Siberian Husky breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Siberian Huskies
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Siberian Husky breed
Siberian Huskies are a beautiful and energetic breed that originated in northeastern Siberia, Russia. They were originally bred as sled dogs and have a long history of working alongside humans. Huskies are known for their striking appearance, with their thick double coats, erect ears, and distinctive blue or multi coloured eyes.
Weight, height and life expectancy
On average, they stand at a height of 53 to 60cm and weigh between 20 and 27kg.
Siberian Huskies have a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years.
What is the temperament of a Siberian Husky like?
Siberian Huskies have a friendly and outgoing temperament. They are known for their affectionate and gentle nature, and they are generally good with people, including children.
Huskies are pack-oriented dogs and are usually sociable with other dogs. However, their strong prey drive can make them unsuitable for homes with small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs.
Huskies are intelligent and independent, which can sometimes result in a stubborn streak. They thrive in an active environment and require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviour.
Our Husky Community
“Laika is a sweet and energetic Husky. She loves runs, long walks and sniffaris. She loves meeting new people and will certainly show her affection for anyone bearing treats.”
Laika’s owner, Pete from Avon
“Luca is an energetic, friendly husky who love to be outside running through grass and meeting new friends. She loves a game of chase and sniffing bottoms.”
Luca’s owner, Aminah from Edinburgh
How much exercise does a Siberian Husky need?
Siberian Huskies are highly energetic and require a significant amount of exercise on a daily basis. They should be given at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise each day to help them burn off their excess energy. This can include activities such as brisk walks, jogging, hiking, or engaging them in dog sports like agility or sledding.
It's important to note that Huskies have a natural instinct to run, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area to prevent them from wandering off. Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training sessions is also essential to keep their active minds engaged.
Siberian Husky puppies have specific exercise requirements that should be tailored to their age and development. It's important not to overexert their growing bodies. Puppies under 3 months of age should have short, controlled play sessions to prevent excessive strain on their joints and muscles.
Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as they grow older. By the time they reach 6 months of age, they can handle slightly longer walks and play sessions. However, it's best to consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your puppy's individual needs.
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Do Siberian Huskies need a lot of grooming?
Siberian Huskies have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from mats. They shed heavily twice a year during seasonal coat blows, where they shed their undercoat. During these periods, daily brushing is recommended to manage the shedding.
Throughout the rest of the year, regular brushing once or twice a week should suffice to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Huskies are generally clean dogs and do not have a strong odour, so frequent bathing is not necessary and can strip their coat of its natural oils.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Siberian Huskies easy to train?
Siberian Huskies are intelligent dogs, but they have an independent and stubborn nature, which can make training a bit challenging. They are known for their free-spirited personalities and may not always have the same eager-to-please attitude as some other breeds. However, with proper training techniques and consistency, Huskies can be trained effectively.
Early socialisation is crucial for Husky puppies to help them develop good manners and become comfortable in various situations. Basic obedience training should begin at a young age and be reinforced throughout their lives.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and treats, work well with Huskies. Keeping training sessions fun, engaging, and varied can help prevent boredom and maintain their interest.
It's important to note that Huskies have a strong prey drive and may have a tendency to chase small animals, so proper training and control are necessary when it comes to off-lead activities. Consistency, patience, and understanding their unique personality traits are key to successful training with Siberian Huskies.
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What do Siberian Huskies eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential to support the overall health and well-being of Siberian Huskies. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity.
As puppies, Siberian Huskies should be fed a puppy-specific diet that caters to their growing needs, 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, then this is reduced to twice daily. Consult with your vet for specific feeding recommendations and portion sizes based on your puppy's age and weight.
Around the age of 12 to 18 months, Huskies typically transition to adult dog food. Choose a high-quality adult dog food. Again your vet can advise on your individual dog.
Are Siberian Huskies healthy?
Siberian Huskies are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the health concerns associated with this breed include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Glaucoma - the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
Hormonal
Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
Neurological
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
Weight
Obesity - Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation leading to secondary health concerns
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Siberian Husky is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Huskies are highly energetic and intelligent dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Ensure they get at least 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily, such as running, hiking, or playing fetch, to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
