Your Siberian Husky Care Guide to Ensure a Happy, Healthy Dog
Dogs are similar to humans in many ways and thrive off of companionship, good food, and exercise. But the specifics of their care depends on the breed. Siberian huskies (or Siberians, as many breeders call them) are friendly dogs who get along well with other pups and humans alike, according to the American Kennel Club. So yes, they'll get along well with your kids or other pets. This breed is very smart and quite active; if you're someone who likes to go on long walks or runs, a Siberian husky is a perfect breed for you. But that doesn't cover everything. There are a few other important things to know about your pup to ensure you're both happy.
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Siberian Husky Facts
A Siberian husky makes for a great pet, and with the proper care, they'll live long healthy lives. Here's what you need to know.
Temperament: Siberian huskies have a loyal, outgoing personality. They are also mischievous, so know that if your pet is following commands one moment and then disregarding them to the next, it's completely normal.
Training: Siberian huskies can be difficult to train, but keeping a few rules in mind may help. Be sure to start training your Siberian husky as a puppy to minimize bad behavior and build a strong relationship. Huskies are pack dogs and will only obey the alpha. Therefore, the owner needs to establish themself as the "alpha" at all times. If your Siberian ever shows aggression, this behavior needs to be corrected immediately. Permitting your Siberian husky to continue this behavior may encourage future, stronger aggression toward other people, dogs, and smaller animals. Make sure to keep your Siberian husky active; boredom can lead to destructive activities and behavior problems.
Care and Grooming: Siberian huskies have a thick double coat that must be brushed at least weekly with a comb meant for bigger dogs like the Frisco Shedding Blade Dog Brush ($6, Chewy). Daily brushing is required during shedding season, which is once in the spring and again in the fall. An occasional bath will also help keep your Siberian husky looking its best with Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo ($12, Chewy). As far as exercise, Siberian huskies are very active and require regular physical and mental stimulation. Remember that Siberian huskies were bred to pull a sled over long distances, so they want to run. You will need to provide daily exercise, either through an enclosed space (like a fenced yard) or long walks on a leash.
Health: Siberian huskies are generally a healthy breed with a life span of 12 to 15 years. Like all purebreds, however, there may be some health problems, like hip dysplasia and eye disease. These issues can be minimized by working with a responsible breeder who knows the specific health concerns and diseases within the breed.
Food: Good nutrition, including proper food, is very important throughout a Siberian husky's life. Siberian huskies can maintain a healthy weight on less food than other similarly sized breeds, but special care should be taken to ensure your husky is given high-quality protein-based food. As far as size, a male Siberian husky should be 21 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds. A female Siberian husky should be 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. Siberian huskies should not become overweight and will live a longer, happier life if proper weight is maintained. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas, like the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe ($56, Chewy). The Siberian husky is a medium-breed dog, so consider working with your veterinarian to determine the best diet to ensure your pet remains healthy.
