Imagine having a furry companion who is not only loyal and affectionate, but also loves to run and pull sleds through the snow. Well, that’s a Siberian Husky for you! With their wolf-like looks and glamorous eyes, Siberian Huskies are undeniably one of the most attractive dog breeds out there.
But is a husky really the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle? In this article, we’ll be discussing The 4 pros and The 4 cons of owning a Siberian Husky.
Let’s begin with the pros.
1. Independent Nature
If you’re looking to adopt a furry friend, keep in mind that some breeds may require a bit more of your personal space than others. They’ll follow you around everywhere – even to the bathroom!
However, if you’re looking for a dog that won’t be all up in your grill all the time, a Siberian Husky might just be the perfect match. These independent pups are bred to work in packs and can handle being left to their own devices for a bit. As long as they know they’re with their pack, they’re happy to do their own thing.
2. Sociability
Their independent nature doesn’t make them aloof or standoffish cause Huskies are still people lovers at heart. They have a friendly and outgoing temperament and aren’t as territorial as other breeds. So your Husky will have no issues entertaining your guests, although they may not always be fond of being touched by strangers.
However, anyone they’re familiar with immediately becomes a part of their pack, and this includes kids and other pets. This friendly nature of theirs also makes them good candidates for therapy and emotional support dogs, providing comfort and companionship to those in need.
3. Odorless Dogs
All dog owners are familiar with the characteristic dog odor that can even linger on furniture, carpets, and clothing. This odor is unique to every dog and is what they use to identify each other. However, to some of us, this smell might be a bit overwhelming.
And if you’re one of them, the Husky is a great choice for you! They rarely give off any doggy odor and are very meticulous in caring for their coats, often licking themselves like cats do.
Also check out: Golden Retriever – Pros and Cons.
4. Spend Less on Food
In the harsh and snowy tundra, food is often very hard to come across. So it’s no surprise that Siberian Huskies can manage on minimal food. These pups are known to eat less than other breeds of their size and will avoid overeating.
Many Huskies will even pass on meals occasionally, especially if they haven’t had as much exercise on that particular day. And because food is a significant expense for dog parents, owning a Husky might just be easier on your wallet than some other breeds known for their love of eating.
Now, sure, Huskies are stunning and lovable and they have many positive qualities, but let’s be real, they also come with their own set of quirks and difficulties. So, before committing, take a look these 4 downsides of owning a Siberian Husky.
1. Escape Artists
One thing that Siberian Huskies are notorious for is their Houdini-Like tendencies. They’ll jailbreak and run away from even the most secure of yards. They’ll climb fences, dig under them, or even jump over like some kinda doggy Olympics player.
Even electric fences don’t really help out– yes, your Husky is most likely to just run straight through them. This is why you must never leave your Husky unattended in the yard, especially not in an unsecured one – cause they’ll be halfway across the town before you even realize they’re gone!
So before you get yourself a Husky, make sure to fortify your security if you don’t want to spend time chasing after a runaway pup.
2. Noisy Dogs
Here’s our advice to all new Husky owners – get some good earplugs.
Also be prepared to have neighbors knocking at your door at 3 in the morning, complaining about how your Husky just won’t keep quiet.
Your Husky’s howls might even cause the police to arrive at your doorstep – yeah, that’s just how bad it is. These vocal pups will let you know exactly how they’re feeling, especially if they’re bored. If this sounds like something you just can’t deal with, you might want to check our other videos for a breed that’s more suited to your needs.
3. High Exercise Needs
Huskies were developed for running, pulling sleds, and generally being active all day long. And being active every day is exactly what they need to be happy and healthy.
These dogs need daily exercise, and we’re not talking about a short walk around the block either.
They need to run, play, and explore for a minimum of 2 hours every day. This is why Huskies are popular among active people who love outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and skijoring, which is basically just skiing while being pulled by your dog. However, if you can’t fulfill your Husky’s need for exercise, they can become restless, destructive, and above all, very loud.
4. Heavy Shedding
While their thick coat is one of the defining features, it can also be a source of frustration because of how much it sheds. Like other breeds with a double coat, Huskies shed quite a bit throughout the year and blow their coat twice a year.
As a result, you’ll end up with fur all over your clothes, furniture, and sometimes even in your food! Yet, you can minimize shedding by grooming your Husky and brushing their coat at least once a week. That does not get rid of all fur though, so you’ll still have to invest in a good vacuum cleaner.
Conclusion
Owning a Siberian Husky comes with its fair share of pros and cons. They offer independence, sociability, minimal odor, and lower food requirements. However, they can be escape artists, noisy, require high exercise, and shed a lot. Consider these factors carefully to determine if a Husky is the right fit for you and your family.
So do you think a Husky would make a suitable companion for you and your family? Why or why not? Leave a comment to let us know.
Here are other articles on the Siberian Husky if you’re interested to know more about the breed.