Huskies make wonderful pets in the right homes. However, we frequently see them given up to Battersea. This is because people often underestimate the complexities of the breed and whether they are compatible with their lives.
What you need to know
- Average lifespan: 8-12 years
- Size: Large (25-45kg)
- Time: You’ll need to dedicate plenty of time each day to exercise and training. Huskies are very high-energy, strong-willed dogs that can become frustrated without enough activity.
- Cost: In addition to day-to-day costs, you should consider investing in training classes as Huskies particularly benefit from structured guidance. You’ll need an insurance plan or sufficient savings to cover unexpected veterinary treatments as Huskies are prone to some health conditions.
Behaviour, training and exercise
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You’ll need to be physically capable and prepared to give your Husky plenty of exercise, play and other mental stimulation.
Huskies are known for having a lot of energy and can express frustration if they don’t get enough. A healthy, full-grown Husky will typically need 2 hours of exercise a day (depending on their age and health). Play sessions and puzzle games can also help channel their mental energy and prevent unwanted destructive behaviours in the home.
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You’ll need to set aside plenty of time for training.
Huskies can be challenging to train - especially outdoors - because they have a mind of their own. Consistent, positive training from an early age will help channel their independent streak.
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You should be prepared for a very vocal dog.
Huskies love to howl, bark, and ‘talk’ to show their feelings. Training them to be quieter can be tough, so think about how you’ll handle the noise (teaching a ‘quiet’ cue can be beneficial).
Good to know
While a dog’s breed may influence how they behave, their behaviour will be shaped by all kinds of things, from their age to their life experiences.
Health
Epilepsy is seen more commonly in Huskies, and they can experience seizures (also called 'fits').
Treatment and costs
Epilepsy can often be managed with medication, but it may need expensive tests to diagnose. Medication can be a lifelong cost, and sometimes seizures can’t be fully controlled.
Huskies can develop problems that affect their bones or joints, including hip dysplasia. These can occur from an early age and cause varying degrees of pain and arthritis over time.
Treatment and costs
This is managed with regular medication and check-ups with the vet. In the long run, it can be a life-limiting condition.
Huskies can experience damage to their knee ligaments, which can cause limping and pain.
Treatment and costs
Specialist surgery is usually needed, followed by careful recovery, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Huskies are more likely to get glaucoma, which is a painful high pressure in the eye. They may also develop cataracts.
Treatment and costs
You may need medications to help manage eye conditions, or in some cases, surgery may be required to correct any issues. Ongoing vet visits and treatments can be expensive.
Good to know
Some reputable breeders will screen parents for certain health issues to reduce the chance of puppies developing them.
Costs to consider
The cost of owning and keeping a dog healthy and happy is a long-term financial commitment. For a breakdown of how much it costs to own a Husky, check out this calculator from the RSPCA.
As there are common medical issues associated with Huskies which can be expensive to treat, it’s important to consider how you would fund this. Pet insurance doesn't always cover all medical treatment, so you may need to pay some costs yourself.
Good to know
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Check out this helpful guide on what to look for in a breeder and questions to ask.
