Siberian Husky Breeds Complete Guide

Thinking about getting a Siberian husky? You should know that before you fall in love with those blue eyes, this breed was bred to run long distances, not spend all day napping on the couch. Huskies are smart, loving, and active dogs, but they aren't right for every home.

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog bred to work in cold weather and travel long distances. It is a member of the Spitz breed family and is known for its thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive facial markings. Huskies are smaller and lighter than their cousin, the Alaskan Malamute, and therefore are able to go farther and faster.

Don't let the wolf-like appearance fool you. by the wolf's look. The Siberian Husky is a breed with a big personality—one that would rather run along beside you than stand guard at your front door.

In the early days, Huskies weren't pets. The breed was developed by the Chukchi people, who needed a dog that could pull sleds across the harsh Siberian terrain while eating very little food. Endurance was more important than speed. A Chukchi sled dog had to run all day on scant fuel, and that same low-maintenance stamina is still evident in Huskies today.

The breed came to Alaska in the early 1900s, during the gold rush, and soon became a favorite for sled dog races. The Siberian Husky: The AKC recognized the Siberian Husky in 1930. By 2019, the breed was the 14th most popular of all AKC breeds—popular enough to remain healthy as a breed but not so overbred that quality suffered.

If you want a guard dog, don't get a husky. The breed has a friendly and gentle, alert and outgoing temperament, without the possessiveness of a guard dog or suspicion of strangers. Just as often as a Husky will greet you with a wagging tail, he will greet a burglar.

That friendly attitude extends to other dogs as well. Huskies were bred to pull sleds in packs, so most get along with other dogs if raised with them. Kids are usually quite safe too—Huskies tend to be patient and playful rather than territorial.

Huskies are not exactly known for obedience. They are independent thinkers and stubborn, and a bored Husky will find its own entertainment—usually by digging up your yard or escaping the fence you thought was tall enough.

This is where most new owners go wrong. A Husky requires a minimum of 60-90 minutes of real exercise daily—running, hiking, or pulling activities such as skiing or cart pulling. A stroll around the corner isn't enough.

Huskies can be destructive if they do not get enough exercise. Chewed furniture, dug-up gardens, and constant howling are typical signs of an under-exercised Husky, not a "badly behaved" Husky. "If you are not a daily rigorous exerciser, a Husky is probably not your breed.

The thick coat of the Husky requires regular brushing, especially during shedding season. Twice a year Huskies "blow" their coat. They shed large amounts of undercoat over a period of a few weeks. Brushing daily during these times prevents loose fur from accumulating on your floors and furniture.

A weekly brushing session is enough when not in the shedding season. Huskies are naturally clean dogs and rarely need a bath. Their coat is more resistant to dirt and odor than most breeds.

Siberian Huskies are a healthy breed, living between 12 and 14 years. But some conditions seem to be more common in this breed than others:

• Hip dysplasia—a common joint condition among medium- and large-working breeds
• Eye problems, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism—underactive thyroid, which can affect energy levels and coat quality

Buying from a breeder who screens for these conditions greatly reduces your risk. Regular vet checkups can catch most problems early, especially eye exams.

People confuse these two breeds constantly, but they're not the same dog.

If you want a lighter, faster dog with a shot at blue eyes, the Husky wins. If you want a bigger dog built for heavy hauling, the Malamute is the better match.

If you're an active person who has a fenced-in yard and likes to exercise hard every day, a Husky is a good idea. Doesn't make sense if you work long hours, live in an apartment with no trail nearby, or want a dog that listens the first time you ask.

Find the breed that fits your life, not the other way around. That's what makes a happy Husky and what gets one to the shelter.