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…
Is medium-sized and furry, with a wolfish appearance
Is free-spirited and playful
Is athletic and agile and loves the great outdoors, especially in cold weather
Thinks that running full-speed, pulling carts and sleds, and/or carrying a backpack on a mountain hike are his purposes in life
Is usually good-natured with strangers and sociable with other dogs
A Siberian Husky may be right for you.
If you don’t want to deal with…
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Massive destructiveness and howling when bored, left alone too much, or not exercised enough
Strong instincts to chase and grab anything that runs, i.e. cats
Escaping from your yard in search of adventure
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Heavy shedding
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.
