With every litter we have and rescue we come across, we will normally hear something along the lines of, “We’ve always wanted a Husky!  They are such beautiful and loving dogs!”

We always ask the question, “Have you ever OWNED a Husky?

Most of the time, honestly, the answer is either “yes”, or “no, but we did some research and know the downfalls.”  Inevitably however, we come across someone who knows nothing about them.  It is at that point we must give them the lesson in “Husky 101”! (We also go over this with anyone who “claims” to know.)

With this in mind, I thought a good post would be to layout the objectives of “Husky 101”, in hopes of passing along a basic understanding of what you are getting into when owning one.

Today, we will start with the good, and go into the pitfalls next week:

  • Beauty – Huskies are a strikingly beautiful dog.  They can have an infinite number of different color combinations and markings.  They always appear to have a smile on their face, which adds to the loving demeanor they possess.  They are rarely seen as overweight, and have a poise and grace about them that is tough to match.  They are one of the most popular show dogs for these reasons.
  • Very loving companion dog – Huskies absolutely love and become loyal to their owners.  They love to be in the same room if at all possible.  Some will want to be lap dogs, and others won’t, depending on specific personalities.  Whether they want on your lap or not, they always want to be right there with you.
  • Very little odor – Many dogs come with a natural oil secretion to help them battle the elements they may have to encounter.  Dogs with very short coats are a good example.  This oil that is secreted has a pungent odor.  Even with frequent bathing, this odor remains with the dog at all times, and anything they lay on (beds, couches, etc) will contract the same odor.  Huskies have a very thick inner coat and protective outer coat to protect them from the elements.  Because of this, little or no oil is secreted.  They have a very clean scent to them, and therefore leave no odor behind.
  • Infrequent bathing – Huskies (like any other dog) will get dirty if left outside, but they will in large part, clean themselves.  Much like cats will bath themselves, a Husky is known to keep themselves as clean as they can.  Over time it can build up, and a bath will be necessary, but the need for bathing is infrequent.  In fact, frequent bathing is not recommended because their skin can be sensitive.
  • Smart – Huskies are a very intelligent dog.  In most cases, potty training comes with relative ease.  If worked with, they can be taught many tricks, but most importantly they can be taught the commands of pulling sleds etc.
  • Playful – Huskies are as playful as they come.  Always good natured and active, they will outlast even the most active human.  If a child wants to play, a Husky is ALL in!
  • Very friendly to other people – Many dogs are loyal to their owners, but around other humans can become very protective to the point of being aggressive.  Huskies are not that way.  They simply love the company of humans.  Their ever-friendly demeanor toward other humans is a great thing when they are out in a public setting, because many people want to come up and pet them.
  • Great homing sense – As part of their intelligent make up, a Husky has the uncanny ability to find its way home if it runs off.  While there are no guarantees they will return home if they run, we’ve noticed that several times when this has happened they return and are standing at the back door the next day.  This same homing sense is what also one of things that makes them a great dog for a sled team!
  • Great running companion on a leash – Huskies are a VERY active dog.  They love their exercise, and jump at every opportunity to get it.  If someone is a runner, they make a great running companion, but must be leashed.  They will usually go as fast and as far as you want them to, without complaint.
  • Great Pullers – Huskies, by nature, are a pulling/working breed.  They were bred for the purpose of pulling sleds through the icy wilderness.  If you are into sledding, Skijoring (Dogs pulling skis), or Bikejoring (Skijoring on a bicycle, scooter, etc), a Husky will be more than happy to pull you. 
  • They can handle the elements – Huskies are built to handle the extreme winter weather.  While it is best if they have some shelter, they can handle a cold winter day or night, with relative ease.  Many breeds MUST be inside during the coldest nights to survive.  A Husky actually prefers it cold!

Next week:  The pitfalls.