Siberian Husky: Breed Quirks

Huskies are escape artists of the highest order: they can dig under, climb over, or jump 6-foot fences with ease. A secure, buried-bottom fence is essential. They should never be off-leash in an unfenced area: their prey drive and wanderlust mean they will run and may not return. They are vocal dogs known for howling and 'talking.' They do not do well in hot climates.

Feed a high-quality medium breed adult food. Huskies are known to be efficient metabolizers and often need less food than you would expect for their size. They can be finicky eaters. Avoid overfeeding: obesity in this athletic breed is damaging. Their thick double coat is supported by omega-3 fatty acids.

Bred to run 100 miles per day at a moderate pace, Huskies have enormous endurance. They need vigorous daily running (not just walking): jogging, bikejoring, skijoring, or large fenced yard running are ideal. Without adequate exercise, they become destructive and vocal. Huskies are pack animals and generally do well with other dogs.

Generally a healthy and long-lived breed (12 to 15 years). Key concerns: hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, hypothyroidism, and zinc-responsive dermatosis (a condition where Huskies have difficulty absorbing zinc from food). Avoid over-vaccination: discuss titers with your vet. They can be sensitive to anesthesia: inform your vet before any procedure.