Are Huskies Good For First-Time Owners? Expert Advice

Last Updated/Info Checked on October 19, 2023 by Scott

Siberian Huskies were bred to work in packs when pulling on a sled in Siberia or doing other mundane daily work.

You could also guess their energy levels top all charts.

Based on this, are huskies good for first-time owners?

The answer is no. Here’s why.

• Huskies don’t train well.
• They are sensitive.
• Shedding is the number 1 problem. 
• After that, it’s the non-stop vocals.
• Gets separation anxiety faster than you know it.
• They are intelligent enough to find escape routes. 
• Prey drive makes them want to run more often.
• You may have to check the hot temperatures.

Just like huskies, there are some other breeds as well that are not recommended for novice owners. They include Alaskan Malamute, Bloodhounds, Akitas, German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Corgis, and Beagles, etc.

8 Reasons Why Huskies Are Not Good For First-Time Owners 

Let me explain.

1. Huskies Are Not Easily Trained

Trainability: ⅖ 

Training dogs for over one decade has taught me a vital lesson.

Just like me, Husky owners should know that not every breed is adept at discerning between the commands “sit” or “fetch”, for example.

There are Great Danes that train easily, but their other needs outweigh that, and then there are huskies with their impulsive nature. 

Their inability to get trained well initially lies in their intelligence. They’re secretly seeking what could be in the training for them. 

2. They Get Emotional Soon

Sensitivity: ⅘

Is owning a Husky difficult? Yes. They are sensitive. Period.

This trait could also be drawn out from their intelligence.

While some dogs could easily tolerate noisy environments with truck sounds, children, music, and an easily irritated owner, husks have a bad time doing that. 

They easily catch your emotions.

If you’re irritated, they get, too.

You could say huskies have a greater drive towards mirroring your emotions.

For some that could sound like a fairy tale, but not for new parents.

Managing their emotions and the ensuing tantrums could weigh too much on you.

3. They Shed A Lot

Shedding: ⅘

If you’re keen on keeping your palace sparkling clean, then these dogs will give you a tough time.

You may be roaming around with a vacuum cleaner all day long. 

For me, it’s almost ironic for a dog bred in colder regions to shed so much.

I mean they should be able to retain their coats for the sake of insulation.

What I think doesn’t matter in the face of nature, so if you’re a new parent, consider your fate of perpetual cleaning because you’ll find husk hair everywhere. 

4. Barking. Non-Stop.

Vocals: ⅘

Intelligent breeds tend to be vocal, too.

They know how they could get your attention.

Whining, barking, howling, and all sorts of high- and low-pitched sounds will reverberate through your space. Huskies also need proper training not to bite otherwise living with them could be a little hard.

You might have seen those TikTok videos where huskies answer their owners with vocals that edge on talking. 

Ignore them and you’ll see that a lot. Don’t give them their desired thing. Hell will break loose. 

5. Separation Anxiety Guaranteed

Playful: 5/5

Dogs that are playful want their owners to be beside them at all costs and at all times.

That’s why at our facility, we have several breeds with moderate to severe separation anxieties.

We train them so they can stay put in their kennels or away from their owners when they are going out to make a living. 

Huskies have had a bad reputation in that sense.

They are very playful and family-oriented.

Maybe that’s why they prefer to stay indoors more than outdoors.

As a new owner, you should know that leaving them around your house alone wouldn’t be a good idea at all. 

You may be greeted by torn sofas, cushions, and a mad dog on your way back.

6. Escape Artists

Escapism: ⅘

Installing a fence for other breeds means just erecting a boundary on the surface and that’s it.

For huskies, however, you’ve to go under the ground as well. For one, they are excellent diggers, and thus, excellent escape artists. 

After all your efforts and money, they may find a route to escape to the nearby woods if you live there.

At the end of the day, you might find yourself distributing “Missing” notes.

7. They Need Space

Adaptability to an apartment: ⅖ 

Huskies were bred to run and pull.

But that’s not what makes them run wild. Their prey drive makes them do so.

Their energy levels are beyond reproach, so you may wanna own them only when you have an enclosed space where they can answer their genes’ call.

If you’re living in an apartment, however, owning them may not be a good idea at all. 

8. They Can’t Tolerate Hot Temperatures

Tolerance towards hot weather: ⅗

That’s easy to understand since the breed was first produced in Siberia where you’ll find thick sheets of ice-covered lakes.

The local population would use these dogs to pull sleds and so on.

Living in a hot climate where temperatures are not tolerable for an animal from the colder heights of the world may not make a better case for owning a husky. 

So, consider your surrounding temperature to keep the husky from harm’s way. Or, whether you could manage to provide it with the right moderate temperatures around your house. 

How To Take Care Of A Husky Puppy? At What Age To Start Training It?

Taking care of a Husky puppy involves a mix of challenges and joys in puppy care. Here’s a summary of my journey:

1. Introductions and Companionship

When your dog arrives, it might not be a fan of his crate. But it may be okay with other pets around. Focus on introducing them in a better way.

2. Puppy Nap Times

Puppies sleep a lot, offering a welcome break from their lively antics. Provide your pup ample napping opportunities.

3. Chewing and Playtime

When a Husky pup is awake, it’s a ball of energy, constantly chewing on anything it can find, from my belongings to random objects. Dealing with his teething phase is quite the challenge. Accept this challenge and invest in toys.

3. Outdoor Adventures

Puppies enjoy outdoor activities, although their tiny legs require some assistance on hikes. Buy your pup a harness for exploring the great outdoors.

4. Car Rides

Make your pups your travel companions. You’ll find them snoozing during car rides but turning into real Husky explorers during outdoor adventures.

5. Baths and Husky Mess

Huskies tend to get very dirty during their escapades, and your pup may despise baths, making them quite the ordeal. Listen to your dog and take things slowly.

6. Potty Training and Crate Use

Teach your pup signaling when he needs to go outside, but you may still have occasional accidents. Be prepared for them and refrain from reprimanding your pup for something that’s not in its control.

7. Containment Challenges

Huskies are known for their escape skills, and your pup, despite his small size, will manage to bypass baby gates and explore areas it shouldn’t. You will have to stay vigilant during these years and keep an eye on his explorations.

8. Training Regimes

Ideally, you should focus on training your pup right after you’ve brought it from the breeder. But considering many factors at play, you should start training it from the age of 8 weeks to 4 months and beyond.

Looking after a Husky puppy involves a mix of responsibilities, with moments of chaos and joy. Prospective Husky owners should be prepared for both the challenges and the rewarding experiences. It’s a journey with ups and downs, but the companionship and joy these dogs bring to your life make it all worthwhile.

Learn more:

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some quick questions for understanding dogs’ behavior.

Are Huskies Good For First-Time Owners? Conclusion

I do not recommend you own a husky if you’re going to parent it for the first time.

They are intelligent dogs with a high tendency to find escape routes.

Not to mention how many times a day they shed, ask for attention, want to play, and please or irritate you with their histrionics.