Huskies 101
Introduction
The Siberian Husky has striking good-looks, beautiful blue eyes, and an irresistible smile. But that not all you get with a Husky. You also get a dog with a huge personality! This personality isn’t suited to everyone -- many owners have found they can’t handle it and that it’s too much for them. And many Siberians end up in shelters because of it. So before you buy a Siberian Husky make sure you understand his personality and traits first, by reading the information on this site. That way you'll know what you are getting yourself into!
Main Traits
Extremely energetic. Amazing physical endurance. Loves to run (and he's very fast). Makes a great jogging companion. Can be very destructive with your carpet, couch or garden. Highly social: he's quick to make friends with complete strangers. High predatory instincts: makes a meal of smaller animals including cats. Very high shedder.
Personality & Behavior
The Siberian Husky is friendly, strong-willed, outgoing, and can be very mischievous. He’s strong-minded, independent and very assertive and will constantly test you. You must lay down the law and establish yourself as the leader in order to gain his respect and obedience. But even then, you will still face challenges because he likes to do what he wants! He’s affectionate with his family and loved ones. He isn’t a one-man dog as he’s quick to make best-friends with everyone. This could be perceived as a lack of loyalty, by some.
Friendly with All
He isn’t territorial or possessive of his home and territory like some breeds are so he does NOT make a good guard dog. He will instantly make friends with the burglar. However his wolf-like, intimidating appearance may serve to scare away an intruder.
Pros & Cons
High Energy Level
He’s extremely energetic. If you’re a couch potato this isn’t the breed for you -- his constant activity level will drive you insane! All he wants to do is run, play and have fun every day, especially in the morning when he wakes up fully rested and ready to go!
Running!
He has an innate desire to RUN! He was designed and bred to run! If you leave the front door open he’ll be off down the street in a flash! He’ll run away and keep running because of the sheer fun of it. So he must be securely fenced in at all times and he can’t be trusted off leash. He’s very agile and athletic and makes and excellent biking, jogging or hiking companion.
Inside or Outside Dog?
He can live outside just as happily as he can live inside the home. So long as he isn’t chained up all day and so long as you still spend plenty of time with him outside every day.
Escape Artist!
He is an excellent escape artist. He’s adept at find ways to escape the yard! Whether it means climbing over or digging under a fence or squeezing through a tight hole, he will give it a shot! Often with success. If there is a way out, he will find it. Owners often find themselves cementing under fences or extending the height of their fence to keep their Huskies from escaping. A six foot fence is USUALLY enough to contain him.
Destructive
He needs daily exercise. If you don’t provide him with an outlet for his energy he will find his own outlet, usually by being destructive with your property. This mean you need to take him for a good walk every day or provide him with a large secure, fenced in yard that he can romp and run around in to release his energy. On the same note, he needs mental stimulation – something he can do that will engage his mind. If he gets bored or lonely he will quickly find ways to entertain himself, usually by chewing and destroying anything of yours that he finds. He’ll make short work of your new leather sofa tearing it to shreds in record time. Siberian Huskies also love to dig! They are professional landscapers. Expect to find holes in your yard, uprooted plants, and your rose garden demolished. If he can get to it he will probably dig it. You will need to provide him with an area where he is allowed to dig and fence off your rose garden!
Prey Drive
He’s a highly skilled, cunning and patient hunter with a very high prey drive. He can’t be trusted with smaller animals. Huskies usually get along well with cats if raised with them. But even then, some have been known to kill a cat that they’ve lived with, in peace, for years, for no apparent reason. Any stray cat that decides to cross through the backyard will wind up dead. Rabbits, mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters and chickens are out of the questions; he will eat them for lunch! He may even consider small dogs to be fair game!
Social?
Siberian Huskies are social dogs. They thrive on the company of people and other dogs! They need constant companionship and attention. This isn’t the kind of dog you can leave alone for hours. If you do leave him alone he will become miserable, bored and frustrated and will vent his frustration and boredom by being destructive (chewing, digging, and destroying things) or by howling which is sure to upset the neighbors. So if you can’t spend time with him each day and give him something to do, don’t get a Siberian! As mentioned, he loves the companionship of other dogs, especially dogs that are the same size as him so he can play rough with them; he’s especially fond of other Siberians. So if you have to leave him alone occasionally it’s good if he has another dog to keep him company. He’s very friendly and playful with strange dogs he meets. If attacked he is very capable of defending himself.