5 Things to Know About Siberian Huskies

Do you love the outdoors and cold climates? So does the Siberian Husky! Find out if this is the right dog for you.

The Siberian Husky is an active dog. Photo: Pixabay
AKC GroupAKC Group
Working
WeightWeight
45-60 lbs. (male);
35-50 lbs. (female)
HeightHeight
21-23.5 in. (male);
20-22 in. (female)
Life ExpectancyLife Span
12-15 years

1. Key Characteristics of Siberian Huskies

Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs who have a thick, dense undercoat and a long, coarse top coat that comes in black, brown, white or a mix with varying head markings.

The eye color varies but is usually blue.

2. Where Siberian Huskies Came From

The Chukchi tribe bred Siberian Huskies on the Siberian peninsula in Northeast Asia to be sled dogs and carry small loads over long distances in arctic weather.

The dogs’ endurance and speed reserved energy, and they required little food on long journeys. This unique metabolic ability can be turned on and off based on the physical demands. The medical world finds this puzzling.

The All-Alaska Sweepstakes is a 400-mile dogsled race that started in 1908 in Alaska. In 1910, huskies were imported and entered into the race that averaged 80 hours in total journey time. The husky team won the race in record time and kept the record until 2008.

The Siberian Husky received more attention in 1925 by running a medical mission — a diphtheria outbreak in Alaska — and the town was closed off from transport to bring in the much-needed medication. The huskies met the nearest train and returned to deliver the lifesaving medicine to residents.

After word spread of the heroic mission, huskies were invited to compete in sled races in the New England area. The abilities and temperament of the breed won people over and established firm roots in the United States.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1930. The breed also participated in Antarctic expeditions and served in World War II in the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue unit.

Siberian Huskies are known for their hardiness in cold conditions. Photo: iStock.com/Iryna Kazlova

3. How Friendly Are Siberian Huskies?

Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, lovable and alert.

They do have a strong predatory instinct, however, so never leave yours alone with small animals. Even huskies raised with cats have been known to injure or kill them without provocation years later.

Siberian Huskies also like to dig — a lot. Give them plenty of exercise to expel energy, and an area designated for digging is key. Otherwise, they’ll take it out on your backyard or your furniture.

The good news? Siberian Huskies can be trained and need a strong leader. Be firm and consistent in training. Huskies are also known to be intelligent and stubborn if you let them set the rules.

4. Is This the Right Dog for You?

Exercise Needs

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HIGH: Siberian Huskies are active dogs who need room to play and run.

Walk yours daily, or at least have a large fenced area outside where they can burn off excess energy.

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Huskies don’t bark much, but when bored, they have a howl that can be reportedly heard up to 10 miles away. Keep this in mind if you think about skipping playtime!

They are also excellent escape artists and will find a way out of the yard or an open door before you can blink.

Grooming Needs

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HIGH: Siberian Huskies’ double coats need regular maintenance. They shed regularly and can blow their coats once or twice a year.

Expect to spend an hour or more every week brushing them to reduce shedding. The fur is prone to mats, so brushing is not a step to skip. Brush the fox-shaped tail regularly as well.

Check the eyes and nose for any discharge regularly and trim nails as needed.

Health Problems

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HIGH: Hip and eye problems are common in huskies. Hip dysplasia occurs when the top of the thigh bone does not fit into the pelvic joint socket properly. This disorder can affect males and female Siberian Huskies, and ranges from mild to severe.

Ask to see the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals registry papers of the mother and father if you’re getting the dog from a breeder. The percentage of Siberian Huskies with this ailment has decreased over the years, but it’s still a possibility.

Eye defects are hereditary and can include juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy or progressive retinal atrophy. Some effects are minor and others can cause loss of vision, so ask to see an eye examination report on the dog.

More Stats About Siberian Huskies

Friendliness ★★★★☆
Ease of Training ★★☆☆☆
Barking/Howling ★★★★★
Shedding ★★★☆☆
Tolerate Being Alone ★☆☆☆☆
Very Good With Kids ★★★★☆

Learn more about these dogs from someone who rescues them:

YouTube player

5. How to Adopt a Siberian Husky

Always check your local shelters to see if a Siberian Husky is waiting for you to come take them home. Or begin your search online for adoptable Siberian Husky puppies.

If you’re going through a breeder, make sure they’re reputable (that is, not running a puppy mill) and can provide family medical history and health clearances for the dogs.

References