Huskies are sweet, lovable, and friendly dogs. They’re fun to have around, and they can be great companions!
However, there are a few things you should know before adopting a Siberian husky.
They’re Instinctual Hunters
Huskies have a strong prey drive, which can be a big problem if you have other animals at home.
Animals these dogs might view as prey include rodents like guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, and ferrets. Cats and birds can also be at risk around huskies.
If you have or plan to adopt any of these animals, it would be best to choose another breed of dog that is gentler with smaller pets. Not all Siberian huskies will negatively interact with other pets, but a high prey drive is difficult to train against.
Unfortunately, keeping these dogs in the same house as cats or other small pets risks the lives of these creatures.
Strong Personality, Selective Hearing
Huskies are famous for their strong personalities and vocal antics. They’re extremely smart, but you should be aware—there’s a reason you don’t often see huskies working as police or guide dogs.
While they have plenty of intelligence to spare, huskies will ignore their owners’ commands if they don’t see the point in them. Huskies do best with chill, go-with-the-flow owners who don’t mind their defiant nature.
They’re Very Energetic
Huskies love to run and run without getting tired. Their origins as sled dogs make them high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
If you don’t have the time to run your dog every day, a lower-energy breed might be a better option. If you still love the idea of adding a husky to your family, finding a reputable doggy daycare in your area will allow your pup to exercise while you’re away.
As long as you know what you’re getting into, you can’t go wrong with adopting a Siberian husky. Now that you’ve got a new pup, check out how to prep your truck for a road trip with your dog so that you can explore the world together!