Siberian Husky Personalities With Other Animals

Siberian huskies have many fine traits. They're usually good-natured, clean, smart and adaptable. That's wonderful for their owners and families. If the family also includes other pets, Siberian huskies possess some not-so-wonderful traits, however -- namely a strong prey drive. As Vetstreet.com warns, "Those with multispecies households need to be extremely cautious with this breed."

  1. Other Dogs

    • Siberian huskies often get along well with another dog, especially if the dog is non-aggressive and relatively the same size. After all, huskies are noted for their teamwork in dog sledding and other northern canine sports. If introduced slowly and carefully, the average husky will eventually be fine with dogs of a certain size and temperament. Small dogs, especially those who think of themselves as big guys, might not fare so well. Your husky and your Lab might become best friends forever. Your husky could consider your Yorkie a snack.

    Cats

    • For most huskies, cats are prey. While some canines with strong prey drives can be taught to distinguish between the house-dwelling family kitty and stray cats in the yard, the husky isn't necessarily one of them. Huskies will wait for the right moment, when even a savvy house cat appears vulnerable. A husky might not go after a cat inside the house, but if that cat ever ventures outside, he's in the same category as any other prey in the husky's mind.

    Small Pets

    • If you have other small pets in the house, such as rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs, you simply can't let your husky near them. Even if you're watching their interaction carefully, remember that huskies are fast. Your bunny could be dead in seconds. Birds might be suitable -- if you never let them out of the cage and the dog can't possibly reach them.

    Livestock

    • Livestock runs the gamut from chickens to equines. Loose Siberian huskies are likely to kill fowl. They'll probably chase and possibly attack goats and sheep. While a horse or cow might be too large for them to consider taking on, that might not be true of a pony, foal or calf. One match for the husky might be a standard-sized donkey or mule. These equines are notorious for their hatred of dogs, and are often used to guard sheep and goat herds from coyotes or loose canines. Don't underestimate the longears -- they can harm or even kill a dog.