Siberian Husky

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the Husky as friendly and gentle, alert and outgoing, with none of the traits of a guard dog: it isn't overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive toward other dogs. The AKC backs this up with top scores for openness, getting along with children and getting along with other dogs, and the lowest score for protective instinct. So it's no watchdog; it's more likely to welcome a burglar. A Husky rarely barks in the usual way, but it howls, "talks" and comments on everything out loud. It's intelligent but independent and will listen if it sees the point. It has a strong prey drive toward cats, birds and small animals. It loves company and handles being alone poorly, and a bored Husky can dig up the yard or get over the fence.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Barking

quietvocal

With other dogs

difficultgreat

Protectiveness

lowhigh

Drooling

hardly anya lot

Cold tolerance

feels the coldexcellent

Heat tolerance

strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Siberian Husky for?

A Husky suits active people who run, cycle or want to try sled-dog sports, enjoy winter and have time for daily exercise with their dog. It fits in great with a family with children and with a second dog. It's not for people who want a guard dog or a dog that's obedient off leash, for homes with cats, or for anyone who wants a quiet apartment.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Royal Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise a day. Sled-dog sports are the best fit: canicross, bikejoring, dog scootering, or sledding in winter. Most Huskies won't come back when called once something catches their interest, so letting one off leash in open country is risky. A yard needs a high, solid fence that is also dig-proof. The dense double coat usually doesn't smell and rarely needs bathing, but twice a year the dog sheds its undercoat by the handful, and during that time you should brush it daily. Never shave a Husky. In hot weather, walk at dawn and in the evening. The breed stays in shape on less food than other dogs its size, so it's easy to overfeed.

Health and breed-related conditions

The AKC describes the Husky as a healthy, relatively long-lived breed that often stays active well into old age. It notes that hip dysplasia and eye disease are relatively uncommon, and that typical problems in older dogs include cancer and degenerative joint disease. The Royal Kennel Club treats an eye exam with gonioscopy as the minimum before breeding and hip X-rays as good practice. The AKC also recommends DNA tests for two recently described neurological diseases: polyneuropathy (SHPN1) and shaking puppy syndrome (SPS1). The AKC gives a life expectancy of 12–14 years.

• inherited eye diseasesBreeders have the eyes examined, including gonioscopy for pectinate ligament dysplasia, which raises the risk of glaucoma.
• hip dysplasiaAccording to the AKC it's relatively rare in the breed, but breeding dogs should have hip X-rays.
• Siberian Husky polyneuropathy (SHPN1)A recently described disease of the peripheral nerves; a DNA test is available.
• shaking puppy syndrome (SPS1)An inherited neurological disorder in puppies, detected with a DNA test.
• cancer and degenerative joint diseaseThe AKC lists these as problems in older dogs.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

The Husky's ancestors were bred by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia, who needed dogs that could pull light loads over huge distances while using as little energy as possible. The dogs reached Alaska in the early 20th century and quickly began winning sled races. Their fame came in 1925, when musher Leonhard Seppala and his Huskies took part in the relay that carried diphtheria serum to Nome in five and a half days, covering a total of 658 miles. The breed was developed in the United States, and according to the FCI, the US is the Siberian Husky's country of origin.

Fun facts

• In 1925, Husky sled teams delivered diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska, covering 658 miles in five and a half days.
• According to the FCI, the breed's country of origin is the United States, not Russia.
• The FCI standard disqualifies males over 60 cm and females over 56 cm, as well as merle and brindle coats.
• The standard forbids trimming a Husky except for the whiskers and the hair around the feet.

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Medium dog breeds
• Best dogs for kids

Sources

1. 1FCI standard nr 270 – Siberian Huskyfci.be
2. 2AKC – Siberian Huskyakc.org
3. 3Royal Kennel Club – Siberian Huskyroyalkennelclub.com

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.