Dogs
The Pros and Cons of Having Siberian Huskies as Pets
Oct
For dog lovers, the Siberian husky is considered to be one of the most beautiful and best breed of dog.
They look like a majestic wolf with beautiful glacial blue eyes that will melt the hearts of people passing by who will see them.
It is love at first sight for most animal lovers seeing a Siberian husky in the flesh.
And most importantly, they look so joyful and so fluffy that it makes you want to hug them and pet them.
But just like other Arctic dog breeds that are big or small, owning a Siberian husky has its pros and cons.
Pros of Owning Siberian Huskies
These are the following traits that people see on a Siberian husky that draws them into wanting to own these marvelous dogs.
A Good-Natured Breed
The Siberian husky is a friendly and gentle breed of dog if taken care of properly. They are also very playful to whoever handles them.
They do not show suspicions on other people or even get aggressive with other dogs unless the other dog shows hostility. Siberian huskies are friendly to people and to other dogs.
Most of the time, they are also friendly with other pets like cats and birds or even your pet rodents. But it is advisable to supervise your dog when playing with other pets.
Playful and Dynamic
A Siberian husky has a lot of stamina which makes them a very active dog. They are very playful and also agile type of dog.
A Siberian husky enjoys being on the outside. They like to exercise which makes them a great companion if you like to do some hiking, running and even camping and biking.
People who live in a place that snows all the time usually breeds Siberian huskies to have them as pet and also to pull their sleighs for easy travelling around the snow.
Clean and Odourless
Unlike other dog breeds that give a bad odor even after few days after giving them a good bath, a Siberian husky does not stink or give off a foul odor.
Huskies like to clean themselves and are always meticulous on caring for their coats. Some pet owners can say that that a Siberian husky is like a cat in cleaning and licking itself.
Convenient and Economical
One of the best advantage of having an Arctic breed, the husky as a pet is that they are originally bred to perform on a cold weather with minimal food in mind.
While the Siberian husky requires less food, it is important to consider to give them all the food they can have with the proper nutritional value for them to be healthy and lively.
Independent and Free-Spirited
Sometimes an overly attached dog is annoying to have especially if you want some space for yourself.
A Siberian husky is not an overly attached type of dog. As long as the husky knows or feels that he is within your pack it is alright with them.
Some pet owners say that a Siberian husky is not a one-man dog that excels in loyalty.
They are the type of breed that is overly friendly with just anybody who approaches them.
Very Strikingly Appealing
This is one of the pros that people consider in owning a Siberian husky. They are very appealing and looks great.
They have a great coat, erect and pointy ears and a very fluffy tail that is irresistible to most people.
Don’t forget their gorgeous eyes. While other Ssiberian huskies have clear blue eyes, other huskies also have bi-color eyes which makes them more attractive than the usual clear blue eyed husky.
Cons of Owning a Siberian Husky
After reading all that wonderful things about the husky, let’s see if your soul will break after hearing the disadvantages of owning a Siberian husky.
Masters of Escape
The Siberian huskies are masters of escape. Untrained huskies will break out on even the smallest hole that they can squeeze into.
This usually happens if you leave your husky outside to play and they want to play and explore more further than your house.
A Siberian husky will find its way out, even if you keep them in their dog cages.
Strong Predatory Drive
Remember when i said to supervise your husky when play with other pets? This is because the Siberian husky has a strong predatory drive.
Some huskies have been reportedly killed other pets within the house. This is because of their instincts to hunt and their predatory drive.
In the wild, undomesticated Siberian huskies hunt small animals in order to survive.
Stamina
While the Siberian husky has a lot of stamina that let them play and stay active all the time, this can be a disadvantage to some people especially if that person doesn’t want to go outside a lot and exercise.
A husky does not require a lot of space inside the house but they do need their daily walks and exercise which can be a let down to some people.
Heavy Shedding
Siberian huskies shed a lot of furs per year. They shed twice a year usually before summer and before winter. If cleaning shed furs is not your thing, then owning a Siberian husky is a big no for you.
Noise
Siberian huskies doesn’t bark a lot like other dogs, instead they howl.
Their howls can be fun to listen to but if you live in a place with a lot of neighbors then it is a big disadvantage for you.
You might get some noise complaints from your neighbors because of your dog’s howling.
Despite all these pros and cons, we think that Siberian huskies are nothing but adorable. Share you thoughts on these lovely creatures, too!
I love huskies so much because they are so playful.
i love siberian huskys and would trade my wife for one any day of the week
Then you probably have the wrong wife
Or the rigjt dog
LOL… well, my husband passed away but, there sure were times that I would have done the same.. well said!! LMAO
I am currently looking for a husky puppy but have noticed SO many being re-homed. I was curious as to why? Any ideas or Information would be great. Thanks
A lot of people are drawn to the looks of a certain breed without doing the proper research to see if a particular breed is a good fit for them and their lifestyles. Huskies certainly are gorgeous and they are a fantastic companion – but you have to put in the work. They are diggers, jumpers, chewers, and escape artists. They can be trained but it does take a bit of work as they can be a tad on the stubborn side. They need a lot of exercise. If an owner is unable or unwilling to take them on at a minimum two thirty minute walks daily regardless of the weather, or have a large fenced in yard, it probably is not a good fit. They also shed – a lot. The whole they shed twice per year is not true – they shed ALL year but twice per year it’s like you could knit yourself another pet every day when they “blow” their undercoats. All of that said they are my favorite breed of dog – so beautiful and loving and funny – they have big personalities. Just like any breed or pet really, a person needs to do their homework and get a breed that fits with their lifestyle for a good fit for them as well as the dog.
Yep, I cannot agree more with the energy level. My last dog was a husky, we used to go for 3 hour snowshoe trips (yes breaking trail most of the way) afterwards we would go for a few hour nap. When he woke up he wanted to go again but often wasn’t and choose a few walks around town as supplement. Basically my favorite breed but you have to have the energy to keep up with them. If your not sure try imagining a 2-3 hour jog, every day for the next decade (1 to 2 for a senior 10-13) and just walking for 1 to 2 for a super senior(14+). If you can go for it, he will be the best companion and running buddy! If you can’t jog, long hike, snowshoe, x-country ski or other energy burning activities daily then you are likely better off with another breed. Oh ya same for warm weather, no winter = no happy husky. It may possibly be ok when they are younger but a senior wouldn’t do well (and you don’t want to miss the senior part, it’s like having an adult lab!)
Yes they have for baby husky comming in feb5.At mspca in boston.i reserved one he is beautiful!!! Call them in Jamaica plane
North west husky rescue deer park Washington has puppies google them! I have one and she is so sweet
My neighbors have a husky puppy and they are so neglectful to him . They just leave them in the backyard even on the coldest ,wettest nights with nothing but mud to lay on. He broke thru the fence to my yard And they never even knew he was gone . I bathed him and gave a warm bed to sleep in inside . He was out in the yard when they were in their backyard and he tried his best to get to them thru the fence. I took that as a good sign and helped him thru . I asked them why they didn’t come looking for him and did they want him back . They said yes and that they would take care of him . As of now he is back outside in the cold and dark night . My heart just breaks for him . Is there anything I can do for him ?
They are outside dogs, read up on them, they like a wolf. Very active and love winter months. They snow dogs mame. Anyway read up on this pet.
It’s true that they don’t mind freezing temps or snow at all. They love sleeping in the cold and snow. Sometimes people get concerned seeing one outside, in winter weather. And often the dog is very happy. However, sibes are super social. They enjoy and need time with their pack. They would be beyond miserable left alone often. And I have the sense that this pup is an afterthought. An accessory, who isn’t treated as a member of the neighbors family. Sibes can’t live like that. They aren’t built to live alone (really no dog is, but sibes least of all). Cudos to you Broni, for offering companionship. Don’t worry about dark or cold, but your worries of a husky left isolated and alone are legitimate.
A husky has a pretty unique personality even by unique personality dog standards. They stand alone, I think. Having a husky dog is really like having a whole new, full-time, family member. They have great communications skills and they’re entirely honest. They’re confidence men, but lovable ones. Great dogs.
As a husky is a working dog, would a hound be a good companion and can Husky’s climatise to warm weather ( farm in central italy)
I have them in southern USA, they shed more here. But as long as you keep your home cool, about 69f, they have a comfortable place to get away from the heat.
My Husky just turned 3yrs old end of November… I couldnt imagine life without him now!!! Buuuut with that being said!!! When I first purchased him, he was about 15 weeks old & the first week I had him, I went into major depression watching his insane amount of shedding hair flying around my house while he destroyed everything in his path!!! (From eating my leather L shaped couch that was only a year old, to chewing on the cherry wood legs of my wing back chairs, throw blankets & the worst was eating the crouch out of my daughter & my undergarments..(which were clean ones btw)😅 & that’s even w/him having a huge fenced in yard to run in.. Not to mention the holes he dug to get into other side of fence to neighbors yards. & he is still yet to play nice with other dogs(especially male dogs/his own breed) But w/all that being said, hes caring/compassionate & means well. This breed of dog need to know hes not the boss..lol There toys/treats/bedding/cage/etc is THERES & Will NOT share any of the above with another animal & there physiological inbalanced when the seasons change for a few weeks. There AMAZING DOGS & very interesting personalities to watch. If you have a lot of love/patiencs to give , best purchase ever!!! They are runners, ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ON A LEASH.. Dog park does wonders for them… atleast once a week even if you have fenced in yard. They love to to just run run run hard for a good 15 mins & then there worn out (for atleast few hours anyhoot)🤣
This is great information. Thank you for this!
Your story sounds a lot like mine. Got two huskies pups n did not know the energy they would require. They destroyed my house, ate my leather furniture chewed up wood. Yes they have a huge back yard. They get plenty of chew toys, bones, etc. They have escaped a few times . They love ppl to death. They are bad with jumping on ppl. I love them to death but the beginning I thought I was having a nervous breakdown.
Amanda I recently got a husky that my daughter brought home one day. Love the dog but if you don’t have the energy or space for them it can be tough to own one.
Any chance for them to run off they usually do.
Love my husky she’s still under a year old just got her. I can certainly say she is full of energy all day long howls a lot and wants to be outside and go for walks all the time. She’s adorable and very gentle playful, I learned the hard way to be very careful before opening my front door she will dart out and just run around the neighborhood and see if as a game before finally returning to me.
I have a dog called Key, he was a so lovely Siberian Husky when I cry he will always be nice to me, he makes crazy songs and crazy dreams 🤣
I just got a Husky one week ago from a gentleman that was in severe declining health. Never knew anything about Huskies but right now during this quarantine, I have been looking but had no luck with rescues or shelters. He will be 2 years in July and has acquired a lot of bad habits. I will continue to research this breed.
I live in Texas. Looking to adopt a Husky.
It is a shame you were looking two years ago and not now. This one is more than I can handle
Did you find an adopter? I’d be interested
How’s it going? We met an 8 month old German shepperd cross husky yesterday at the beach, he was non stop attention everywhere, we tried a field instead, he was another dog, he did go down the road once, a little ways, other dogs seemed great with him. Another couple with a small dog where scared of him and where in a swearing match with the owner. She is older and I think overwhelmed by his strength. They said their dog yelped twice, I hope as a warning, boundary setting, but her owners panicked and he kicked at the young large dog.
Huskies are very trainable. I have 2. 1 and a half and 10 months. They require training and the effort definitely pays off. Mine are stubborn, but very obedient and know their commands well. They are super sweet and loving. Yes, they chew, they dig, they escape. They are well worth it. They bring true joy and love to our family. If you don’t have the time to put into them, you don’t deserve to have one.
How did you train them? Can you refer me to any video or book? Thanks!
Me too
I have 3 Siberian huskies. I agree that they need a lot of exercise, can be destructive if their needs aren’t met, do not like to be alone, are very freespirited, very intelligent, and not everyone should own 1 just because they are beautiful. When they view you as pack leader which takes a lot of time and work they are the most awesome dogs ever. They are family. Hope you like to vacuum!!!
It is a good breed if you are an assertive person (not mean, there is a difference) and spend enough time exercising with them.
I am going to git a husky 😄
I have two huskies and I love them a con is the noise i agree and a pro is that you never have to worry about them hurting other dogs unless they are guard dogs!
I love Siberian huskies!!!! I am definitely getting one. I think our house can handle the cons, we have a dream tech vacuum.
I really recommend the dream vacuum by the way.
Your vacuum is no match for a husky. If it survives the shedding, your dog will eat it if he lacks exercise . Either way, no match!
I have a chocolate lab and it’s able colored Siberian husky they both are fantastic dogs I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
My Husky is awesome. He barks when he plays or to alert us that someone is at our house. Instinctively potty trained, loving and great with relatives, guests and others pets in the neighborhood. He is playful so the energy to spend with them is important. They are smart and will follow commands as long as you’re consistent; they’ll get it. Best part…any time you want love, just look at them and tell them to come. Your best friend will come to be with you.
I love my huskies so much. I have 2adults and a litter of 10 right now, 1 of those babies i will be keeping. And a puppy off my stud coming soon. But nothing is easy about them, except loving them. They shed unbelievable amounts of fur. They’re stubborn and demanding. But they’re loyal and faithful. I do not recommend owning 1 til you research them fully and then research them again. And then get 2 instead of just 1, so they have a playmate to help with the exercise requirements. They’re not apartment dogs and need room to run, and they need a job. They need to be house dogs if your home is in a hot climate like hell hot georgia !
My nine year old Siberian Husky is like any other dog I’ve owned. Yes she blows her coat twice a year and I don’t mean sheds, I mean she blows out; touch her and fur will fly off and fill the air. You can brush her forever and it will just keep coming, the air in the house is simply filled with fur and a blow out lasts several weeks. That said, between blow outs she doesn’t shed a hair. She can sit on your lap while you are wearing all black and you won’t have a hair on you. She never barks (I’m not even sure she can bark) and someone can come into the house and rob you blind and they would likely never even know she is there. She doesn’t usually greet me at the door and I have to call her name several times before she comes out (basically she only responds to her nick name “Kitty” as in “here kitty, kitty”). My “Kitty” has only howled a couple of times but she “talks” incessantly often reading me or any other family member who has been out for awhile “the riot act” when we return. She loves her toys and can be obsessive about them. As for food, she is EXTREMELY” picky and might eat one thing one week and hate it the next (I’m always donating high quality dog food that she simply turns her nose up at). She hates salmon and all fish including fish skin chews. She also won’t eat turkey or duck. Mostly she will only eat chicken and beef (sometimes home cooked). Sometimes I believe she will starve herself before she will eat a food she doesn’t love). She loves to snuggle, hike and swim but I always keep her tethered because I really think she would bolt if something got her attention. Smart, lots of energy but so worth it
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I have 2 male Huskies. One we rescued from an abusive home 9 years ago at the age of 2 and one we bought as a puppy 2 years ago to have trained as my service dog. The 2 year old was trained last March to work as my PTSD service dog and he is great. Both dogs are very sweet and very intuitive to my mental and physical health needs. I take my 2 year old with me to daily Mass without an issue. He had flown 4 times and had been amazing sitting on the floor in front of me. We live in the Southern USA and they both shed like it is their job, but every hair is worth it because they are so amazing.
Amen. I also have ptsd. My husky is super intuitive. She is only a year old and so well behaved. She is spoiled and little. (35-38 lbs.) My son gave her to me. After my youngest son passed, he said I needed to get up and moving. That’s what a husky is good for. He has the parents. She’s spending some time with them since I broke my arm. She is spoiled only child. I love her so much. She’s spayed and chipped.
I have hade a husky for around six years and he is me and my family’s best friend I live in the deep south and he sheds a lot but it is worth it
I’m so glad I came across your post. Just the other day my husband and I were reading about Siberian Huskies on PetCareRx, and we thought it would be nice to bring one home. Now, after reading this article, I’m even more convinced.
I see that your site is very informative, and every article is better than any other website’s blog and articles. Your blog contains more information than any other. I think you are one of the best informative article writers, also I am sure you are.
Ours is absolutely the best dog ever. She minds so well. She even heels off leash. We do walk her every day and she also goes with my husband 2-3 times a week to play disc golf. She doesn’t require a leash while he plays because she stays by his side. She loves all other dogs. But unless given permission she won’t approach them. We worked at training her but she’s so smart it was easy. The worst thing I can say about her is she has separation anxiety so we kennel her when she can’t go with us. Since we work from home though she is almost always with us. She truly is an awesome companion. I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
Hy
I have read your article this article is excellent and engaging.
There is no better dog in the world than ours. It’s amazing how well she minds. Despite being on a leash, she heels off it. Besides walking her every day, she also plays disc golf 2-3 times a week with my husband. Since she stays by his side while he plays, she does not require a leash. There is no dog that she doesn’t like. However, she will not approach them without permission. It was easy training her since she’s so smart. When she cannot go with us, we kennel her because she has separation anxiety. We almost always have her with us since we work from home. She truly is an awesome companion. I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
have also a Husky Dog named “Jake” I have been cradling huskies for 9 years. I have experienced many things from the beginning to the end. That’s why I have started a blog on the life of huskies.
If you approve my comment I shall be Thankful to you for this goodwill,
Thank You
just heard that a local family who had 2 huskies have had one put down after it savaged their young son and severely damaged his leg. Pulled a chunk of flesh. Don’t know why or what happened but he will never have a normal leg again.