A little look at life together.
Make room for movement
Siberian Huskies were developed for sled work and need substantial activity. Think about the time you can consistently spend on walks, play, and shared activities, including busy weekdays.
Their interest in running and chasing makes secure fencing and suitable walking equipment part of the planning. An appealing open space is not automatically a suitable place to let a Husky loose.
A coat with seasons
Regular brushing helps maintain the double coat. Shedding periods bring considerably more loose undercoat, so leave room in the routine for extra grooming.
Before you decide
- Does your everyday schedule support an active dog?
- Are outdoor boundaries secure?
- What company and activities does this individual Husky enjoy?
Siberian Husky questions
Do Siberian Huskies shed a lot?
Yes, in bursts. The undercoat is shed twice a year and needs to be raked out with a pin brush and metal comb while it is coming loose, with weekly brushing the rest of the time. The amount of fur surprises new owners. The upside is that the coat needs no clipping and most Siberians need only a few baths a year.
How big does a full-grown Siberian Husky get?
Males stand 21 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45 to 60 pounds, and females stand 20 to 22 inches and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. The top of each height range is a hard limit in the show ring, where a taller dog is disqualified, and excess weight or heavy bone is also penalized.
How long do Siberian Huskies live?
Siberian Huskies typically live 12 to 14 years and are generally healthy, often still active in their senior years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog. Hip and eye disease do occur, at relatively low rates, so ask a breeder what screening was done and raise any concerns with your vet.
What is the difference between a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Malamute?
Size and job. The Siberian is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Malamute, topping out at 60 pounds, while Malamute males reach 25 inches and 85 pounds and females 23 inches and 75 pounds. The Siberian was developed to pull light loads at a moderate speed over long distances, so it is a quick, light-footed dog built for endurance.
How much exercise does a Siberian Husky need, and can it go off leash?
A lot of exercise, and no to off leash. Siberians have a top energy level and should be on a leash, in harness, or in a securely fenced area at all times because the urge to run is so strong. Many Huskies also like to dig. For city homes, daily walks or dog play groups help.
Are Siberian Huskies good family dogs?
For an active household, often yes. Siberians are gentle, friendly and affectionate with their family, welcoming to guests and usually good with children, which also makes them poor watchdogs. Two cautions apply. They have a strong predatory instinct toward small animals, cats included, and they want company, so they are not suited to being left alone all day.
Are Siberian Huskies part wolf?
No. The Siberian is a purebred dog, not a wolf cross. The breed was developed by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia as an endurance sled dog, and the dogs were also kept as family companions. It has been recognized as a breed in the United States since 1930.
Can Siberian Huskies have blue eyes or two different colored eyes?
Yes. Siberians can have brown eyes, blue eyes, or sometimes one of each, and parti-colored eyes also occur.
