Dog Files: Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky has become a popular breed of dog in recent years, and it’s no surprise. They’re perhaps one of the best looking breeds of dog out there and, despite there slightly menacing look, very well-behaved dogs. So let’s take a look and see if a Siberian Husky is the right choice for you.

Sensitivity

Siberian Huskies are extremely sensitive dogs. They take a lot to heart and this can be a problem for some households and owners. Due to this sensitivity, they are stereotypically not good in noisy or busy households. They are also suited to routine better and don’t handle being alone very well at all. It is for this reason also that they are probably not an ideal choice for a first-time owner.

Weather Tolerance

Huskies are known most for their ability to tolerate cold weather, so if you’re in Scotland or the far North of England, there’s no need to worry. However, a common misconception is that, as a result of their Siberian roots, they won’t be able to cope with warm weather. Whilst it’s not their natural habitat, Huskies cope just as well as the average dog with a warm climate, so regular provisions suffice.

Temperament

Huskies are perhaps one of the friendliest dogs around (and not just with humans), making them great dogs in this aspect. However, this is accompanied by high energy levels. This may be music to some potential dog owners’ ears, but for most, it can be tiring. Make sure you have plenty of time and allow a lot of time for your Husky to spend in the garden also. Huskies are stereotypically not suited to apartment living for this reason. However, one bonus of their high energy levels is that this means they are very playful, so if you like that in a dog, you may have found the perfect match.

Apartment living can be a problem for neighbours as well as your dog, as Huskies have a well-known tendency to bark and howl (especially the latter). If you don’t want complaints from upstairs, downstairs, next door and 3 streets away, it’s probably best to look elsewhere if you’re in a heavily populated block of flats.

Huskies, whilst not unintelligent, are not the easiest dogs to train and can be very ‘free-spirited’ when being taken for walks. In fact, it’s more like they’re taking you for a walk, if truth be told. So if you worry about your abilities to handle a dog or want to teach him/her some cool tricks, perhaps the Husky shouldn’t be your first choice.

Overall

Huskies are perfect for experienced owners with time on their hands, a small family and large houses. If you don’t tick all the boxes, don’t worry too much. They can still be great dogs in other circumstances, but it may be best to look around a bit before settling on a husky. I know they look amazing and we can sometimes be blinded by their looks, but remember it’s just as much about your dog’s enjoyment as it is your own.