Siberian Huskies display all the qualities that Northern dogs are known for, with an outgoing nature and affection for family, strangers, and other dogs. As pack animals, Huskies are not shy in the least, and are quick to make friends. 

They aren’t known to be aggressive, and get along well with almost anyone. However, they may view smaller animals such as cats as prey, and having a Husky in a multi-species household may not be ideal. 

Huskies are both intelligent and independent, making them ideal working dogs for a variety of tasks. They can be mischievous when the urge strikes them. They don’t live to please their humans, but instead view humans as partners and packmates. 

Huskies are incredibly energetic dogs that can run endlessly if allowed to do so, and they require a good amount of exercise each day to burn off all this energy. Around an hour of exercise per day is a good baseline for most Siberian Huskies. 

A Husky will run, given the opportunity, so any outdoor walk with your Husky will need to be done with a leash. They are excellent jogging companions, provided that it isn’t too hot for them, as they are not resistant to heat. 

Huskies also excel at more challenging activities such as agility courses or rally obedience, and they can be taught to perform all sorts of tricks. These can provide your Husky with the physical and mental stimulation necessary to prevent destructive behaviors from forming. 

Most Siberian Huskies will also love to dig to get rid of excess energy, and any fenced outdoor space where they are allowed to roam free will need to be reinforced. 

Siberian Huskies generally have a medium-length double coat, with a straight, sleek top coat and dense and fluffy undercoat. 

Huskies will shed lightly throughout the year, and will blow coat twice a year. It’s advisable to have a vacuum cleaner handy when Huskies blow coat, as the shedding may be extreme. It’s not uncommon to find large clumps of Husky fur lying all around the house during this time.

For most of the year, brushing once a week is sufficient, and daily brushing when the Husky blows coat is advised. 

Baths can be done if and when your Husky has gotten too dirty from being outdoors, but most Huskies rarely need them. Huskies generally do not smell, and they are fastidious about cleaning themselves much like cats. 

Tooth brushing should be done a couple of times a week, or daily if possible. Nail trimming can be done regularly if their nails are not worn down naturally by outdoor exercise. 

As working dogs, Siberian Huskies are both smart and self-directed. They have their own way of doing things and are expert problem-solvers. This can make them a handful for novice dog owners. 

Huskies benefit from a confident owner who can set clear rules with their dog and can implement consistent, patient training. Huskies tend to be easily amused, so finding a space with few distractions may be beneficial to your training sessions.

Despite their independent streak, Huskies love having a job to do, and can be trained successfully if you find the right way to motivate them. 

Siberian Huskies can live longer than other dogs, up to 12 to 16 years of age. Siberian Huskies may be prone to:

• Cataracts – a condition wherein the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision
• Hip dysplasia – a deformity of the hip joint where the ball of the hip and the socket are not aligned, which can cause lameness and paralysis
• Follicular dysplasia – a condition that causes abnormal hair growth or hair loss, resulting in patchy fur and skin
• Hypothyroidism – an abnormal amount of secretion of the thyroid gland which can cause lethargy and weight gain

Siberian Huskies will generally only weigh between 35 to 60 pounds, which is relatively slim for how tall they get. They stand between 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder.

Siberian Huskies are not very large dogs but due to their high energy levels, they are not well-suited to small apartments. They can be kept in apartments if they have ample enclosed outdoor space to tire themselves out, such as a fenced yard. The fence should also be tall enough that the Husky cannot jump over it, as they are natural escape artists. 

Siberian Huskies also have an almost terrier-like love of digging, and they will create holes in any yard. It’s advised to teach your Husky to only dig in one spot, instead of trying to get them to stop digging completely.