Siberian Husky

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is famously recognized as a sled dog, but can make a good family dog if you have the time for exercising them.

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silhouette
great dane silhouette
Height: 1ft 8in - 2ft 0in
Weight: 35-60lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly3/5
  • Stranger-Friendly5/5
  • Dog-Friendly4/5
  • Barking Amount5/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount3/5
  • Easy to Train2/5
  • Can Be Alone2/5
  • Exercise Need5/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance5/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly2/5

Siberian Husky Information

As the name implies, this breed originated in Northeast Asia and was used as an endurance sled dog. To this day, the friendly, gentle Siberian Husky loves being part of a pack, which explains why they do well as a family member. They are great with kids and other pets alike!

The Siberian Husky is one of the most easily identifiable dog breeds with its extremely thick fur (which ranges from white to black), piercing eyes, pointy ears, and muscular body. Yet, despite his somewhat intimating, wolf-like appearance, he is a mild-manner, engaged dog who just wants to love and work hard.

History

The Siberian Husky is a descendant of the original sled dogs developed by the Chukchi people of eastern Siberia. They were brought to Alaska in 1908 for sled-dog racing.

It's thought that the name Husky comes from the nickname "Esky," short for Eskimo. These dogs aided tribes of people in survival and migration.

In Alaska, they were used as sled dogs during the gold rush and in sled races. Balto became a famous sled dog for leading a sled team delivering a cure to Nome, Alaska when diphtheria broke out in 1925.

Siberian Husky Training & Temperament

Siberians are a strong-willed breed that benefits from early training and socialization. You should keep training light and fun. They can be trained to pull a sled which requires patience & dedicated hours.

They are friendly and enjoy the company of their owner or other dogs. They have a strong pack mentality. They are also safe around children.

siberian husky puppy breed photo

Siberian Husky Exercise

Siberian Huskies are an athletic breed and need a lot of exercise. They were bred for work and running, and it's essential to give them a space to do this. They are also jumpers, so keeping them in a high-fenced area when off-leash is important. They do well trained for rally, agility, and obedience work. If you stay active, this might be an excellent breed for you, but they can become destructive without activity.

Siberian Husky Grooming

Siberians are relatively low maintenance, aside from keeping up with their shedding. They shed more a couple of times per year, and you can keep it under control with brushing. You should trim their nails regularly.

Health

Huskies are a healthy breed. Most issues are genetic and should be screened out by a responsible breeder. If used as a working dog, keep an eye on their health for any ailments or injuries.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Siberian Huskys be apartment dogs?

The Siberian Husky needs room to run and play. That makes them difficult to keep in a small apartment.

Can Siberian Huskys be left alone?

Siberian Huskys don't like being left alone for too long. They tend to show some separation anxiety when left apart from their people.

Are Siberian Huskys good with kids?

Siberian Huskys can do fine with kids. They need some monitoring and training so they react well to unpredictable behavior.

Are Siberian Huskys friendly with strangers?

Siberian Huskys love other people and will often run up to them for affection. They quickly become friends with almost anyone.

Do Siberian Huskys get along with other dogs?

Typically, Siberian Huskys get along well with other dogs or are easy to socialize. It is uncommon for them to be overly aggressive.

Do Siberian Huskys bark a lot?

Siberian Huskys are known to bark quite often. That can be irritating, and they may need training to limit it.

Do Siberian Huskys shed a lot?

Siberian Huskys shed a medium amount. They have seasonal shedding, but they aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do Siberian Huskys need a lot of grooming?

Siberian Huskys don't require very much grooming. Typical maintenance and baths are enough.

Do Siberian Huskys need a lot of exercise?

Expect Siberian Huskys to have high energy and need a lot of exercise. Give them ways to burn it off or they may act out.

Are Siberian Huskys easy to train?

Most Siberian Huskys are stubborn and take extra work to train. They can still learn, but it takes more effort.

Can Siberian Huskys handle cold weather?

If you live in a cold climate, Siberian Huskys will do extremely well and may even enjoy being outside in chilly weather.

Can Siberian Huskys handle hot weather?

Although Siberian Huskys can tolerate hot conditions, don't expose them for too long.

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