Siberian Husky: Temperament, Coat and Everyday Care

Who a Husky Suits

Huskies are friendly, playful and sociable, usually with people and other dogs alike. They suit runners, hikers and people who enjoy dog sports such as canicross or bikejoring, and homes with a very secure yard or garden.

They are a hard fit for long days alone, small pets (many have a strong chase drive), anyone who needs reliable off-leash recall, or a hot climate without air conditioning. Most are poor guard dogs and many "talk" with howls and woos rather than barks.

Exercise, Heat and Pulling

The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day for an adult. Huskies were born to run and pull, so canicross, bikejoring or scootering with proper harnesses can be a great outlet once your dog is fully grown and your vet agrees.

That thick coat makes heat hard work. In warm weather, exercise only in the cool of early morning or late evening, give shade and water, and skip hard exercise on hot days.

Escape Artists and Recall

Huskies are famous for digging under, climbing over and slipping through fences, and for running a long way once out. Before a Husky comes home:

• Check the fence is high and solid, with no gaps, and dig-proof at the bottom.
• Never leave a Husky alone outside for long.
• Keep it on a leash or long line in open spaces; many never have safe off-leash recall.
• Keep the microchip details and ID tag up to date.

See recall training and GPS collars vs tracker tags.

The Double Coat: Never Shave It

A soft, dense undercoat sits under a straight outer coat. Together they insulate against cold and help protect the skin from sun and heat. Shaving strips that out, and the coat often grows back patchy or uneven.

• Most of the year: brush once or twice a week with a slicker brush.
• When the coat "blows" (usually twice a year): use an undercoat rake every day or two until the loose fur is out. Expect clouds of it.
• Bathing: only occasionally, and dry the coat right through.

Our grooming double-coated dogs page covers tools and technique.

Health: What to Ask the Breeder and Your Vet

In the UK, The Royal Kennel Club lists eye testing (including gonioscopy) as good practice for Siberian Husky breeders and hip scoring as best practice. In the US, ask for OFA hip results and eye exams. Ask to see results for both parents.

Book a check-up soon after your dog comes home, and ask about vaccinations, neutering and a parasite plan, including ticks if you run in woods and long grass.

Worming, flea and tick products: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your dog and where you run.