Dogs
The Pros and Cons of Having Siberian Huskies as Pets
Aug
As a proud pet owner with a full house of furry friends, I’ve learned that every dog breed brings its own unique joys and challenges. One breed that has always fascinated me, and many of you as well, is the Siberian Husky.
With their striking blue eyes, wolf-like appearance and boundless energy, it’s no wonder these dogs capture so many hearts. But before you rush out to bring one home, it’s important to understand what life with a Siberian Husky really entails.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of having a Siberian Husky as a pet. We’ll explore the traits that make them incredible companions but also discuss the challenges that come with their spirited nature.
Whether you’re already smitten with Huskies or just curious about the breed, this guide will help you decide if a Siberian Husky is the right fit for your home and lifestyle. Let’s get started!
Pros of Owning Siberian Huskies
Here are some of the top reasons why owning a Husky can be incredibly rewarding.
A Good-Natured Breed
One of the greatest joys of owning a Siberian Husky is their exceptionally good-natured temperament. Despite their wolf-like appearance and impressive size, Huskies are known for being friendly, gentle, and affectionate companions.
They form strong bonds with their families and are incredibly loyal, making them excellent pets for both individuals and families alike. Their playful and outgoing personalities mean they get along well with children and other dogs, and they rarely show aggression.
Loves to Exercise and Be Outdoors
Siberian Huskies are perfect companions for those who lead active lifestyles and love spending time outdoors. These dogs thrive on physical activity and are always eager for a game of fetch, a long run or an adventurous hike. Their high energy levels and love for the outdoors mean they’re happiest when they can stretch their legs and explore.
Owning a Husky can even motivate you to stay active, as their enthusiasm for exercise can encourage you to get out and enjoy nature more often.
Their double coat means they are well suited to being outdoors in cold climates.
Clean and Odourless
Another great advantage of owning a Siberian Husky is their natural cleanliness and lack of odour, which is rare among dog breeds. Huskies are known for their self-grooming habits, much like cats, which helps them stay clean with minimal effort. Their double coat sheds dirt and moisture efficiently, reducing the buildup of grime that can cause bad smells.
Additionally, Huskies have less oily skin than other dogs, which means they don’t develop that typical “doggie odour.” This makes them a great choice for owners who prefer a pet that stays fresh and pleasant to be around, even without frequent baths.
Independent
Siberian Huskies are known for their independent and free-spirited nature, which can be a major plus for those who prefer a pet that isn’t overly clingy. Unlike some breeds that struggle with separation anxiety, Huskies are generally comfortable spending time on their own, making them a good fit for busy individuals or families. Their independence means they’re not constantly seeking attention, allowing them to be more self-sufficient and less demanding.
While they love spending time with their owners, they also enjoy exploring and entertaining themselves, striking a perfect balance between being a loving companion and a free-spirited adventurer.
Unique Appearance
One of the standout features of Siberian Huskies is their striking, wolf-like appearance, which sets them apart from other breeds. With their thick double coat, erect ears and piercing blue eyes, Huskies have a wild, almost mystical look that many find irresistible.
Their unique appearance often turns heads, making them a conversation starter wherever they go.
Cons of Owning a Siberian Husky
While Siberian Huskies are undeniably great pets, there are several challenges that potential owners should be aware of.
Masters of Escape
Siberian Huskies are renowned for their incredible escape artist skills. With their high intelligence and boundless energy, they often find ways to outsmart barriers that might contain other breeds. Huskies can squeeze through small gaps in fences, dig under enclosures, or even jump over high barriers if not properly secured.
Their strong prey drive and curiosity further fuel their desire to explore beyond the confines of their home. Without proper training and secure fencing, a Husky’s tendency to roam can quickly turn into a recurring challenge, making vigilance and proactive measures essential for their safety and your peace of mind.
Strong Predatory Drive
Siberian Huskies possess a strong predatory drive, which can pose a significant challenge for households with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs. Their natural instinct to chase and hunt can make them a serious threat to smaller animals, as they might see them as prey. Even with the best intentions, a Husky’s playful or curious behaviour can quickly escalate into predatory actions if not properly managed.
To keep your pocket pets safe, it’s crucial to ensure they are securely housed in enclosures that Huskies cannot access. Extra precautions are needed to prevent any potential encounters that could put smaller pets at risk.
Stamina
Siberian Huskies are bursting with energy and stamina, which can be challenging if you don’t have a large yard or lead an active lifestyle. Without ample space and regular exercise, Huskies can become bored and restless, leading to destructive behaviours or excessive barking.
Their high energy levels demand daily physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them content and well-behaved. If you’re not prepared to meet their vigorous exercise needs, a Husky may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
Heavy Shedding
Siberian Huskies are notorious for heavy shedding, which means their fur can quickly cover your clothes, furniture and carpets. Their thick double coat sheds year-round, with peak periods during seasonal changes.
This constant shedding can make it challenging to maintain a tidy home, as fur can become a persistent issue. If you value a clean and fur-free environment, a Husky’s shedding may be a significant drawback.
Howling
Siberian Huskies are known for their loud howling, which can be quite disruptive. In addition to barking, their howling can be intense and persistent, potentially bothering your neighbours.
Vocal behaviour is a natural trait, but it can become a significant issue if you live in an apartment, shared housing or noise-sensitive areas.
Despite all their pros and cons, we think that Siberian huskies make great pets for the right people. Share your thoughts on these lovely creatures, too!
I love huskies so much because they are so playful.
im love husky too
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’m visiting my sister in Cali. She has a Siberian (beautiful) I’m in love with her. She’s so friendly. I love when she come and lays her long nose on my lap and puts her paw on my lap to scratch her
back. So smart. Wish I could take her home with me.
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.
I have rescued a beautiful Siberian. The first day she slipped her collar and took off like a Rocket. 40 minutes, we caught her. Second day she slipped through a small opening
as I was checking the air temp,about to walk her. Gone almost 6 hours,tried to find her,had help,didn’t find her. I left my front door open a little and she just walked right in. M iraculous afted one day. She tracked her way home:) I am thrilled and now KNOW what she can do. No access to open door without on leash!
The husky puppies are cute, but they require extensive training. You will see them rehomed or in shelters because people don’t have the time to train them, or they are “not as cute” as when they were a puppy… they WILL escape if you do not have a proper fence or enclosure. Instead of a puppy, you might think of adoption from a shelter – the husky might not be a puppy, but it might be already trained and fixed with all shots etc already.
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
Like
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.
That’s amazing news I am looking forward to training my new puppy husky as my PTSD and sezioze service dog 🐕🦺 she’s about 5 months old and I just saved her from a horrible house 😭 she’s really good with me just needs to be house broken and a bit more gentle.but doesn’t tear up anything else but her toys lol.
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.
I recently rescued a 3 year old husky from animal rescue. I had just buried 2 labs (1 of old age and 1 or cancer) and wanted a playmate for my other lab. I did take my lab with me to make sure they would get along. I live on a farm and she had been in the city her whole life. Wow! She runs and runs. She would zip past me like a rocket when I was outside working. She loves the space and the creek. With the summer heat she prefers outside at night. I don’t chain or confine her. She barks about 2 hours at coyotes then settles in front of the door. She comes in during the day and lays in front of the fan, even though the AC is on. Grandkids love and cuddle her. But a strange vehicle and she keeps them from getting out until I go out. Then she’ll jump on them and give them kisses. Fridge door opens, she’s there. Same with eating. If I am sleeping and she wants out, I wake up to face licking and feeling like she is doing CPR on me! Yes, a lot of shedding, but I regularly brush her outside. Has not chased cars or cattle. But she did spend all day under a maple tree waiting for a squirrel to try to down. First dog I ever paid for and I LOVE her!
Mine is almost 2 yrs. Have had him since he was 8 weeks. I can’t imagine my life without him, and we are first time dog owners! Even from when he was a pup I found him to be quite responsive to training. Potty trained quickly , slept through the night with no crate training. A complete indoor dog and Now with all the excessive pampering, roams around the entire house, sleeps on my bed no matter how much I coax him to his own bed (and secretly I wouldn’t have it any other way!) It’s winter here and I love the snuggle! Come summer I know he will transition to the foot of my bed anyways 😉 .. absolutely asserts his way but also then knows when the alpha (me) means business and backs off . Protective of the girls if he sense danger or pain and will life long rough play with the boys. Our cameras hold only his pictures, our conversations house only his admiration and our hearts swoon only with love for him ♥️
i love it helped me we with my project