Breed of the month - Huskies

2 mins to read

Lead an active life and looking for a family friendly, four-legged companion? The Husky may be the beast for you.

Believed to originate from the brisk weathered Siberia, the aptly named Siberian Husky is considered a working dog (which owners will be aware of, given their frequent need for exercise!). Clocking in at the bigger end of the doggie scale, huskies have a… husky build, weighing in around 16-23 kg for females, and 20-27 kg for males. They also have a striking, wolf-like appearance, and can display a range of colours and markings, including snow white, with a medium length, double coat.

Temperament wise, they are playful and very affectionate. They require loads of love and affection to stay happy, and aren’t suited to homes where they are expected to spend a lot of time on their own. They also make great family dogs, as they enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy home with lots of people to snuggle.

Huskies are highly intelligent, and this can lend itself towards stubbornness. This means training them well as puppies is important, as is socialisation. They’re also good jumpers and a flight risk, so should be walked on lead and live in a home with good fencing.

Husky Health

Huskies need a lot of exercise - their powerhouse bodies need around an hour a day as a minimum when it comes to walkies, or you’ll be dealing with a destructive dog. Their level of fitness does lend itself well to most human physical pursuits, so you can boost their face to face time and meet their physical needs by working out with them or bringing them along to the (dog friendly) beach for a swim. Bring a lot of towels or prepare to hang around for a while for them to dry though – they do have a thick, double coat!

Huskies are a healthy breed, with few genetic issues common to the breed. Watch out for eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy and cataracts, which you should talk to your breeder about if buying a pup. They also don’t tolerate heat well, so extra precautions should be taken in the summer to keep them cool. Access to a cool indoor space is ideal, but shade and plenty of water is a minimum if outdoors.

They eat a modest amount relative to their size and physical activity levels, and their plush coat is similarly deceiving – it requires only a limited amount of grooming with regular brushing and a weekly wash is the extent of their requirements. Huskies can live up to 15 or more years, so should very much be considered a long-term part of the family!

Breed snapshot:

Height: 50 - 60cm
Weight: 16-27 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years

Read more: Hot weather and your pets

Got questions about your dog? Ask our in-house vet for FREE!

Related Products:

PAW Osteocare® Joint Health Chews
With Glucosamine Sulfate & Chondroitin Sulfate, these tasty kangaroo chews provide everyday joint care, helping to improve joint function and health in younger and older dogs.
PAW Classic Care Shampoo
An everyday shampoo that cleans the coat effectively while being gentle on the skin.
PAW Wellness & Vitality Multivitamin Chews
Highly palatable low fat kangaroo based chews with alkalising ingredients to maintain general wellness & vitality.