Siberian Husky: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Siberian Husky temperament

The AKC rates the Siberian Husky five out of five for affection, playfulness, openness to strangers and getting along with other dogs, and one out of five as a watchdog. In other words, a Husky is far more likely to greet an intruder than guard against one.

They are also five out of five for barking on the AKC scale, though most owners would say howling, yodeling and talking describe it better. Bred to work in teams, Huskies enjoy company and can become destructive or noisy when left alone for long periods.

How big do Huskies get?

The AKC lists male Siberian Huskies at 21 to 23.5 inches tall and 45 to 60 pounds, and females at 20 to 22 inches and 35 to 50 pounds. They are medium-sized, light-footed dogs built to pull a light load over long distances, not heavy freighting dogs.

Larger dogs sold as giant or wolf-type Huskies are either outside the standard or a different breed or mix. The Alaskan Malamute, often confused with the Husky, is a separate, heavier AKC breed. Keep a Husky lean and athletic; it should never look stocky.

Husky lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Siberian Husky lifespan of 12 to 14 years and calls the breed generally healthy and relatively long-lived, often active into its senior years. It notes that the incidence of hip dysplasia and eye disease is relatively low, and recommends hip and eye evaluations plus DNA tests for two inherited nerve conditions.

VCA notes a predisposition to inherited eye diseases and autoimmune conditions, listing cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, pannus and glaucoma among others, along with hypothyroidism and zinc-responsive skin disease. VCA says progressive retinal atrophy often shows first as night blindness. Ask breeders for parent eye exams, and see a vet promptly for a cloudy, red or painful eye or crusty skin around the face.

Exercise needs

The AKC calls Huskies active, athletic dogs that need a lot of exercise and are happiest with a job to do. Long brisk walks, jogging with a fully grown dog, hiking and canine sports such as sledding, skijoring or canicross suit them well.

The AKC warns they were bred to run and will do so at every opportunity, so keep a Husky on a leash, in a harness or in a fenced yard at all times. Many are diggers and climbers, and VCA notes escape behavior when bored. Check fences regularly and exercise in the cool parts of the day in summer.

Husky grooming and shedding

The AKC rates shedding four out of five, and the double coat blows its undercoat twice a year. During those sheds, the AKC advises continually raking out the old coat with a pin brush and metal comb. Weekly brushing the rest of the year keeps coat and skin healthy.

On the plus side, the AKC calls Huskies a natural, remarkably self-cleaning breed that often needs only a few baths a year, and they tend to have little doggy odor. Watch nail length and brush the teeth. Never shave a Husky's double coat for summer without asking your vet or groomer first.

Training a Husky

The AKC rates trainability three out of five, which reflects independence more than lack of intelligence. Huskies learn quickly but ask what is in it for them. The AKC's advice is to make every training session fun for dog and handler, using early socialization and basic manners as the foundation.

Use high-value rewards, keep sessions short and practice in many places. Recall off leash is rarely reliable in this breed, however much you train it, so use a long line in open spaces. Harness work, if you want it, takes hours of patient training.

Are Huskies good with kids and other pets?

The AKC rates Huskies five out of five with young children and with other dogs, and VCA says they are generally good with children. Their gentle, sociable nature makes them good family dogs for active households, though their energy needs supervision around toddlers.

Small animals are the exception. VCA notes Huskies may chase smaller animals, and many have a strong prey drive toward cats, rabbits and poultry. Some live happily with a cat they were raised with, but never assume it, and supervise early meetings carefully.

What a Husky needs at home

Secure containment comes first: a tall, dig-proof fence and a gate that latches. Add a well-fitted harness, a long line for open spaces, an undercoat rake and pin brush, a metal comb and nail clippers, and durable chew and puzzle toys to beat boredom.

A cooling mat and shade help in warm climates, since VCA notes the breed prefers cooler weather. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Husky home and ask about eye checks, microchipping and a safe exercise plan.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.