Also called Husky, Sibe, Chukchi sled dog (historical), Arctic Husky (former UKC name) · Spitz and Primitive types · Northeast Siberia
The Siberian Husky is warm, easygoing and outgoing, affectionate without being clingy, and generally welcomes strangers rather than guarding against them.
Northeast Siberia, where the Chukchi people bred the ancestral sled dogs; developed as a pedigree breed in Alaska and the USA, which the FCI lists as country of origin7586
The Siberian Husky is warm, easygoing and outgoing, affectionate without being clingy, and generally welcomes strangers rather than guarding against them. It is clever, independent-minded and good at solving problems, gets on well with other dogs and likes to be part of a group. Huskies are expressive and chatty, more likely to howl or 'talk' than bark, and they have a strong urge to run and a keen instinct to chase small animals.21846
how to spot oneSiberian Husky coat and colours
medium-length double coat
A medium-sized, lightly built sled dog with a compact, well-furred body, pricked triangular ears and a bushy tail. Its coat has two layers: a soft, thick undercoat that holds up straight, smooth-lying outer guard hairs, giving a plush but tidy look. The almond-shaped eyes can be brown, blue, one of each, or a mix of both colours in the same eye. When curled up to sleep, the dog often wraps its tail over its nose.126
Coloursall colours from black to pure white (AKC, UKC)black and whitegrey and whitered (copper) and whitesable and whiteagouti and whitepure whitepiebald patternsstriking face masks and markings are common2136
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Siberian Husky. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksSiberian Husky exercise needs
Very high. The Royal Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise a day, and Hill's at least an hour of combined physical and mental work. Running, hiking, canicross, harness and sled sports suit it well. Because the drive to run is strong, the breed club advises exercising it on lead, in secure enclosures or in harness rather than off lead in open areas.548
where they are happiestSiberian Husky at home
Best in a roomy home with a large, very securely fenced garden, since huskies can dig, climb or jump to explore; a fence of about 1.8 m (6 ft) is often advised. Its coat is built for cold weather, so in warm climates it needs shade and exercise at cooler times of day. Not an ideal match for a small flat or a quiet, stay-at-home lifestyle.546
who they like aroundSiberian Husky with people and other pets
High. Huskies enjoy the company of people and other dogs and do best when they feel part of a pack; they are not one-person dogs and are usually friendly with visitors. Early introductions help if the home has cats or small pets, because of the breed's chase instinct.864
the hands-on bitsSiberian Husky grooming and care
Moderate. Brush about twice a week through the year, and daily during the seasonal moult when the undercoat 'blows' out. The coat needs no clipping; standards only allow tidying of whiskers and the fur between the toes. Bathe only when needed and trim nails every few weeks.483
what goes in the bowlSiberian Husky food and feeding
A good-quality complete diet with solid protein, adjusted to the dog's activity level. The breed club calls it an 'easy keeper' that needs relatively little food for its size, a legacy of pulling light loads efficiently; working sled dogs need more.84
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Siberian Husky, and at what times?
Feed your Husky at least two meals a day, adjusting the amount to its activity level since it is an easy keeper that needs relatively little food for its size. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and your vet's advice for exact portions.849
What should a Siberian Husky eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A good-quality complete diet with solid protein is best, matched to your dog's activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw meat or bones, as these can be harmful to dogs.8410
How often should I bathe a Siberian Husky?
Bathe your Husky only when needed, roughly every 10 weeks or as recommended by Pet Wiki's starting plan. The coat is self-cleaning, so over-bathing can strip natural oils. Always use a dog-safe shampoo.8411Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Siberian Husky need brushing?
Brush your Husky about twice a week year-round, and daily during the heavy seasonal shed when the undercoat blows out. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every three days, increasing to daily during shedding. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces loose fur.843Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Siberian Husky's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every few weeks, about once a month, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.84311Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Siberian Husky need?
Your Husky needs at least two hours of exercise daily, combining physical activity like running or hiking with mental stimulation. Because of its strong urge to run, always keep it on a lead or in a secure, fenced area. Pet Wiki's plan suggests about 120 minutes a day.548Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Siberian Husky's teeth and ears?
Brush your Husky's teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using a dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents problems.11Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Siberian Husky live?
A Siberian Husky typically lives 12 to 14 years, a good lifespan for a medium-sized dog. With proper care, nutrition, and regular vet check-ups, many enjoy a long, healthy life.456
Is a Siberian Husky good with children and other pets?
Yes, Huskies are generally warm and outgoing with children and get on well with other dogs. However, they have a strong chase instinct, so early introductions to cats or small pets are important. They are friendly and not one-person dogs.21846
Can a Siberian Husky be left alone?
Huskies are social and enjoy company, so they can be left alone for reasonable periods but may become bored or destructive if left too long. They are independent-minded and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before being left. A secure home is essential.864
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchSiberian Husky health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Siberian Husky. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Juvenile cataracts
Cloudy spots form in the lens of young dogs and can grow to affect sight; a yearly eye exam catches them. SHCA citing a 1999 ACVO study of 1,345 Huskies: 8% affected ↗
Corneal dystrophy
Cloudy deposits on the surface of the eye; usually harmless but checked at eye exams. SHCA citing the 1999 ACVO study: 3% affected ↗
Hip dysplasia
Loose hips that wear into arthritis; ask for the parents' hip results. Hip evaluation required by the Siberian Husky Club of America; no published rate ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (XLPRA)
A gradual loss of sight carried on the X chromosome; a DNA test exists. SHCA citing the 1999 ACVO study: under 1% affected ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Yearly eye exam by an ACVO ophthalmologist (SHOR/CAER) Siberian Husky Club of America (required) ↗
Hip evaluation (OFA, OVC or PennHIP) Siberian Husky Club of America (required) ↗
XLPRA DNA test Siberian Husky Club of America (recommended) ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Siberian Husky costs
Running costs for a Siberian Husky, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Siberian Husky legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Siberian Husky in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Siberian Husky tip
Huskies can gain weight easily, so measure treats as part of their daily calorie allowance. Because they are prone to dental disease, choose crunchy, vet-approved dental chews that help reduce tartar, and always brush their teeth with dog-safe toothpaste.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
A statue in New York's Central Park honours the sled dogs of the 1925 serum run to Nome.5
2
Blue eyes, brown eyes, one of each, or two colours within one eye are all accepted by the breed standards.1
3
People in Nome once nicknamed the imported dogs 'Siberian Rats' because they looked so small next to the bigger freighting dogs.6
4
Their double coat lets them cope with temperatures as low as about minus 50 to minus 60 degrees C.6
5
Huskies tend to howl and 'talk' rather than bark, and some imitate sounds such as sirens.6
6
Admiral Richard Byrd took about 50 Siberian Huskies on his 1933 Antarctic expedition.6
7
The breed club notes the Siberian Husky is naturally clean and has almost no body odour.8
8
The UKC first registered the breed in 1938 under the name 'Arctic Husky' and only switched to 'Siberian Husky' in 1991.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
'Siberian' points to northeastern Siberia, where the Chukchi people bred these sled dogs. 'Husky' is thought to come from 'Esky', an old English slang word for the Inuit, whose sled dogs were called huskies.12
stars of the breedFamous ones
Balto Led the final relay team that delivered diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, in 1925, saving the town from an epidemic.13
Togo Led his team on the longest and most dangerous leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, covering over 260 miles.13
I woke up before the sun, ready to go. My human took me for a long run, and I pulled on the harness, my heart singing. I chatted the whole way, howling my morning song. After that, I played with my dog friends in the secure yard, chasing and being chased. I found a stick and brought it to my human, hoping for a game. We did some tricks, and I got a treat for being clever. Back home, I flopped on the cool floor, but I kept one eye open in case of adventure. I'm a talker, not a barker, so I told my human all about my day before dinner.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganSiberian Husky history
The Siberian Husky's ancestors were bred for centuries by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia, who needed light, fast dogs that could pull modest loads over long distances in severe cold. The Chukchi selected carefully for working ability and temperament and raised the dogs close to their families. In 1909 these dogs were brought to Alaska in numbers for the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, a 408-mile race from Nome, where the small, quick teams soon proved themselves; Leonhard Seppala became their best-known driver. In the winter of 1925, relay teams of sled dogs carried diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, with Seppala and his lead dog Togo covering the longest stretch and Gunnar Kaasen's team, led by Balto, running the final leg. Seppala then toured and raced his dogs in New England, which helped lead to AKC recognition in 1930, the same year exports from Siberia stopped. Most American Siberians descend from those last imports and Seppala's dogs, especially Togo. The Siberian Husky Club of America was founded in 1938, Canada began registering the breed in 1939, and the dogs went on to serve on Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expedition and with the US Army's Arctic search and rescue unit in World War II.8563
Standard No. 270, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 1 (Nordic Sledge Dogs); definitive acceptance 8 Sep 1966; current standard published 14 Nov 20227
AKC
Working Group; recognised 1930; current standard approved 9 Feb 2021, effective 12 May 20218
Alaskan Malamute
Samoyed
Chinook