Siberian Huskies: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The AKC Standard says the Siberian Husky "does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs."

Indeed, the free-spirited Siberian Husky is usually good-natured with everyone.

He is playful, athletic, agile, and light on his feet. He loves the great outdoors and requires vigorous exercise, especially in cool weather. He should be taken running, hiking, and/or biking every day, always on-leash, for he is independent and born to run. If something catches his interest and he is off-leash, he'll be gone.

Teaching him to pull carts and sleds gives him a purpose in life. Without such exercise, mental activity, and lots of companionship, he can be incredibly, massively destructive.

Most Siberian Huskies are sociable with other dogs, but he has a very high prey drive and may destroy cats if not raised with them. Siberians should not be kept around rabbits, ferrets, or birds. Fencing must be high and secure, for he can be an escape artist, and once loose, he may run deer and molest livestock.

Training is a challenge because the strong-willed Siberian Husky is inclined to use his intelligence in clever ways that suit his own purposes. Digging and howling are favorite pastimes.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Siberian Huskies have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Siberian Husky to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Siberian Husky

If I was considering a Siberian Husky, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise and activities to keep him satisfied. Unless you specifically want an athletic working dog for sledding, carting, backpacking, and other outdoor-related activities, preferably in a cool climate, I do not recommend this breed. Siberian Huskies were never intended to be simply pets. Trying to suppress their "hardwired" drive to work, without providing alternate outlets for their energy, is not fair to the dog.

   Without regular opportunities to vent their energy, or when left alone all day, Siberian Huskies become rambunctious and bored – which they express by howling and destructive chewing. Bored Siberian Huskies are famous for chewing through drywall, ripping the stuffing out of sofas, and turning your yard into a moonscape of giant craters.

2. Strong chasing instincts. Most Siberian Huskies have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock.
3. Escape attempts. Many Siberian Huskies are clever escape artists who will go over (or under) your fence in search of adventure. To keep your Siberian Husky in, fences should be solid wood and at least 6 or 8 feet high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Some Siberians will climb right up chain link or wire fencing. Indeed, some individuals can only be contained in an enclosure that has a roof.
4. Stubbornness. Siberian Huskies have an independent mind of their own and not particularly eager to please. They can be very willful and manipulative and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

   In other words, you must teach your Siberian Husky to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Read more about Siberian Husky Training.

5. Heavy shedding. Siberian Huskies shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, furniture, carpeting....even in your food. Daily brushing and vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're really okay with this, since it can't be changed.
6. Noise. Unless you live way out in the boondocks and have no neighbors, Siberian Huskies should never be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. Their mournful howling will have your neighbors calling the cops to report the nuisance. Or else quietly letting your Siberian Husky out of his yard so he'll wander away.