10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Siberian Husky

With a wolf-like appearance and gentle, playful nature, Siberian huskies make good family dogs. Before adopting a dog from this 3,000-year-old breed, however, you should be aware of its general characteristics to make sure that it's a good fit for you. Huskies require a lot of attention, exercise and care.

  1. Need for Companionship

    • Huskies, like most dogs, are pack animals. They need to have a strong relationship with their human or other dogs. If you're not home often, you may not be able to provide the husky with the companionship that it needs to thrive.

    Escape Artist

    • Huskies are intelligent, making them exceptional escape artists. Usually, they run away because they're bored and are left alone often. You should make arrangements to have a secure fence to keep your new Siberian safe.

    Daily Exercise

    • Huskies need daily exercise to burn off their high energy. Young dogs are particularly in need of regular walks or runs.

    Frequent Grooming

    • Siberian huskies have thick coats that need to be brushed weekly, or more often. This thick coat also makes huskies happier in cooler climates.

    Assert Leadership

    • Huskies need an owner with a firm hand. They respond well to obedience training and consistent reinforcements. If you don't assert yourself as the leader, your husky could get into trouble by chewing furniture, jumping on people and running away.

    Predatory Instincts

    • Huskies have strong hunting instincts. This feeds their desire to run away in search of prey. It also puts other small animals in your house in danger. Keep smaller pets separate from your husky.

    Good with Children

    • Huskies are gentle with children. They love to play and don't devote all their attention to just one member of the family.

    Medium Size

    • Huskies grow to be between 40 and 65 pounds. They aren't a lap dog.

    Poor Guard Dog

    • Huskies make poor guard dogs because they're generally friendly with strangers. The presence of a dog may dissuade potential intruders, however.

    Socialization

    • Well-socialized huskies get along well with other dogs. You can take a husky to dog parks with little fear of getting into a tussle with another animal. If threatened, however, a husky will defend itself.