Siberian Huskies are sled dogs by nature and can pull many times their own body weight. Teaching this breed to walk nicely on the lead without pulling is almost impossible, so if you are after leisurely walks, this is not the right breed for you. You are better off going for a jog with them or teaching them to run next to you when you ride your bike.
They are very friendly by nature and like to establish strong bonds with their owners. Long hours at home alone are not optimal for this breed, but are possible if they are physically and mentally stimulated enough.
When given enough exercise - around 2-3 hours a day - they make well-adjusted members of the household. This breed has a great sense of direction - if you ever get lost, you can trust your Siberian Husky to get you home.
When their need for exercise is met, Huskies can be well-adjusted members of the household. But be warned, they need at least 2-3 hours of exercise a day to be happy!
They are sometimes labeled as stubborn, but in the Arctic it was crucial for this breed to make decisions so its owners could survive. These traits still exist but this breed can be well managed as a pet dog through fair leadership. However, they are definitely not recommended for first time dog owners or families with young kids.
Weight: | 20-27 kg |
Health risk: | Medium |
Life expectancy: | 12-15 years |
Coat: | Long |
Grooming intensity: | Medium |
Monthly cost (food): | Average |
Trainability: | High |
Activity level: | High |
There are many sources to get your Siberian Husky from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding a Siberian Husky to adopt:
To help your rescued Siberian Husky to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Siberian Husky from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.