Siberian Husky: temperament, care and good with kids
The Siberian Husky is a beautiful, friendly and independent sled dog with a huge need for exercise and a tendency to escape. They're a breed for experienced, active owners.
Temperament
They're friendly to everyone, including strangers — so they're useless as a guard dog. They're independent, stubborn and driven by the instinct to run. They love their pack and cope poorly with being alone.
Good with children
★★★
They're friendly and tolerant with children, but their energy and independence require supervision and experienced handling — hence three stars. They're not an obedient on-command dog.
Care & upkeep
The dense double coat sheds massively, especially twice a year — brush several times a week. Otherwise the Husky is a healthy, clean breed without the typical doggy smell.
Exercise & daily routine
It needs an enormous amount of exercise — running, sled sports, long hikes, easily 2+ hours a day. Because of their urge to run, only let them off-leash in safe places and secure the yard.
Can you handle the daily care?
TestDog simulates the real routine of caring for a virtual dog — feeding in set windows and walks tracked by your pedometer. Try the responsibility for real before you get a Siberian Husky or any other breed.
Download on theApp StoreWho the Siberian Husky suits
Suitable for experienced, very active owners and athletes, ideally with a second dog. Definitely not for beginners, a quiet apartment life or a hot climate.
Compare with other breeds in our dog breed guide.