Arctic wonder dogs: unleashing secrets of the Siberian Husky

By Lauren Rey

Siberiam Husky - Fast Facts

The Siberian Husky

Known for their piercing eyes and powerful endurance, Siberian Huskies are truly one-of-a-kind. They have a long history of traversing Arctic landscapes and captivating hearts with their heroic endeavors. Eventually finding their way into homes across the country, Siberian Huskies have become a popular family dog.

Siberian Huskies are a friendly, loyal, and spirited breed, but they are not for everyone. Owning a Husky comes with its own unique set of challenges but also with many rewards. Here’s an in-depth look at this extraordinary breed.

History of the Siberian Husky

The Husky breed has ancient origins beginning thousands of years ago in Northeast Asia. They were first bred and raised by the Chukchi people, a nomadic indigenous group of Siberia. Huskies served as loyal and hardworking companions pulling sleds over vast frozen landscapes. They were known for their extraordinary endurance and cold tolerance.

By the early 1900s, ancestors of the first Huskies arrived in North America and quickly gained popularity in Alaskan sled racing. In 1925, two Husky heroes emerged, making headlines around the world for saving the town of Nome, Alaska during a diphtheria outbreak. Known as “The Race of Mercy,” teams of Siberian Huskies raced hundreds of miles during a blizzard to deliver lifesaving medication to the remote town. While dozens of dogs participated, the leaders of the pack, Balto and Togo, became household names. This legendary duo has been honored and memorialized around the world through statues, books, and movies.

Today, the Siberian Husky is still used for sled racing in polar regions around the world but is also a beloved family dog. Still working dogs at heart, Huskies can make great family pets as long as they have an outlet for their energetic and adventurous spirit.

Siberian Husky traits and characteristics

There are several unique attributes that help define the Siberian Husky breed. Here’s what you can expect from a purebred Siberian Husky.

Siberian Husky size and appearance

Siberian Huskies are compact, medium-sized dogs, with a thick, wintry double coat and ears that stand erect. They come in a variety of colors with markings in combinations of black, white, grey, brown, or red. Their almond-shaped eyes come in shades of blue, brown, or a combination of both and are one of their most striking features.

Male Huskies usually weigh between 45 to 60 pounds and stand between 21 and 23 inches tall. Female Huskies vary in weight from 35 to 50 pounds and 20 to 22 inches in height. Both have a lean, athletic build.

Key traits of a Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable dogs. They were bred to pull sleds in packs, working with people and other dogs, so they are generally loyal and do well with other canine companions. The Husky temperament is known to be friendly and playful.

Other key traits that may require a watchful eye by their owners include the Siberian Husky’s stubbornness and independence. At times, this can make training difficult. A structured training plan or enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer can help. The combination of a Husky’s intelligence, curiosity, and desire to run can also make them flighty. From climbing fences to digging holes or darting out the door at every chance they get, some Huskies are master escape artists.

Unfortunately, Siberian Huskies are one of the top breeds to go missing. You can protect your Husky with a microchip and a 24Petwatch Lifetime Protection Membership that includes access to lost pet recovery specialists and the largest microchip data registry in North America.

Siberian Husky health and lifespan

The Siberian Husky is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Like all purebred dogs, Siberian Huskies can be predisposed to certain inherited conditions such as:

Siberian Huskies can also be sensitive to heat. Their coats were built for Arctic conditions so prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can be dangerous for Husky dogs. While all dog owners should take steps to prevent heat stroke, Husky owners need to take extra precautions.

While not every Siberian Husky will be impacted by one of these conditions, pet insurance is always a good thing to have. Especially in cases of accidents and injuries which Huskies can sometimes be prone to when their curiosity or desire to run takes over. Consider covering your Husky with pet insurance to help you get peace of mind.

Living with a Siberian Husky

Being the active, agile dogs they are, Siberian Huskies are best suited to spacious homes and owners with an active lifestyle. A Husky needs plenty of room to run and play but also needs a controlled environment, like a fenced-in yard and a watchful owner.

Siberian Huskies need lots of exercise, usually a minimum of two hours a day. Brisk walks, runs, hikes, and games of fetch are all great ways to exercise your Husky. They also excel in agility sports. In addition to physical exercise, Huskies also need mental stimulation like puzzle toys to help beat boredom. A bored Husky is likely to go looking for their own entertainment which can lead to all sorts of problems.

Life with a Siberian Husky also means dealing with dog hair, and lots of it! Huskies have thick double coats that shed frequently and will need weekly brushings. They’ll also shed hair around your house, so a good vacuum and a lint roller are a Husky owner’s best friend. Huskies are also a very vocal breed. They are known to “sing” or howl quite frequently. If noise is a problem for you or you live in an apartment, a Husky is not your ideal breed.

Top things to consider before adopting a Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are wonderful dogs, but they’re not for everyone. This breed requires a lot of work so it’s important to make sure you are up for the challenge before bringing one home. Here are the top things to consider if you’re thinking about adopting a Siberian Husky:

Overall, first-time dog owners, those that are away for prolonged periods, or those looking for a low-maintenance dog should steer clear of a high-energy working breed like the Siberian Husky. On the other hand, active owners that love running, hiking, and trips to the park may find a Husky to be their ideal canine companion.

Siberian Husky FAQs

Are Siberian Huskies related to wolves?

Siberian Huskies and wolves are related in the same way that all canines are. They share a common ancestor and are both of the species, Canis lupis. While science points to all dogs being descendants of wolves, in the case of the Siberian Husky, evidence suggests they may be related to the Taimyr wolf, an ancient species that roamed Siberia 35,000 years ago.

Are Siberian Huskies good with children?

In general, Siberian Huskies are known to make good family dogs and be friendly and tolerant with children. With that being said, every dog is an individual and all interactions between dogs and children (regardless of breed) should be supervised. If you have a new Husky puppy, early training and socialization are key!

Are Siberian Huskies high maintenance?

Like most working dogs, Siberian Huskies are considered a high-maintenance dog breed. They will require more time and energy than your average dog and have certain characteristics that can be difficult for some owners. From their exercise needs to their constant shedding and their high-pitched Husky howls, this breed can be a lot to handle.

Can a Siberian Husky live in an apartment?

It’s not impossible to live in an apartment with a Siberian Husky, but it’s also not ideal. Huskies need room to run and their howling can be a problem for neighbors. A house with a fenced-in yard is the ideal Husky home, however, if an owner is committed to providing plenty of daily exercise and enrichment, they could make it work. Lots of walks, runs, park outings, and puzzle toys can all help meet your Husky’s needs in an apartment.

Can Siberian Huskies be left alone for long periods?

Siberian Huskies are very social dogs and don’t tolerate being left alone for long periods well. Exactly how long you can leave your Husky home alone will depend on the individual dog and how their needs are being met. A Husky that had a morning run will probably handle being left alone better than one that hasn’t had any exercise. If you have a hectic schedule, a dog walker or dog daycare service can be helpful for Husky owners.

Ready for a Siberian Husky?

Owning a Siberian Husky will definitely keep you on your toes, but you’ll be rewarded with their unmatched love and loyalty. Just make sure you have the time, energy, and space to meet the needs of this spirited breed.