Skip to main content

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

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.

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
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
The 6 biggest myths about Chihuahuas, debunked once and for all
Chihuahua fact or fiction? Here's the truth behind 6 common myths about these small dogs
A black Chihuahua against a yellow backdrop

Chihuahuas are a small breed with a big personality. Some have a Napoleon complex — they totally think they can take on the mail carrier, and they will threaten to do so. Purebred Chihuahuas don’t exceed 6 pounds, so their valiant efforts can be more comedic than anything. Their reputation as an opinionated, snuggly, and incredibly loyal breed precedes them, and more than a few dog owners dream of being a Chihuahua's favorite person.
However, not every part of their reputation is true, and there are more than a few myths about these lovable dogs. We’re debunking them and giving you straight Chihuahua facts.

Myth 1: Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise
This statement is one of the biggest Chihuahua myths. Though the breed is small, Chihuahuas are full of energy and need stimulation. Any dog can become overweight, and Chihuahuas are particularly prone to obesity. Physical activity is one way to keep your Chihuahua healthy. While they don’t need as much physical activity as a larger breed, such as a Labrador Retriever, they need frequent exercise. About 30 minutes of walking and playing per day should do, and it’s a great way to bond. Some dogs may need more or less, depending on their age and overall health. Talk to your vet.

Read more
These national parks are stunning in the fall – and allow your dog to visit, too
These 4 beautiful national parks have pet-friendly attractions
Couple looking at map on fall trail with dog.

With cooler fall temperatures just around the corner, pet parents dream of taking their dogs on long outdoor adventures. Some might even be planning pet-friendly getaways. Autumn is certainly a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy nature, and where better to do this than in a U.S. national park? Many of these wonderful parks are pet-friendly. Here we highlight four national parks that are incredible in the fall and perfect for both of you.

Are dogs allowed in national parks?
The good news is that most national parks do allow pets in some areas and under certain conditions. Only a few deny pets in all parts of the park — so you can easily plan an outing or vacation for you and your four-legged friend. However, it's important to follow the rules, especially when it comes to hiking and wildlife. The National Park Service uses the acronym B.A.R.K. to sum up the four basic principles you should follow while in the parks with your pets. It stands for:

Read more
These are the 6 dog breeds that shed most in fall
Fall-shedding dog breeds and how to cut down on fur at home
A pomeranian with a yellow background

We love a lot about fall — the crisp breezes, the indescribable scent in the air, and the glorious colors as the temperatures begin to dip. One thing we don't love as much? The piles and piles of dog hair. Many canines go through a shed in the spring, but some breeds also lose their hair in the fall. Wondering what dog breed sheds the most? Which pets force you to use the vacuum more frequently during the autumn season? We're here to tell you what dog breeds shed in the fall.

Why do some dogs have double coats?
Let's cover why dogs shed in the first place. While many dog breeds have single coats, some dogs are double-coated dogs, meaning they have a top coat, known as a guard coat, and a secondary undercoat made up of short, dense hairs, called an undercoat.

Read more