Siberian Husky

Life Expectancy:  12 - 14 years
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Weight:  35 - 60 lbs.
Height: 20 – 23.5 inches

Where Does the Siberian Husky Rank?

See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in seven key categories.

Trainability

The Siberian Husky is a smart, energetic, and mischievous breed. Considerable training and exercise are required to focus their energy. Most Huskies enjoy exploration and can be escape artists, so on-leash walks are best to prevent them going on the chase.¹

Shedding Friendliness

The Husky sheds minimally for much of the year.  However, twice a year they may shed tufts of husky fur.

Ease of Grooming

Your Husky will require a through brushing twice weekly, and during times of heavy shedding, special grooming tools can help. These dogs keep themselves clean and have little doggie odor so bathing 3 - 4 times yearly or when dirty may be a good option.²

Health

This breed is prone to health conditions hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Exercise Needs

Siberian Huskies need a good deal of exercise to focus their energy. When it is hot outside, you will need to come up with creative ways to exercise your husky indoors as the breed is not very heat tolerant with its heavy double coat.  Huskies like to chase and dig so a bored husky can become destructive, but if you have an active household and time to dedicate to your dog3, a Siberian Husky might be the dog for you.

Good with Children

The Siberian Husky is tolerant of children when properly trained and socialized4, but like any dog, should be supervised.  Children should learn to treat dogs respectfully and gently.

Barking Restraint

Huskies are prone to vocalizing, particularly loud howling, whining, and barking, so may be a nuisance to neighbors if left home alone.

What You Need to Know About Siberian Huskies

Siberian huskies were bred to be members of sled dog teams, so this breed generally gets along with other dogs.  Graceful and athletic, huskies have high endurance and are eager to work but these energies should be properly focused through training. Huskies have a strong prey drive, sometimes including pet rabbits and cats but if raised together and supervised, they may peacefully coexist. The breed can be a good playmate for kids and is friendly with visitors, not particular good as watchdogs.

Training a Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies were bred for outdoor adventures, so training them to obey commands is important to prevent them from going on the chase. If you have an active household and time to dedicate to your dog, then this might be the breed for you because with proper training and love, the Siberian Husky can make a wonderful companion.

Grooming your Husky

A husky’s dense, double hair coat allows the breed to tolerate cold temperatures. The Siberian husky's undercoat is soft with a thicker and slightly coarse coat on top. Twice-weekly brushing is needed to get through both layers and lessen shedding. Coats come in a variety of colors:  black, gray, red, white, and tan, while markings include black points, piebald, or pinto.

Health Problems⁵

Hip Dysplasia: Condition in which the hip socket forms abnormally and leads to arthritis.

Hypothyroidism: Disease where the thyroid does not produce sufficient hormones.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Group of eye diseases that can eventually lead to blindness.

Common Health Issues for Siberian Huskies

• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Cancers
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma

Protect your Siberian Husky with Dog Insurance

Thinking of bringing home a new dog? Consider protecting them with a dog insurance policy from MetLife Pet Insurance.¹  Our dog insurance policies can help provide the coverage and care your furry family member deserves.  Get your free quote today.