Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

5 reasons a Siberian husky will be the perfect addition to your family

5 Siberian Husky facts to know if you're looking for a new best friend

BethAnn Mayer
By

Siberian huskies are a sight to behold. These pups have striking, almond-shaped eyes. Sometimes they’re a piercing shade of blue.

A few Siberian husky facts: These are medium-sized pups, typically standing between 19 and 24 inches tall and weighing 35 to 50 pounds. Their coats are thick and fluffy — it’s how their ancestors survived harsh Arctic winters. Siberian huskies look much like big, fluffy domesticated wolves.

Recommended Videos

Anyone who knows a Siberian husky will probably tell you these pups are sweet as can be and make great companions. Though they have a history as working dogs, they are also content to curl up next to you (or on you, if you can handle the weight). Here are some reasons that prove the best gig for these pups is being a family pet.

a siberian husky puppy outside
Thomashonnnn/Shutterstock

What’s special about Siberian huskies?

There are many qualities to love about Siberian huskies. Here are a few reasons why they make perfect additions to families.

Siberian huskies are great jogging buddies

If your New Year’s resolution to get in better shape got off to a sluggish start, consider a Siberian husky your new best friend. These pets make great jogging partners, particularly in cooler weather. Siberian huskies are known for being active. They love exercise and thrive in a home that gives them plenty of room and opportunity to run. They do have a thick coat, though. If you take your Siberian husky out for a run in warmer weather, make sure to take it easy and bring enough water for both of you.

These dogs are great with kids

Dogs tend to make loving companions, but not all breeds are great with kids. It’s not their fault — young children can be unpredictable and need to be “trained” on how to treat a pet properly. Siberian huskies are one of the better breeds for households with young children, though. It makes them ideal pets for all types of families. If you have a tiny human running around, be sure to supervise any interactions with your Siberian husky. Even the sweetest pups can get spooked or annoyed by a wobbly toddler who is pulling their ears and tail.

Siberian huskies don’t know what “cabin fever” means

Do you have a habit of hiding in the winter that you’d like to break? Allow a Siberian husky to help. These dogs’ fur was custom-made for winter, and they’re more than happy to drag you outside to walk in a winter wonderland when it’s cold. Bundle up — it’s worth it to watch these goofy and lovable pups play in their natural, snowy habitats. (No winter coat needed for your husky.)

an adult siberian husky in the snow
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How smart are Siberian huskies? Here’s what we know.

Siberian huskies are intelligent creatures. These Siberian husky facts give you all the proof you need.

Siberian huskies have held down jobs

Though your Siberian husky’s biggest job may be “best friend” (nothing wrong with that), their ancestors may have been working dogs. Siberian huskies made headlines in 1925 when a sled team of them raced 340 miles in six days to bring serum to Nome, Alaska, where people were suffering from diphtheria. The lead dogs, Balto and Togo, are still revered. Huskies also served on search and rescue teams during World War II.

They are trainable pets

The AKC lists Siberian huskies as moderately eager to please and adaptable. This rating means that they take well to training. It may take them a couple of tries, but they will get there eventually if you’re patient and persistent.

Training is one of the best ways to help a Siberian husky or any other dog. Each pup is unique, even if they are purebred. Teaching them good manners, commands, and how to interact with other people and pets will help them become the best dogs they can be. Keep it positive — dogs respond better to praise and treats than punishment.

Siberian huskies are great pets for all kinds of families. They’re loving and loyal, and usually get along well with children. These pets thrive in active homes and aren’t known for hiding in the winter. They are cold-weather dogs by nature and boast thick coats. Siberian huskies love to play in the snow and are active year-round. Make sure they have plenty of opportunities to exercise in a fenced-in backyard or through long walks with you. Since Siberian huskies keep a thick coat even in the summer, ensure your friend has plenty of water on hand during outdoor summer adventures. Siberian huskies have served in the military and as search and rescue dogs. They’re pretty eager to please and take well to training. All in all, these pups make great family members.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Do puppies sleep a lot? These are the perfectly normal sleeping habits of a healthy pup
Puppies sleep a lot, but here's when it's normal and when to be concerned
Puppy sleeping on lap of human with mustard yellow sweater

Generally, puppies require abundant sleep — some will snooze up to 20 hours per day. Every pup is different, though and as they get older, the number of sleep hours decreases. By about 16 weeks of age, most dog breeds will be able to sleep through the night.

Sleep is an essential element of human and canine development. As anyone who has had a new puppy can tell you, it can be tough at first to get them into a good sleeping routine. Still, you'll want to make sure you and your new dog are rested and fit for all that life has to offer you. Here is everything you need to know about when your new puppy should be sleeping through the night and the answer to the question, "Do puppies sleep a lot?"

Read more
Best guard dogs: These 7 breeds will protect you with their life
These dog breeds are some of the best personal guards you'll find
An Akita sitting on the bed

Most dogs are loyal and loving animals. That’s why we know them as humans’ best friends. They’d do anything for us. For some dogs, “anything” means protecting us with their lives. And these breeds make the best guard dogs. For many of them, it’s instinctual. They’ve evolved to protect the family they love. You’ll notice these pups keeping a watchful eye on your property. They may bark to alert you when your company arrives or the mail gets delivered.
Remember, guard animals mean well. They aren’t trying to be vicious, but instead, they want to keep you and your home safe and sound. Some prospective pet parents want this quality in a dog. If that’s you, consider these breeds that make the best guard dogs.

What is the easiest guard dog to train?
There's a whole group of beasties that are often referred to as the guardian breeds — many of them make this list. Those animals with a predisposition toward defending and alerting will likely also learn their duties quickly. However, you'll also need a pup who has been properly socialized. Remember, you only want your guard to go into protection mode when there's a serious threat, not every time the mailman stops by.

Read more
This is how long you can expect your new pet rabbit to live
Follow these tips to help your rabbit live a long and healthy life
Multicolored rabbit on carpet

Rabbits are pleasant house pets — a delight to care for when you know how to keep them happy and healthy. Like other beloved animals, a pet rabbit’s life expectancy depends on their breed, diet, and living conditions. What is a pet rabbit's lifespan? Let’s dig a little deeper and answer some important questions, such as how long your adorable pet rabbit lives and how to extend their years.

How long do rabbits live?
Here’s a fun fact: The oldest rabbit that ever lived was 18 years old! By contrast, wild rabbits only live up to about three years, since many die very young. But there's good news. In the absence of predators, pet rabbits have a life expectancy of eight to 12 years. Like dogs, larger breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan while smaller rabbits often live at least 10 years.

Read more