Siberian Husky
Also known as Husky, Siberian Husky
- Height at the withers
- 51 to 60 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized, athletic working sled dog with a thick double coat, a striking wolf-like look and upright triangular ears, bred for endurance sledding in harsh Arctic conditions.
History and origins
Developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia as an endurance sled dog, able to pull light loads over long distances in the cold. Brought to Alaska in 1908 for sled racing, it became famous during the 1925 serum run to Nome. The breed was established in the United States, which the FCI recognizes as its country of origin.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Juvenile hereditary cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Corneal dystrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Zinc-responsive dermatosis and hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very poorly, 1 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Siberian Husky FAQ
How big does the Siberian Husky get?
The Siberian Husky stands 51 to 60 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 27 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Siberian Husky shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Siberian Husky live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Siberian Husky need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Siberian Husky good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Siberian Husky live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are juvenile hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
