Siberian Huskies may look like small wolves – while they do tend to howl, they’re big softies at heart.
If you’re thinking about adopting a Husky, or you're lucky enough to have one already, this is your go-to guide, including expert tips and personal insight about this unique breed.
Lyka’s holistic approach covers all the essential aspects of parenting a Husky pup, from temperament and exercise needs to choosing the diet that supports their health and wellbeing.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Huskies were bred over 3000 years ago by the Chukchi people from north-eastern Siberia: a nomadic group that used packs of Huskies to pull sledges. The dogs often slept outside, making dens in the snow and covering their noses with their tails for extra warmth. Today, Huskies are desired for their gentle, friendly nature and quirky personalities and are more often found curled up in a warm bed.
Key characteristics
Known for their intelligence, friendly nature, and high energy levels, Huskies are social dogs that thrive in active households. They're playful, mischievous and have a strong prey drive, requiring consistent training and supervision.
Health considerations
While generally healthy, Huskies can be predisposed to specific health issues such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and gum disease. A balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and high-quality protein can help support their joint, eye, and overall health.
Appearance and size
Siberian Huskies have a wolf-like appearance, triangular ears, and almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, brown, or even bi-coloured (heterochromia). Their thick double coats can be predominantly white, black, grey or black and tan, or a combination of white and sable, red, black, or grey.
Their luxurious fur provides insulation, making them well-suited for cold climates. Although they're only a medium-sized dog, their strength and stamina is impressive.
Husky personality and temperament
Smart, sassy, and very affectionate, Huskies have the kind of character that will fill your home with lots of love and keep you on your toes! They’re highly intelligent but have an independent streak and are best suited to experienced owners.
Huskies develop close bonds with their pack, making them great family dogs. Gregarious and social, they love making new friends (human and dog) wherever they go, especially if they’ve been socialised from an early age.
Huskies can bark but it’s their howling or ‘singing’ that this breed is notorious for. A point worth considering if you share thin walls with your neighbours!
If you’re wondering if a Husky makes a good guard dog – to put it simply, no they don’t. They’ll be more inclined to view a stranger as a potential playmate, than a threat.
Real insights from a Husky parent
Discover what life is really like with this active and mischievous breed with insight from Caroline and her two (yes two!) Huskies: Floki and Oslo.
“I absolutely adore every day with my Huskies Floki and Oslo. They love to be involved in every aspect of my life, from singing happy birthday and snuggling up to watch movies, to adventuring at the beach or in the bush.
Friendly, cheeky and full of energy, they make the best companions for an active lifestyle, and they are always making me laugh with their Husky antics.”
– Caroline, Floki and Oslo’s dog parent (they’re both on Lyka)
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How long do Huskies live?
Huskies have an expected lifespan of between 12-14 years, but you can help your pup live a long and healthy life with a holistic approach to care.
The choices we make for our dogs can help them to thrive, not just survive: a nourishing real food diet, daily exercise, mental stimulation, training, proactive veterinary check-ups, and grooming, all work together to promote your pup’s healthspan (how long your dog is healthy) and quality of life.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
“Huskies benefit from a high protein diet containing antioxidants and real food ingredients, to support their active lifestyle and keep their joints healthy.”
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Siberian Husky eat?
Huskies have lots of energy to burn and the kind of stamina that a marathon runner would be envious of. This breed needs a diet that nourishes their active bodies from the inside out and supports their alert minds.
The best diet for a Husky is made from real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and good fats. If you think this sounds like the food you eat to stay fit and healthy, you’d be right. Dogs benefit from the same dietary approach as we do.
Lyka real food meals are gently cooked to retain the flavours, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. It means they’re easy to digest, support hydration, and taste delicious – great for fussy pups. They’re also custom-portioned to match your dog’s daily needs, so you can help them maintain their optimum weight and body condition.
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Siberian Husky puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food. Husky puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Common Husky health issues
Huskies are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog they can develop health issues or inherit genetic conditions from their parents. Here are three of the most common health problems that affect Huskies:
1. Joint conditions
Huskies can be prone to developmental conditions like hip dysplasia, which is an abnormally shallow hip socket that causes the joint to slip.
Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis because their joints have tried to compensate for the unstable movement.
You can support your Husky’s joints with a diet containing ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like omega fatty acids at the optimal ratio.
Lyka meals are rich in omega-3 from fish oil and sardines. We also use fresh Aussie produce like vegetables and plant superfoods (full of phytochemicals and antioxidant properties) to help maintain strong and supple joints.
Look for these other joint-loving ingredients in Lyka meals:
🥥 Coconut: full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support supple joints
🌱 Fennel Seeds: a superfood that’s great for swollen joints and arthritis
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
2. Eye conditions
Eye conditions, like progressive retinal atrophy, can affect Huskies. This is a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in a dog’s eye, eventually leading to blindness.
It’s an inherited disease that tends to affect male Siberian Huskies more than females. Speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks of this disease by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition.
Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
3. Gum disease
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
All dogs should have a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up1.
🦷 Dental treats, like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health too.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
Husky coats, grooming, and hygiene tips
Maintaining your Husky’s hygiene is more than just keeping their coat shiny. Regular grooming routines support healthy skin, strong nails, and clean teeth — key to avoiding common issues like skin irritation, overgrown nails, or gum disease. They're simple but impactful ways to keep your dog thriving for years to come.
Coat types and shedding
If you’re looking for a fluffy dog, then look no further! Huskies have a luxuriously thick double coat designed to keep them warm in the extreme conditions of the Siberian tundra.
Although they’re not designed for warmer climates like Australia, they’re an adaptable breed. Give them plenty of shade and a cool environment at home, and try to exercise them in the mornings and evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Grooming
Huskies shed their coat and have two seasonal blowouts per year. Regular brushing and raking with a pin brush can help to reduce shedding. Grooming is a great way to bond with your dog and it’s a great opportunity to trim their nails and check their skin and ears.
Support your dog’s skin and coat health with skin-loving ingredients like chia seeds (containing zinc), and hemp seeds (containing omega fatty acids) You’ll find these in our Kangaroo and Lamb bowls.
This breed likes to keep themselves clean, so they’ll only need an occasional bath. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo as human products can irritate their skin.
Husky hygiene
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not clipped regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk. Introduce your dog to nail clipping from an early age, to desensitise them to the process, and with plenty of positive reinforcement so they know there's a high-value treat waiting for them at the end.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Husky exercise requirements
Huskies love to run and explore – if you’re active, they’re the perfect companion for your adventures. They’re a high-energy breed that needs at least 1-2 hours of daily exercise.
Huskies relish having jobs or tasks that stretch their mind and muscles. Training routines, obedience classes, or even sports like sled-dog racing, are ideal. They can engage in boredom-related behaviours like digging or chewing if they're not adequately stimulated.
While we’re on the subject of digging, Huskies have exceptional excavation skills – it’s often how they find a cooler spot to lie in. You may have to say goodbye to manicured lawns and neat flowerbeds, but their adoration and loyalty to you make up for it...well, somewhat!
As an active and stimulated breed, Huskies benefit from a diet that releases energy steadily. Choose a high-protein diet with low-glycaemic index ingredients like purple sweet potatoes and butternut squash, like Lyka.
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Training a Husky
Huskies are highly intelligent, and they have a stubborn streak, making them more challenging to train than other, less independent dogs.
Begin training your Husky from day one, whether you adopt them as a puppy or an adult, and always have consistent expectations for their behaviour.
Positive reinforcement using praise and rewards is the gold standard for training. And remember, training doesn’t just finish when they’re fully grown, every day is an opportunity to fortify their learning.
It’s not just humans who benefit from brain food; optimal nutrition supports your dog’s mind. Amino acids, like tryptophan, are vital in hormone and neurotransmitter production, impacting your pup’s mood and trainability2. Look for diets containing tryptophan-rich proteins like free-range chicken and eggs, found in Lyka’s Chicken bowl.
A Husky’s strong prey drive means obedience and recall are essential. Otherwise, you may have to keep them harnessed and on a lead.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Husky breeder
If you’ve decided that a Husky is the right breed to fit your life, and you can commit to a lifetime of love and care, the next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. The health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them any questions you may have about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies with long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Husky breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speaking to other dog parents is also a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience.
How much is a Husky puppy?
You can expect to pay around $3,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment.
But if you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown. When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
Husky breed FAQs
Still have unanswered questions about Huskies? Check out our FAQs below:
Are Huskies hypoallergenic?
No, Huskies shed their coat, so aren’t suitable for those with allergies to pet hair.
Do Huskies get along with cats and other pets?
Huskies can be trained to get along with other pets, but they have a high prey drive, especially around smaller animals like cats. Early socialisation, consistent training with positive reinforcement, and careful supervision is recommended.
Is a Siberian Husky a good family dog?
Yes, absolutely! They’re pack animals, so develop strong bonds with their family.
When should I desex my Husky?
Huskies are usually desexed once they’ve reached physical maturity. Your vet can give you specific advice based on your dog’s age, size, and health.
For how long is a Husky pregnant?
A Husky is pregnant for around 9 weeks (63 days) from conception.
Where should my Husky sleep?
Give your Husky a warm and comfortable bed in a quiet spot away from intense heat. Be consistent about where you want your dog to rest, so they understand what’s expected of them.
Is a husky a wolf?
No. Huskies do share some common ancestry with wolves, but they’re a distinct species of domesticated dog. They both have long muzzles, alert ears, and a tendency to howl, but the wolf is almost twice the size of a husky.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Husky comes with many decisions, like choosing the best food to help your best friend thrive. Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs. We’re nourishing Huskies across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years.
Join our pack of proud Husky parents today.
References
1Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study
2Investigating the effects of incremental conditioning and supplemental dietary tryptophan on the voluntary activity and behaviour of mid-distance training sled dogs
