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

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

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…
Looking for a fluffy and affectionate pup? Give the American Eskimo dog a try
Considering a spitz? Take a look at the American Eskimo dog
American Eskimo dog smiling at the camera

At first glance, you might confuse an American Eskimo dog with a shih tzu or even a Pomeranian. Or you might mix them up with the Canadian Eskimo dog, a 4,000-year-old animal that's native to America and was bred by the Inuit to pull sleds. But the American Eskimo dog (or Eskie) is a totally separate breed that's both beautiful and family-friendly. While no dog is right for everyone, you should consider this beastie if you want a unique and lovable pup. They might be exactly what your home needs to become complete.
Where does the American Eskimo dog come from?
Don't be fooled by the name, this pup came about in the 1800s and was bred by German immigrants as a farm dog. That means it's one of many spitz dogs, which also includes the malamute, Icelandic sheepdog, and Samoyed. The name was changed because of anti-German sentiments around World War I. Interestingly, this was a very popular show dog, and many performed in the circus and on stage! If you do wind up adopting an Eskie, you could get a regular old diva.
What is this breed like?
These fluffy friends can stay as small as 6 pounds in the toy size or up to 35 pounds, which can be standard, but they all have huge personalities regardless of stature. Because the American Eskimo dog was a working breed, they need a lot more exercise than you'd think just by looking. But they're highly trainable, loving toward people, and very energetic, so you should have no problem taking them on walks and to outdoor gatherings. If your routine already includes hikes or even strolls, the American Eskimo dog might be your perfect companion.

Who should get an Eskie?
This is a family dog through and through. Eskies require a lot of interaction and love — they sometimes misbehave if not given enough attention, which could include chewing up your favorite furniture or barking incessantly at seemingly nothing. That means you want to think carefully before committing to them, as you would with any pup.

Read more
All about the incredible greyhound dog
Love the greyhound dog breed? Here's what to know about these canines
A greyhound on a fuzzy rug

The greyhound dog breed has a sweet but noble demeanor. These large-sized hounds are built for speed with a narrow, aerodynamic body perfect for running down prey. History traces these dogs back to ancient Egypt.

Today, the pups like to track down treats. However, the breed has been at the center of controversy -- through no fault of their own. Because of their speed, they’ve been used as race dogs, a practice now illegal in most states in the U.S.

Read more
7 Japanese dog breeds that could be your perfect pet
Getting to know Japanese dog breeds: Shiba Inu, Akita, and more
A black and white Japanese Chin stands outside in the grass raising one paw

If you were to ask someone to name a Japanese dog breed, we'd be willing to bet that they'd mention Shiba Inu dogs first. And for a good reason! Shiba dogs are becoming increasingly popular around the world, especially after one lucky "doge" went viral in 2013. But they're not the only breed worth mentioning.
There are more than seven Japanese dog breeds out there, of course, but we chose these seven so you can compare and contrast these pups' unique qualities. From gentle giants to teacup cuties and everything in between, there just might be your perfect fit right here on this list!
Here are seven Japanese dog breeds we know and love.

Shiba Inu dogs are quite possibly the most famous Japanese breed, thanks to a meme
Whether you knew it at the time or not, you've probably seen a picture of the famous "doge" internet meme which features a Shiba Inu giving some major side-eye. And as it turns out, this infamous sass can be common in this self-assured breed!

Read more