Siberian Huskies: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
By: Dylan M. AustinAre you ready for a high-energy, playful pup? Known for their striking appearance and love for exercise, the Siberian husky is the perfect dog breed for those who could use a curious copilot at their side.
Origin
The Siberian Husky is a working breed with a rich history originating in Siberia. Initially bred as sled dogs, they are now commonly kept as family pets and companions due to their friendly and loyal nature.
You may be familiar with the story of Balto, the Siberian Husky who led a dog sled team on a treacherous journey to deliver medicine during a diphtheria epidemic in 1925. His heroism was immortalized in the classic 1995 animated movie of the same name.
Appearance
Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance. A distinctive feature of these pups is their striking looks, including thick fur and heterochromia — a common condition for Siberian Huskies in which they have two different eye colors.
Similar breeds
If you're interested in breeds similar to the Siberian Husky, consider the Alaskan Malamute, Alaskan Klee Kai, Akita Inu, Samoyed, or other wolf-like husky mixes.
Temperament
Siberian Huskies are active dogs with playful, curious, and friendly personalities. They’re independent but tend to be warm and friendly with strangers and other dogs.
If you immediately picture a Siberian Husky in a snow field, you’ve already got a good idea of what keeps them entertained. They’re perfectly content to play in the cold, even below-freezing winter weather.
These pups are quite fast and love to run. They’ll also be happy to go for a hike and appreciate the challenge of agility and trick training. Keep them active, as boredom may bring out their mischievous, destructive, escape artist tendencies.
Are Siberian Huskies hypoallergenic?
Siberian Huskies have two layers of fur: a topcoat and an undercoat. They shed a lot and are not hypoallergenic. Those sensitive to dog allergies may experience discomfort when interacting with this breed.
They’ll go through a heavy shedding period twice a year, lasting a few weeks each time. You can manage their health and your allergies by staying consistent with their grooming.
Looking for an allergy-friendly dog? We've got you covered with our guide to hypoallergenic breeds.
Illness/health concerns
Let’s start with the good news: Siberian Huskies are less prone to orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia that are common in other breeds. Some of their health concerns include cataracts, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, heart disease, and laryngeal paralysis.
Otherwise, Siberian Huskies require similar care you’d expect with most dogs.
How big do Siberian Huskies get?
Your average Siberian Husky can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, standing around 23 inches tall.
The adult size of a dog can be impacted by variables like age, gender, and activity, and it may be harder to estimate for dogs that are a mix of different breeds.
Life expectancy
You can expect your Siberian Husky to live about 12 to 15 years. That’s a lot of time for outdoor adventures and cuddling at home.
Help your Siberian Husky live a long and healthy life by keeping up with regular vet visits and preventative care.
Expected lifetime cost
The lifetime cost of a Siberian Husky can vary, but you can anticipate spending around $20,000 throughout your dog's life. On average, that’s about $1,400 per year.
Plan for other expenses like routine vet visits, preventative medications, grooming, and other standard pet care.
Estimated cost to insure
Insuring your pet is a fantastic way to manage unexpected medical expenses. The cost of pet insurance for a Siberian Husky can vary based on age, health, and location. You can expect to pay around $30-$50 per month for their coverage.
The good, the bad, the ugly
On the fence about getting a Siberian Husky? These are some traits and health factors to consider when making your decision:
Escape Artists: Siberian Huskies are known to jump fences and slip out of collars. You’ll want to keep this in mind when their escape could put them in danger and when pet-proofing your home and backyard.
Cataracts:Â Siberian Huskies can develop cataracts, a common condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy and can lead to vision problems later in life.
Epilepsy:Â Siberian Huskies are prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can cause seizures in dogs.
Hypothyroidism:Â When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, dogs may experience weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. This is somewhat common among Siberian Huskies.
Grooming:Â Siberian Huskies are moderate shedders and require consistent grooming to keep their coats healthy and your allergies in check.
Take note of the Siberian Husky’s unique traits and characteristics as you consider making one a new addition to your life.
So you want a Siberian Husky...
Ready for a high-energy, soulful sidekick? Siberian Huskies thrive with an active lifestyle and do well with pet parents who can handle their curiosity-driven antics.
If you’re ready to bring home a friendly and fun-loving dog, the Siberian Husky might be the right breed for you.
