves without their owner’s input.
Are Siberian Huskies Energetic?
The Siberian husky has boundless energy to spare and requires plenty of activity every day to feel satisfied. While every dog is unique, you can expect your husky to require at least two hours of exercise daily. Their exercise should also consist of engaging, vigorous activities, like runs, fetch, and hikes.
The Siberian husky particularly loves exercises that allow them to tap into their natural sledding instinct and prey drive. A flirt pole can be a great game for the Siberian husky, since it provides them a healthy outlet for their prey drive.
Without enough exercise, the Siberian husky often takes it upon themselves to find their own outlets for their energy — and this usually involves unwanted behaviors and mischievous antics. It’s important you only adopt the Siberian husky if you can meet their high exercise needs.
On top of exercise, don’t forget to provide your Siberian husky with plenty of mental stimulation. Siberian huskies particularly enjoy problem-solving games, so consider engaging them with puzzle toys, hide and seek, and scent work.
Are Siberian Huskies Easy to Train?
While the Siberian husky is naturally work-driven, they aren’t always eager to please their owner. They’re stubborn and prefer to do things their own way (and on their schedule). Because of this, they are more difficult to train than other breeds.
However, that doesn’t mean they can’t master advanced commands. Siberian huskies can learn practically any training cue, as long as you’re determined and give them the right support. They usually respond particularly well to high-value rewards such as treats, though some may prefer being rewarded with toys and praise.
Thanks to their high energy level and athletic build, they can make excellent candidates for agility training, among plenty of other competitive dog sports.
Are Siberian Huskies Good Watchdogs?
Siberian huskies are protective over their family, and they do keep an alert eye over their surroundings. However, they still aren’t the best watchdogs. This is because they’re extremely sociable and are more likely to greet intruders with affection than barks and growls.
If you’re after a companion who can help you feel safe in your home, you may want to consider a breed specifically bred for guarding, like the mastiff or German shepherd.
Are Siberian Huskies Good Service Dogs?
The Siberian husky isn’t the best breed when it comes to service work. They’re usually stubborn, which makes them difficult to train, and they also tend to get distracted easily.
That said, Siberian huskies can still make excellent emotional support animals. They’re sociable, affectionate, and protective — all traits that can provide those experiencing emotional or mental difficulties immeasurable therapeutic relief. Their talkative natures can also help ease feelings of loneliness.
How to Care for a Siberian Husky?
The Siberian husky has fairly demanding care needs. They need hours of exercise each day, a large space where they can roam comfortably, and plenty of training to keep their stubbornness in check. On top of this, they also need frequent grooming and occasional bathing.
The Siberian husky is a sociable pup, and they benefit from being around people and other dogs. Without enough attention, they are likely to become destructive. Avoid leaving them alone for long periods of time, and if you do need to leave, make sure they have access to chew-proof, mentally-engaging toys.
Additionally, the Siberian husky should be fed a protein-rich diet that supports their muscles and energy levels. They should also attend their routine vet appointments for vaccinations, parasite prevention, and general health checkups.
Do You Need to Groom a Siberian Husky?
While the Siberian husky’s coat looks incredibly difficult to maintain, this is actually one of the easiest aspects of the breed’s care. Their coat usually only needs a brush once or twice a week. They will require more frequent brushing when they blow their coats in spring and fall, but this shouldn’t take up too much of your time if you invest in the right grooming tools (such as a slicker brush).
The Siberian husky also doesn’t need frequent bathing. Their coat naturally repels dirt and water, and they also like to keep themselves clean. Aim to wash your Siberian husky once every few months or when noticeably dirty.
Do Siberian Huskies Shed?
Unfortunately, expect to have the vacuum out permanently if you’re going to adopt a Siberian husky. This fluffy pup sheds regularly throughout the year, with even heavier periods of shedding when they blow their coats. Their fur is also noticeable, meaning you can expect to find it on your clothes, furniture, and other belongings.
Due to their shedding frequency, Siberian huskies also aren’t suitable for people with fur allergies.
What Health Problems Do Siberian Huskies Have?
Siberian huskies are generally healthy dogs, but one of the most common health complications they face is hip dysplasia. This is when a dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to problems such as stiffness, pain, lameness, exercise intolerance, and an abnormal gait.
Hip dysplasia can typically be managed with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, but severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Other conditions Siberian huskies tend to suffer from include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and corneal dystrophy. Many of these conditions can be managed with appropriate medical care.
PRA is an incurable eye disorder that leads to blindness. However, because vision loss happens gradually, most Siberian huskies adapt well. The condition also does not cause any pain.
How Long Do Siberian Huskies Live?
The Siberian husky typically lives for 12 to 14 years.
What Should a Siberian Husky Eat?
The Siberian husky should be fed a balanced diet that offers a high level of protein and fat to support their high energy level. If you’re unsure about what to feed your Siberian husky, speak to a veterinarian for dietary advice.
Most huskies eat around 1.5 to 3 cups of food per day, with the exact portion size depending on the type of food and their activity level.
Is a Siberian Husky the Right Dog for Me?
The Siberian husky is a perfect fit for people seeking an active companion who can handle any vigorous activity. They’re also gentle, affectionate, and playful — all traits that make them great pets for kids.
The Siberian husky is sociable and thrives in busy households, where they have other people and dogs to keep them company. However, just be mindful that they are extremely vocal and aren’t suitable for apartments.
While intelligent and loving, they also aren’t the best fit for first-time owners. They’re proudly stubborn and require a lot of training and mental stimulation.
With the right family, the Siberian husky makes for a loyal, loving friend, and they’re sure to keep you entertained with their mischievous antics. Their talkative nature can also offer great comfort to those struggling with loneliness.