Home

Is a husky right for you?

Six honest questions to ask before you adopt a Siberian husky or malamute.

1. Can you give a husky 1–2 hours of real exercise every day?

Huskies were bred to run all day. Without it they get destructive.

2. Is your yard fence at least 6 feet, with nothing to climb and no gaps underneath?

Huskies are famous escape artists: they dig, climb and jump.

3. Are you okay with a dog you can't trust off lead?

Most huskies will run, and keep running. Recall is rarely reliable.

4. Can you live with heavy shedding, especially twice a year?

They 'blow' their undercoat in spring and autumn: clumps everywhere for weeks.

5. Will your neighbours tolerate howling and talking?

Huskies rarely bark, but they howl, yodel and 'talk'.

6. Is your home free of cats, rabbits or other small pets, or is the dog known to live with them?

Many huskies have a strong prey drive. Some live happily with cats; many don't.

Answer all six to see your result.

If it's not a fit

That's a good outcome too: it means one less husky surrendered. Consider a calmer breed, or an older husky whose owner can tell you exactly what they're like.

Find a husky near you