These beautiful sled dogs are used to working hard…and their energy will wear out the average couch potato. Make sure you’re prepared for lots of exercise, if you choose a Siberian Husky. These dogs are playful and loving and make great family members for anyone willing to put up with some serious shedding and occasional howling.
Size:
Male: 45-60 lbs. Female: 35-50 lbs.
Exercise Requirements:
Siberian Huskies are extremely athletic dogs, so make sure you can keep up before choosing this majestic breed. A fully grown dog needs a couple of hour-long, brisk walks (or runs) a day. It often takes more than one family member to take care of their needs. Huskies do not make good apartment dogs–if they get restless, they may respond with destructive chewing or digging in the garden.
Mess Factor:
If you choose a Siberian Husky as your new best friend, be prepared to meet your second-best friend–the vacuum cleaner. The fur will fly, and twice a year the breed’s thick coat will “blow” and come out in clumps. On the plus side, these dogs are clean eaters and don’t carry that distinctive, unpleasant doggy odor.
Barking and Volume:
Huskies do not generally bark, but their wolf-like howling can bother the neighbors. If you have more than one Husky, you may even get a chorus going.
Training Requirements:
This breed can be difficult to train, so timid owners should consider whether they can handle a Siberian Husky. They are remarkably intelligent dogs, but that doesn’t always mean that they will obey commands. Obedience training will help them to understand who’s the Alpha Dog in the relationship.
Ongoing Costs:
Health Factors: Huskies are generally healthy dogs, but they can suffer from hip dysplasia and a variety of eye problems (cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy). *A reputable breeder can help minimize the risk of genetic disorders.
Grooming: Home grooming is adequate.
Training: Obedience training is important to keep these intelligent, strong-willed dogs in line.
Grooming Requirements:
For most of the year, weekly brushing will help minimize shedding and prevent matting. During seasonal sheds, however, daily brushing is recommended to control the mess.
Kid Compatibility:
Huskies are affectionate dogs and love to play with children. Make sure you train them early on not to play rough. Supervision is recommended.
Longevity:
14 years.
Friendliness: Towards Animals
This breed does get along with other dogs, but socialization classes will certainly help. Siberian Huskies vary in how much they maintain their hunting instinct: some will see small animals like cats and rabbits as prey, while others can make good friends with their fellow household pets. The best solution is to introduce them to other animals at an early age.
Friendliness: Towards People
This beautiful, gentle animal will love you and everyone else they meet. They are playful and affectionate — so friendly, in fact, that they wouldn’t even threaten an intruder in your house.
BE PREPARED FOR: A rowdy Olympic athlete whose beauty will be the envy of everyone he meets. Expect to be stopped by passersby during your daily exercise.
