I am sure that you have heard people saying something along the lines, “don’t get a Husky… they’re the worst…, or they’re too much work”.
What is it about these dogs that could make people think this way? In my opinion, there are no bad dogs… it’s just a matter of preference. All dogs have their own unique characteristics and little traits that make them special.
This is exactly what brings beauty to this world. It would be kind of boring if all of us were the same, right?
Of course, not every breed of dog will be suited for everyone and their lifestyle, so before you get a Siberian Husky, I highly recommend reading these reasons why Huskies are the worst dogs.
Think of it like a little test for you. If reading this article doesn’t change your opinion about Huskies, then you’re definitely ready to own one of them. Or, perhaps, just read it as a form of entertainment.
Let’s discuss a little bit of some Husky facts that you might not have known about:
1. Huskies Are Very Stubborn
If you want a pet with a lot of personality, there is no better one than a Siberian Husky. These dogs have a very strong personality, and are often known for being very stubborn and independent. One thing is for sure – your life with a Husky will never be boring.
Stubbornness is usually a genetic predisposition for this breed; however, a lot of it comes down to your own approach and proper training. If these dogs are not treated well, they’ll often behave more like a toddler than a dog.
2. Huskies Have A Strong Prey Drive
Let’s go back in history and learn more about Huskies and their origin. Siberian Huskies were bred by the Chukchi tribe, in Siberia, to be working dogs. They were mostly used as sled dogs and as hunting dogs; hence, their high prey drive.
If we look into their predatory behavior, we can see that dogs (predators) often have an eight-step motor pattern that consists of orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab/bite, kill, dissect, consume.
Due to this natural instinct for hunting, they might not be the ideal pet if you own other small animals such as cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs.
3. They Can Be Destructive
Siberian Huskies are known for being very active dogs. If they are not properly exercised or if they feel bored, lonely, or stressed, they might resort to destructive behavior.
This destructive behavior can range from chewing through your favorite pair of shoes to going so far as to chew through drywall, which Huskies are unfortunately notorious for. When they’re left alone or feel bored, their instinctive need to be active can lead to chaos in your home.
It’s not just about them being mischievous—it’s a way for them to release pent-up energy and frustration. If they don’t get enough physical activity or mental stimulation, they will find their own “fun,” and unfortunately, it usually involves ruining your stuff.
While this destructive behavior can be frustrating, it can certainly be managed with proper training, plenty of exercise, and consistent mental challenges. Huskies need a lot of attention, and without it, they might resort to chewing and tearing things up just to alleviate their boredom.
Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can go a long way in preventing these outbursts. With the right amount of exercise and mental engagement, your Husky can stay out of trouble and focus on more constructive activities.
4. Huskies Need Company All The Time
Huskies might be stubborn and independent; however, they’re also extremely loving and affectionate. These dogs love you unconditionally, and love being around you all the time. Does this mean they’ll follow you to the bathroom? Definitely!
If they don’t have a friend to play with, you’ll be their center of attention, which is lovely, but it can also be really annoying.
Unfortunately, due to this extreme affection, they are also prone to separation anxiety, which means leaving them alone can cause a headache to you and your neighbors.
Why neighbors, you might ask? Well, let’s just say Huskies have an interesting way of expressing their sadness.
5. They’re Great Escape Artists And Diggers
Having a nice garden and a Husky simply doesn’t go well together. Siberian Huskies are known for being amazing escape artists and great diggers. I believe even Houdini would be impressed by their ability to escape, and their “wanderlust” desires.
If you do get a Husky, you have to be extremely careful with them because they can easily jump a fence, dig under a fence, or even unlock doors. Quite impressive for a dog.
When Huskies lived in Siberia and were surrounded by the snow, they actually learned to dig the snow and shield themselves from the wind and cold. This behavior persisted with the breed, and now, even your indoor Husky will act as if his mission is to dig your entire garden.
6. Huskies Shed A Lot – Like… A Lot
Huskies are beautiful dogs. Everyone has to agree with that. They have beautiful, double-coated fur that not only looks so fluffy and soft, but it also keeps them warm.
However, they shed a lot. They “blow” their coat twice a year, and require regular brushing in order to keep their coat healthy and good-looking. Prepare to see a lot of dog hair all around your house.
The vacuum will be your best friend, but unfortunately, not even that can help with the amount of hidden fur that you’ll encounter. It’s the price you have to pay if you want to have a beautiful-looking, fluffy dog.
7. They Like To Talk
Remember how I mentioned that Huskies have an interesting way of expressing their sadness? Oh yeah… Huskies are also incredibly vocal dogs, but here’s the twist—they don’t bark much at all. Now, you might be thinking I’m out of my mind, but it’s true: Huskies don’t tend to bark like most dogs do.
Instead, they howl. And not just a simple howl—they can howl in a way that sounds almost like you have a wolf living in your house. It’s a unique and unmistakable sound, one that often carries through the neighborhood, especially when they’re feeling lonely, excited, or in need of attention.
These dogs are extremely chatty, and their vocalizations will either entertain you or drive you absolutely crazy. They communicate with a mix of howls, whines, and even a range of other noises that sound more like a conversation than just barking.
Whether it’s their own way of expressing joy or frustration, you’ll always know when your Husky has something to say. So, if you’re someone who values a quiet home, you might want to think twice about adopting a Husky.
They are not the type to keep their thoughts to themselves, and while some people love the sound of their soulful howls, others find them downright annoying. One thing is for sure: don’t expect a serene, peaceful environment with a Husky around!
8. They’re Basically Drama Queens
If we could give a medal to the biggest drama queen in the whole canine world, Huskies would definitely get a gold one. They are funny little fellas that have quite a character.
This kind of behavior is often influenced by a combination of factors, but most of the time, it’s simply how they were born. It’s in their DNA.
While you might try everything in your power to curb their dramatic tendencies—whether it’s excessive howling, rolling on the floor in mock despair, or throwing tantrums when they don’t get their way—you’ll quickly learn that some things are just beyond control.
Huskies were bred to be expressive, independent, and assertive, and their flair for the dramatic is part of their charm. While you might try to stop them from getting overly dramatic, at the end of the day, you’ll have to accept them as they are.
It’s these very traits, their theatrical nature and stubbornness, that make them both exasperating and endearing. Embrace it, and you’ll find that their little bursts of drama will only add to the fun of living with them.
9. Huskies Can Be High Maintenance
A Siberian Husky is not the kind of dog that is there just as a companion for cuddling, and something that you own. They are quite high-maintenance dogs with high stamina levels that require a lot of work.
They’re quite the athletes, and they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This means that they’ll need at least two hours a day of doing something productive and fun.
Walking, hiking, running, going to a dog park, and playing are just a few of the things that you can try in order to satisfy your dog’s natural desire for exercise.
10. Huskies Can Be Hard To Train
Although Huskies are very intelligent, they can be really hard to train. This is due to their independent and stubborn streak that makes things a bit difficult for potential owners.
If you want to properly train your dog, you’ll have to know what you’re doing, and handle him with a firm, but fair attitude; otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a situation where your dog has trained you.
Although many people discredit this kind of behavior toward dogs, if you are dealing with a problematic and dominant dog, this training guide can be really helpful.
11. They Tend To Run And Pull On The Leash
Did I mention that Huskies were bred to be sled dogs? The basics of being a sled dog involve running and pulling, which is exactly what these high-energy canines thrive on.
They were specifically bred to work in freezing temperatures, hauling heavy loads across miles of snow-covered terrain, often in harsh conditions. This natural instinct to run and pull is deeply embedded in their DNA, and once they get the chance, there’s no stopping them.
Huskies are known for their boundless energy, and if you let them, they will sprint like there’s no tomorrow. Their stamina and strength are unmatched, so don’t expect them to tire out quickly.
They might not eat a lot, but when it comes to running, they can go for miles and miles without slowing down.
So, if you’re planning to take your Husky to the park or for a walk, be prepared. Make sure you bring a sturdy leash (and maybe even a harness, as these dogs can be strong pullers) because they will almost certainly drag you along.
You might find yourself in a game of “catch-up” while your Husky bounds ahead with pure excitement. If you’re not ready for an energetic workout, a Husky might just turn your daily walks into an exhausting adventure!
12. Huskies Need A Lot Of Exercise
As I already mentioned, Siberian Huskies are incredibly active and require an immense amount of physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. Originally bred as sled dogs to run long distances in harsh conditions, they have a boundless supply of energy that must be burned off regularly.
Without proper outlets for their energy, Huskies can become restless and engage in destructive behavior like chewing, digging, or even excessive barking.
Daily walks, jogs, or runs are essential, and many Husky owners find that a good hike or off-leash playtime is needed to keep their dog physically and mentally stimulated.
If you’re an active person who loves outdoor adventures, a Husky will be a fantastic companion. But if you’re looking for a low-key, laid-back dog, a Husky may not be the right fit for you.
13. Huskies Are Independent Thinkers
While Huskies are affectionate and love their families, they are known for being independent thinkers who can sometimes appear aloof or stubborn. They were bred to work autonomously, often without constant guidance from humans, which means they don’t always follow commands right away.
Huskies might listen when they want to, but they are more likely to do things on their terms, making training a challenge. This breed requires an experienced and patient owner who can be firm and consistent with training methods.
If you’re new to dog ownership or looking for a dog who will eagerly follow every command, a Husky’s independent nature might prove frustrating. However, for those willing to invest the time and energy into training, Huskies are loyal, intelligent, and ultimately wonderful companions.