Siberian Husky

Where the breed comes from

The Chukchi people of northeast Siberia bred these dogs to pull light loads over long distances in extreme cold, using little food. Huskies arrived in Alaska in the early 1900s for sled racing.

In 1925, relay teams of sled dogs carried diphtheria medicine to the town of Nome, Alaska, a journey that made dogs like Balto and Togo famous.

Personality and family life

Huskies are friendly, gentle and playful, and they usually love people, including strangers, so they make poor guard dogs. They are pack-minded and often enjoy other dogs. They howl more than they bark.

Daily care: exercise, grooming, training

This is a high-energy breed built to run. Plan for vigorous daily exercise such as running, canicross or pulling sports, and use secure fencing, because Huskies are famous escape artists. Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially when it blows out twice a year. Take care in hot weather.

Is this breed right for you?

Great for very active owners who run, hike or enjoy sled sports, especially in cool climates, and who have secure fencing. Less suited to hot climates, small apartments with little exercise, homes with cats or small pets, and owners who want a quiet dog.

Fun facts

Huskies are built for endurance rather than speed or heavy pulling, and they can run long distances on surprisingly little food. Their bushy tails curl over their noses when they sleep in the snow. Blue eyes, brown eyes, one of each or even two-coloured eyes are all accepted in the breed.

A day in the life

A typical day with a Husky needs a real outlet for energy: a long run, bikejoring, canicross or an hour of hard play, plus time with other dogs if possible. Check fences and gates often, because Huskies dig and climb. In summer, exercise at dawn or dusk and provide shade and water. A tired Husky is a calm, friendly housemate.

Health and good to know

Huskies are generally healthy, but eye conditions and hip dysplasia can occur. Their blue or different coloured eyes are a normal breed trait.

Every pet is an individual, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about diet, vaccines and health checks for your own animal.

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