Tag: Huskies temperament

Whether you have a Husky at home and a new kid on the way or you’re thinking of adopting a new Husky companion for your child, one question remains, Are Siberian Huskies good with kids?

You might have gotten mixed messages from your friends or read something negative on the internet. Let us set the record straight once and for all!

Are Siberian Huskies Good with Kids? Are They Good Dogs?

Siberian Huskies are fantastic dogs with a very rich and impressive history! This is a high-energy breed. Your Husky will gladly keep your kids occupied in the backyard for hours! In fact, they will probably tire before your Sibe does.

If cared for in a proper, loving, and nurturing environment, your Husky will grow to become very gentle and sociable!

If you’re looking for an energetic dog that can go for hours and still offer more, the Husky is your breed. These guys were bred to work for long hours, and your Husky will have a near-limitless level of energy.

If you’re looking for a great snow dog that doesn’t mind the cold, Siberian Huskies are perfect for you! They were bred to tolerate very low temperatures, so northern climates won’t bother your pup in the least.

Are you seeking a perfect hiking companion that will gladly join you on your trek? This is the kind of work huskies were literally born for! Your dog will cherish those nights out at the campground and long days hiking.

You might even be able to prevent future animal dander allergies from developing in your child!

Are Siberian Huskies Aggressive?

Siberian Huskies have the capacity for aggression and can be aggressive, but most won’t be. Most Siberian Huskies are fantastic companions! There are several factors that go into the answer.

Dogs are naturally very social animals. They are happiest when living with others, whether that be people or animals. Wolves or most other canids will live in groups in the wild. Aggressiveness would be counterproductive to this lifestyle.

No dog, no matter the breed- whether it be a chihuahua, Bull Dog, Mastiff, Rottweiler, or any of about 200 other breeds, is inherently born aggressive! Aggressiveness is a learned response to a dog’s environment.

He might act out aggressively if a dog feels threatened. If a dog was poorly trained and has been taught other humans are frightening and mean to do him harm or steal from him, he certainly could respond aggressively!

There are inherited genetic factors that might predispose a dog toward aggression. For example, dogfighting was legal in the 1600s in England. These dogs were bred partially for their aggression toward other dogs and would be genetically prone toward animal agression.

They still could have been fantastic animal companions if raised to be friendly around other dogs! Properly nurturing a dog has an enormous impact on his personality.

Siberian Huskies weren’t bred for their aggression. They were bred to work alongside their human owners. Your Husky shouldn’t be aggressive, but training and socialization have an enormous impact!

Are Siberian Huskies good with kids, or are they aggressive? This really depends on you and how you raise your dog. Most Siberian Huskies are great with kids!

Socializing a Husky

It’s best if you begin socializing your husky as a young puppy. There shouldn’t be much of a break between social contact from littermates to your home and family. The most important time period to begin socialization is between 8-12 weeks!

Your Husky puppy is soaking up information and new experiences like a sponge during that third month! He will welcome new encounters, as long as you ensure they are happy ones.

Socializing an adult for the first time can be much more difficult, especially since you’re dealing with a powerful animal that could easily cause harm.

You want to wait to socialize your Husky puppy with outside animals until he’s completed those core DHPP vaccines. These are given in a series of three, at around 8, 12, and 16 weeks.

How do you socialize a young puppy?

Step One: Let Your Husky Explore

You’ve just brought your new puppy home. This is a completely new environment from everything he’s ever known to this point. It can be a huge adjustment for him!

Allow your pup to explore his new living environment. Encourage him to smell furniture, flooring, and new areas. Show him where he can go, and block off areas he shouldn’t. Allow your pup to adjust to this new home before you introduce other variables.

You’ll want to offer constant, close supervision at all times! Puppies can easily find trouble if there is trouble to be found, so crate your pup when you can’t supervise. Puppy-proofing his environment is also important (no choking hazards, all wiring out of reach, etc).

Step Two: Adjusting to Touch and Interaction

Great socialization involves interactions with family, friends, and even strangers! Without overwhelming your puppy with too many encounters at once, begin introducing one family member at a time.

Now is the time to introduce kids to your husky!

You always want to supervise, especially if it is a young child you’re introducing. Your Husky puppy is very small and delicate! This means he is easily injured. A fall, such as a drop, could prove fatal. Supervise like the child is interacting with a newborn infant.

• Encourage belly rubs and gentle petting!
• Touching and gently holding the paws will make future nail trimming easier.
• Allow the child to stroke your Husky’s tail and fur. Be very firm about the “No Pulling” rule!
• Encourage your child to play simple games with the new husky.

You’ll want to be very careful not to frighten your new puppy! Always use a cheerful, happy tone of voice. Shower your puppy with enthusiastic praise for these interactions! You’re showing your puppy all human touches will always be friendly and enjoyable.

Step Three: Short First Encounters

Don’t do too much too fast. Begin with a few members of the family, or just you. If you want your Husky to adjust to several people at a time, gradually add a new person to the mix!

The very first interaction with your child should be brief and mild! Don’t overwhelm your pup. Play with your little one a little bit near your child or allow him to roam around and investigate freely before you jump into the child holding your husky.

You eventually want to socialize your puppy to larger gatherings or parties, so he is accustomed to louder noises and many strangers, but not yet! Save this until your pup is a few weeks older. You’re taking baby steps for now, one child/person at a time.

Be very careful when allowing small children to pick up or handle your dog. Even if the dog isn’t injured, a drop can be very traumatic!

Dogs naturally don’t perceive hugs the same way humans do, and this could make your Husky feel uncomfortable. Watch for:

• Licking the nose/lips excessively
• Frequent yawning (very common sign of anxiety)
• Tail tucking
• Arched back with low posture
• Frequent wining when being handled
• Leaving the room whenever child is around

Step Four: Schedule Playdates/Interactions

It’s hard to socialize a new puppy properly! Most adults have full-time jobs. In the era of Covid-19, many work from home but still have to work.

Yet we can’t stress the importance of socializing a puppy enough! If you train your dog anything in his life, this might just be the most important.

Scheduling playdates or interactions will help you stay organized and ensure things get done! Try making a weekly checklist. Ask your friends or family if they can have their child over for about 30 minutes of mild puppy play 2 or 3 times a week. Talk to your neighbors.

Puppy “obedience” classes are fantastic! The social contact your puppy will get is going to be much more valuable than any obedience skills he’ll learn. There might not be children there, but your puppy will be able to interact with other puppies and adults!

The Great Race of Mercy

If you’ve ever seen the Disney movie Balto, you’ve heard about “The Great Race of Mercy”. As legend would have it, several children in the Alaskan city of Nome were suffering from Diptheria, back in the winter of 1925.

Diphtheria is a terrible disorder that can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, and even death! The American CDC recommends vaccinations even today. Several children had already passed at this point!

Travel by air or train was impossible. The trek was too far and treacherous to be made on foot, and today’s snowmobiles didn’t exist. There was only one option left- sled dog.

Twenty mushing teams raced against the clock to transport lifesaving serum from a hospital in Anchorage, 674 miles away! The lives of about 10,000 were at risk if they didn’t make it in time. Though they succeeded amidst terrible conditions, several dogs lost their lives along the way.

Is a Husky a Safe Family Dog?

A husky can be a wonderful family dog! These are sweet, gentle animals, always eager to please. Because they are so high-energy, Huskies can entertain the kids for hours!

There are a couple of key concepts that need to be considered.

A Siberian Husky is a very high-energy breed! These dogs were bred to work all day in very harsh environments, and their energy is nearly endless. A Husky can become destructive if his exercise demands aren’t met.

A frustrated Husky will find ways to entertain himself. He might become an escape artist, dig holes throughout your yard, or even threaten other neighborhood animals he hasn’t been socialized with.

Are Siberian Huskies good with kids? Your husky should get along wonderfully with your children! You’ll still need to socialize slowly while always supervising, just like you were introducing another pet to the home.

Because of their intensely high energy level, your Husky might unintentionally knock over any small children or toddlers. This is true for many large to giant breeds.

You’ll want to supervise extra closely if you have a child younger than 6 at home.

Health Benefits for Kids Growing up with a Dog

We think every child should grow up with a dog companion! This is a fantastic life experience and offers integral social contact many kids lack (especially when homeschooling).

More Physical Activity

Siberian Huskies have a boundless amount of energy, and love to play! Your husky will keep your child busy for hours if he can. Any exercise, walks, or play your child can offer his pet would be gladly welcome.

Higher Self Esteem

When tested, children with an animal companion to help care for have shown higher rates of self-esteem! Children always have a companion. Though dogs aren’t human, your child will never be alone!

Tasks should always be appropriate to the age of your child. Children still don’t have the maturity level of an adult and should never be completely responsible for the life of any pet.

Enhanced Cognitive Abilities

Research has shown some young children who enjoy talking to pets, whether it be praise, offering commands, or simple jabbering, have shown enhanced cognitive development!

Even simple training techniques or behavioral learning can help improve your child’s problem-solving skills.

Decreased Chance for Allergies

There are many studies that suggest young children raised with dogs are much less likely to develop allergies to animal dander! There aren’t many dog breeds that shed as much as a Siberian Husky, so this is perfect.

Are Siberian Huskies Good with Kids?

Siberian Huskies are very affectionate with a wonderful nature, always eager to please! On top of that, your 4-year-old Husky will probably easily outpace your 6-year-old child when it comes to playtime.

You will have to socialize your Husky with your child, and socialization might be more difficult if you’re dealing with an adult that has never encountered children. The same is true for any dog breed! Socialization is best begun during those first few months.

Young children should never be left alone with Huskies, or any dog breed. Always supervise your young children!

If you’re asking yourself “Are Siberian Huskies good with Kids?”, the answer is YES! This is an ideal breed to raise around your child.

You’ve just adopted a new Husky! How can you ensure he’ll get along with your house cat? You’ve heard mixed things from friends, and are afraid the new husky will frighten your little one. Are Huskies good with cats?

Siberian Huskies have a very strong prey drive and can be tempted to chase or even attack smaller animals. This tendency can seem even worse if your Husky hasn’t received enough exercise! Huskies can be good with cats provided they were socialized well.

But how do you do that?

Are Huskies Good with Cats?

Huskies can easily live a happy life alongside the family cat! There is no rule saying dogs necessarily have to be at odds with cats.

Huskies are extremely high-energy. This is a dog bred to perform strenuous work all day long. A Siberian Huskie’s energy is near limitless.

So why does this matter?

Most domestic Husky pets won’t ever receive the amount of exercise they need to be satisfied. If a Huskie’s energy demands aren’t met, he could become destructive.

Your husky might begin digging holes all over the yard or become an escape artist, even jumping your fence! He can also present a danger to smaller animals, including cats. This is a huge reason why it is so important to socialize your Husky with cats.

Siberian Huskies have a strong prey drive! A prey drive is a carnivore’s instinct to find and pursue food. Since this is such a strong instinct, your dog might feel the need to chase smaller animals even if he isn’t hungry.

Training Huskies to Be with Cats

Early socialization is the key when training Huskies to be with cats! When you socialize a dog, you’re helping the dog become familiar and accept, even enjoy, everything and everyone in his environment. Your Husky can be a fantastic companion for your cat, but he’ll need to be taught the cat is a friend.

Remember, you have another party in this equation. You can’t train your Husky to be friendly with the family cat if the cat isn’t friendly in the first place.

Early socialization is important for cats too!

Bringing a larger predatory animal home your cat isn’t used to can cause an adult cat accustomed to solitude to become stressed. Unsocialized adult cats can sometimes act aggressively, such as darting out of hiding spots to take a swipe at the foreseen “combatant”.

How Do You Introduce a Husky to a Cat?

Introductions are best made when the Husky is young, during the first “fear period” between 8-11 weeks. Tread carefully because your puppy probably hasn’t finished his first set of core vaccines, and is still very susceptible to illness.

Your Husky is soaking up information like a sponge! This little one will relish in new encounters but take them slowly.  Don’t force anything or overwhelm your pup.

As long as you’re able to ensure happy, pleasant encounters with the cat (especially from the cat), this is a perfect time to begin! Slowly introduce your puppy to the cat or play games around the cat.

You absolutely want to ensure these encounters are enjoyable! There is a reason they are called “fear periods”. A negative encounter with an angry or unfriendly feline could devastate your socialization efforts and be very traumatic for your little one.

If the cat doesn’t like dogs, other animals, or isn’t friendly, it’s best to keep them separated for now. You don’t have to force encounters, but make sure the puppy is aware of the cat’s presence.

Step One: Begin Early

You’ll want to begin socializing your Husky with the family cat before 12 weeks if possible. Earlier is even better, but you’ll also want to wait until your pup finished those DHPP vaccines. Unvaccinated puppies are extremely vulnerable if they happen to get sick!

Make sure the cat has been vaccinated also, especially if it is an outdoor cat.

A puppy older than 12 weeks will become more cautious about strange or new encounters, and social interactions may take more time. It still can be done! You’ll just need to take things at a slower pace.

When You Bring the Animal Home

Stop at your front door. Allow both animals to sniff each other before entering the house. You’ll want your cat to know there is another companion entering the home. Your cat might paw underneath the door. This is fine!

Always show love to your cat when your Husky is around! Make sure your Husky is able to recognize how important and valuable a member of the family this cat is. Your Husky will feel more at ease if he is able to see how you feel about your feline friend.

Step Two: Always Supervise Closely!

You want to treat these interactions like it is a vulnerable human infant and a potentially dangerous gorilla! The gorilla may seem extremely gentle but could easily injure the newborn if things went sideways.

If the cat takes a swipe at the puppy, your socialization efforts could be at an end. This would be even worse if the cat happens to harm the puppy! It can be extremely traumatic for the little one. Your pup would have learned to fear cats and avoid them at all costs.

Have your cat’s nails been trimmed just in case? There is nothing wrong or painful about asking a groomer to trim the tips of those nails!

Supervision is necessary with your puppy and any other animal. This isn’t limited to cats. Always supervise, like your pup is a human child.

The same is true for a kitten and an adult Siberian Husky. You’ll still have to supervise closely, ensuring every encounter is a positive one! These are still two predatory animals that wouldn’t naturally associate in a wild setting.

Step Three: Leashed Encounters

Ensure your husky is on a lead so you’re able to control any outcome if the dog is old enough to wear a harness. Collars can apply pressure to the trachea and aren’t recommended for young puppies.

Make sure the lead is loose, and your puppy doesn’t associate any stress with it! This simply ensures you have even greater control over the situation.

• Sower your Husky puppy with enthusiastic praise as he approaches the cat! You want your puppy to form positive associations with kitty.
• Play games around the cat!
• Offer your puppy treat rewards when the little one approaches your cat!

Tracking games like “find that treat” are very enriching and will give your husky a lot of enjoyment!

Step Four: Off Lead

If you don’t notice any issues or problem behaviors (described below) between either party, you can begin to allow your Husky off lead. You still want to supervise closely until your puppy is about no longer a small puppy. This is especially true for the first few encounters!

Adult Huskies and Cats

Are Huskies good with cats when they are adults? Imagine you want to introduce a full-grown adult Husky to your home and your cat. Let’s say you saw this amazing 5-year-old shelter dog you wanted to adopt!

The ideal period to begin socializing a dog is during puppyhood. Once the dog is an adult, socializing with animals it has never met before, or even worse- learned to dislike, can become much more difficult and sometimes near impossible.

• Socialization doesn’t have to begin before 12 weeks! You can still socialize seven at the six-month or year mark. Just don’t wait much longer and follow the steps above cautiously.

There is no guarantee an adult Husky will get along with your cat naturally, just like there is no guarantee he won’t. Ask the shelter employees how this dog is with cats. Has it been socialized with cats before? Has it grown up with cats?

For more information, see our “Recognizing Aggression in Huskies” section below.

Remember- if you aren’t sure, always supervise!

Are Huskies Good with Cats? Socialization is Key

Socializing your Husky is only half the battle here! It won’t matter how much your dog loves cats if your cat is terrified of dogs. Being a smaller predatory animal, cats are very easily stressed if you aren’t careful.

Some adult cats, just like some adult dogs, are set in their ways. Your adult cat might never grow tolerant of your new dog. If you have an adult cat at home, be sure he was socialized with dogs and gets along with them.

If your cat already doesn’t like dogs, this can be a long process and may seem much more difficult for you, another dog breed may be a better choice for your family.

Begin early! You want to begin socializing your cat with dogs at a young age. Teach your cat that dogs are friendly animals and nothing to worry about!

Take your time and introduce slowly. Never force interactions! Provide a nice, calm, and quiet getaway for your cat if the introduction becomes too much.

• Account for your cat’s personality type. Shy or timid cats may struggle when adjusting to a new dog. This is especially true with a larger, hyperactive breed like a Siberian Husky!
• Consider the age of both animals. Introducing young puppies and kittens will often be drastically easier than adult animals!
• Consider how you introduce your animals. It’s best to introduce a new puppy or adult dog to the household, versus a new adult cat. Cats are stressed easier and can take longer to adjust! You are already making a drastic change in the environment.
• Provide both animals with their own space to get away if feeling overwhelmed. It’s especially important your cat has a getaway from any shared portions at the home.

Recognizing Severe Anxiety in Cats

It’s normal for a cat to become scared or anxious at first. This is a larger predator after all (unless your Husky is still a small pup). You’ll want to be able to recognize fear or anxiety before it becomes a problem.

If your cat does display signs of severe anxiety or fear, it’s best to end the introduction and try again tomorrow. Symptoms of severe anxiety or fear in cats can include:

• Continuous screaming or screeching
• Raised back that won’t settle after an extended period of time
• Frantic, repeated bolting around your home without hiding

Recognizing Aggression in Huskies

Recognizing aggression in your dog is just as, or perhaps more, important than recognizing fear in your cat! You’ll want to separate the two animals if you think your Husky is acting aggressively. Gently encourage positive encounters over time.

This is more likely with adult Huskies who have never encountered or been socialized with cats. You might see it more often in rescued animals.

• Forcing muzzle into the cat
• Erect or raised tail and hackles/ piloerected fur
• Rigid, erect posture
• Lunging toward cat with pretend bites or snapping
• Growling, bearing teeth

Intense face licking isn’t a sign of aggression, but it can lead to an altercation if it isn’t tolerated by the cat.

If you do notice aggression in your Husky, you’ll want to use a psychological training principle called counterconditioning by desensitizing your Husky to the cat over time. You can read more about these principles here.

Are Huskies Good With Cats? Final Word

Your Siberian Husky can make a fantastic companion for your cat! Yes, Huskies are good with cats- if they are raised properly.

This doesn’t always come naturally to either a Husky or a cat. Adults who’ve never met the opposite animal might not get along with or like it right away. As the pet owner, you must teach your pets that other animals are good for them and make for fun encounters!

After all is said and done, are Huskies good with cats? That depends on you as much as your pets!

Huskies are one of the most loving and popular dogs all around the world. Many people want to own a husky but the questions like; “are huskies good with babies?” ponder in their mind. It is important to know how a dog reacts around a child. When you own a husky you must play it safe. Being a responsible parent means taking care of everything related to the dogs and also keeping your babies safe.

Huskies are actually loving and affectionate towards babies as they are naturally friendly, gentle, and love the family they live with but it is not safe to leave the children with huskies as in the end huskies are animals and they can harm babies. Now that you have got a brief answer to your question, let’s get to know more about the husky temperament and their behavior towards other humans and kids.

Are Huskies Good with Babies?

The presence of the husky in the house will not be dangerous for your babies but you can never be sure of the reaction of husky because anything can trigger an animal. So you will have to be extremely careful and cautious if you have kids in your house with a husky (or say any other dog). It is considered a bad idea to leave kids with huskies in the house unsupervised.

Dogs are not aggressive towards humans including babies so there is no fear of them suddenly becoming hostile but some dogs can develop behavioral problems. Such dogs have the habit of biting humans and they can get harsh with babies in the process which can harm the baby.  Also, puppy huskies have the habit of biting a lot so keep them away from the children especially when you see they are getting into their biting mode.

Husky personality and temperament

Huskies are free-spirited and good-natured dog breed with a mesmerizing look. Don’t get fooled by that fierce wolf-like look of the huskies. In fact, huskies are gentle and loving dogs with their alluring personality which makes them good companions for people of every age.

Huskies are not aggressive by nature. They don’t become volatile or hostile in a moment. Since huskies are pack dogs, they have friendly nature towards everyone including other dogs and kids. Huskies are athletic and joyful and they love running and hiking almost every day.

Due to their friendly nature, huskies don’t pick fights with other dogs and they don’t bark at strangers or passersby’s without any reason.

A Husky’s needs

A husky needs love, attention and care from his owners. They are highly energetic and need a vigorous amount of exercise. Modifying your lifestyle according to their needs can be a difficult task.

Huskies need to stay mentally and physically simulated so you would need to engage them in different activities on daily basis.

You can engage your kid and husky both in different activities throughout the day. You can take them both on a stroll or swimming.

Huskies with kids

There is no dog breed that you can say is naturally good with babies. If you have a newborn baby please keep your husky away from them. It is not safe for kids under 2 years old to be around huskies. While their company can be amazing for the kids, at the same time it can be dangerous. Huskies are the best friends with kids of age group 3 to 8 years old. They can be fantastic friends of humans, and they will love the company of a kid and grow up as their companions.

Because of their friendly nature, they cannot be kept as watchdogs because they will befriend the intruder easily. These are important details to notice before getting a husky especially if there are kids in the house.

Social behavior of Huskies

Huskies are working dogs that originated from northern areas. It is important to know about the behavior of huskies before adopting them to ensure a healthy lifestyle at home. They were bred to work as pack dogs; they used to thrive when there were plenty of huskies at the same place.

So, huskies are highly social and they have a gentle and caring nature. They are outgoing and independent so they love socializing with almost everyone especially when they get comfortable.

A study showed that huskies like to live according to the pack leader.

How can a Husky harm a baby?

Being a parent, it is right to think “are huskies good with babies?” before getting a husky as pet dog. Huskies are not the kind of dogs who will intentionally harm babies in any way. Instead, they tend to be fragile towards kids. But huskies just like other dogs can be unpredictable. There can be certain unpleasant things your baby might have to bear

• Huskies’ barking and howling might scare the baby.
• Huskies can bite the baby and they can get injured because of that.
• Huskies can knock toddlers over unintentionally and that can injure them.
• Your kid can unintentionally pull, push or pinch the dog that may cause pain and huskies can become aggressive towards your kid.

Things to consider before you get the Husky

Huskies are the high maintenance dogs so they require a lot of time for exercise, training, and grooming. They want a lot of attention. At the same time, babies also need a lot of attention and care so it might get difficult for you to manage both.

Since huskies are independent they can also be stubborn sometimes. In some cases, huskies need professional training to learn to be well-behaved around kids.

It’s important to note that the fencing of your yard should be high and secure, as huskies can dig under fences and jump off small fences in order to escape.

Getting a husky can also cost you a lot. Huskies are one of the expensive dog breeds and maintaining their lifestyle can be a difficult task if you are low on budget. Huskies need a special diet, training toys, and vet bills.

Safety advice to keep the babies safe

It is thoughtful of you to want to keep both the babies and huskies safe and happy with each other. No matter how much you trust your husky it is never recommended to leave your baby unsupervised with him or her. Animals are unpredictable creatures and you can never know what’s in their mind so playing safe is the best option you should choose.

• Never leave your baby alone with a husky.
• Huskies especially puppies have a habit of biting or nibbling new things and humans. That’s how they explore the world around them. Huskies may hurt the baby in the process and they won’t even know. So it is your duty to keep them away from the baby.
• You can use cages and crates to keep the husky locked if you need to leave the baby unsupervised for some time.
• If you are out strolling with your baby and your husky at the same time, be aware of small animals especially cats. Because the husky has a prey drive.
• You can give training to the husky on how to behave when a baby is at home.
• Do not let your baby poke or pinch the husky; otherwise, he or she can become aggressive
• You should not let your kid play games with the husky which activate his or her prey drive.
• If your kids are old enough then give them some safety instructions so that they know what to do and what not to do.
• Do not let your baby go near stranger huskies at all because you never know how they are going to react.

Final words on “Are Huskies good with babies? Final Word”

Huskies are social animals and it is not dangerous to keep them in the same house as babies but animals are unpredictable. Huskies are very social and friendly dogs by nature and they love to be around humans as well as kids but it is not very safe to leave your babies with children unattended.

You have to keep the huskies away from babies because of the nibbling habits of dogs. Kids more than 3 years old can spend time with them and even enjoy their company. But do not leave your kids unattended with the huskies. You should play safe and keep your kids safe by the described tips above in this article. Make sure you do research before adopting a husky so that it matches your lifestyle and you also build a safe zone for your family.

Hopefully you have got the answer to your question “are huskies good with babies?” from this guide.

The husky breed is known for a lot of personality traits such as talking too much and their stubbornness and sass. But what about their intelligence? Are Huskies smart?

Many owners interested in adopting a Husky wonder about how smart they are beforehand. This article is here to tell you all about the breed, their intelligence and how they compare to other dogs.

Are Huskies Smart?

Some of the most helpful pieces of data about whether huskies are smart came from studies and material written by a canine psychology professor and avid studier of dog intelligence and behavior, Stanley Coren, PhD. Coren reached out to and collected a load of information from 200 professionals in the North American Kennel Club (Canada and US) about over 100 dog breeds, huskies included, of course.

So are huskies smart? Dr. Coren’s data shows that huskies rate around the average level of intelligence, scoring in the middle at 74th place (out of 138).

There is more to understand about how we measure and rate a dog breeds intelligence. While plenty of dogs scored higher than huskies, there were several factors that went into the testing. This article will explain how and why Dr. Coren and his Kennel Club help came to the conclusions they did about Husky intelligence and behavior.

Husky Personality

This arctic breed has some mixed history with Russia and the US wanting to stake claim over the breed’s origin. They were bred to be runners and working dogs that helped Inuit people pull sleds and do other physical work in the snow.

This breed has a high prey drive, meaning that they will often go after small animals and are known for their stubborn nature. Many owners of huskies will tell you that while they are smart dogs they are more obstinate and difficult to train than others.

These dogs thrive on having a job to do and crave contact with their favorite people. Allowing them to be bored and frustrated will only lead to them becoming destructive and potentially running off.

Huskies are sociable and funny but can also be annoying when they don’t listen and scream or talk back constantly. However, their ability to ‘verbally communicate’ also shows a higher level of intelligence. No matter how annoying it may be when you’re trying to get something done and your husky is barking behind you about treats, it means they know how to get what they want.

How Do We Measure Dog Intelligence?

There are two factors that were used to identify an individual dog breeds intelligence levels, and that was based on the number of repetitions it took to comprehend a new command and the success rate for obeying a known command.

While this criteria is a good structure to use for determining breed intelligence, there were some mixed reviews about the results and their accuracy. Coren attempted to make the system fair by only accepting results from breeds that had at least 100 responses.

Overall, while there was criticism circulating around his data, it was also met with a lot of positivity as well.

Are Huskies Smart: Instinctive vs Adaptive Intelligence

Besides repetitions and obedience, there are two other factors that Dr. Coren uses to interpret canine intelligence. Those are instinctive vs adaptive intelligence.

Adaptive Intelligence

Adaptive intelligence is something that huskies rate highly for, but this is the most difficult to accurately measure. This is what indicates how independent a dog is and if they are able to learn on their own through trial and error without human guidance. Clearly, huskies have a lot of this adaptive intelligence, as they most of the time prefer to do their own thing.

Instinctive Intelligence

You probably guessed it already, but instinctive intelligence is describing the skill set and behavior that the breed was originally created for. Huskies are part of the working group of dog breeds, which means that they were of course bred for physical work. Specifically running and pulling sleds.

This breed will immediately take to its old job and will instinctively be able to pull a sled without much human command or training. Huskies have been known to work as search and rescue dogs and can also run a truly impressive number of miles in a short amount of time. Some dogs can run close to 100 miles a day!

Huskies and Their Intelligence Rating

Huskies land right near the middle at 74th place, while it puts them in the average intelligence category, it certainly doesn’t mean that they’re not that smart.

Based on the scale criteria that Dr. Coren uses, huskies needed about 25 – 40 repetitions in order for them to learn a new command and when it comes to obedience, they would obey a known command at least 50% of the time.

Several other dog breeds such as Boxers and Australian Shepherds fall into the same average intelligence category.

Why Are Huskies Ranked Lower in Intelligence Than Other Breeds?

The honest truth is that huskies would probably rank higher on this scale if they weren’t so dang stubborn. They really like to do things on their own time and their independent-mindedness is really what docks some points for the breed. Sure, their independence can be seen as a positive trait, but many people view it as a complication in the training process.

Many husky owners wonder, is my husky smart? Usually after struggling to get them to listen to somewhat simple commands. What the real issue is that they probably know what you’re asking or telling them to do but they just don’t want to obey. I’m assuming they have their own plans in mind instead.

Huskies Are Smarter Than They Seem

Despite where they land on the canine intelligence scale by Dr. Coren, Huskies are actually smarter than they lead on. As mentioned before, their independence, while it is a benefit and a crutch at the same time, it does mean that they are self-sustaining and quick to learn on their own without human interaction. Which is actually pretty impressive!

Their stubbornness gets in the way of their actual intelligence by causing them to easily lose focus and follow their own personal priorities. Sometimes finding a motivator like food, play or toys can help keep your Husky’s attention on your instead of their own plans.

Are Huskies Trainable?

Absolutely! Don’t doubt this breeds level of intelligence, they will surprise you. Even though this breed doesn’t rank super high on Dr. Coren’s intelligence test, they are still among one of the more popular breeds of dogs in the US. For good reason. They are funny and endearing and have sassy and amusing personalities.

Yes, they are stubborn and that can make them seem less smart than they really are, but a well-trained husky can be amazing. Huskies can make great service dogs because of their adaptive intelligence and their independence. They can make their own quick judgements about what to do and how to solve a problem, most likely saving someone’s life.

Husky Training = Patience

While training a husky can be difficult and requires tons of patience, you can easily teach your dog a new command in one afternoon, as long as you can find a motivator. This breed can be hugely rewarding if you have them trained properly and they listen to you (most of the time).

Remember, they will find ways to test you and your sanity as the alpha on a regular basis, they can’t help it, it’s just their nature. They’re almost like a kid, they want to see what they can get away with.

Are Huskies Smart? What Do You Think?

If you have ever had or met a husky, you probably remember their striking features and personality, but do you feel like they were smart? Most likely, YES. It’s hard to deny that this breed is intelligent with its communication skills and seemingly human-like understanding of things.

This goofy breed and their amusing temperaments make for great companions and family dogs in a world where pulling a sled isn’t necessary. Although, giving your husky some work to do will help you keep them busy and from making impulsive decisions.

Don’t let their stubborn nature and sassy personalities deter you from bringing home a husky. They can make excellent companions and family pets as they are lovable and affectionate, independent and clever. But what do you think? Are huskies smart?

Because huskies are a larger dog breed that is known for their willful personalities, many people looking to welcome a new dog to their family may find themselves asking, “are huskies aggressive”? While there is no denying that each and every dog has their own unique personality (just like us!), the American Kennel Club describes the temperament of Siberian Huskies to be affectionate and well behaved with other dogs and children.

As mentioned above, even though huskies aren’t genetically predisposed to show aggressive behavior, because each and every dog has their own personality, they can be aggressive under certain circumstances. Here, you will learn everything that you need to know regarding the temperament and behaviors of huskies.

Are Huskies Aggressive? – Exploring Their Temperament

Huskies are, for the most part, are very mild-tempered dogs. They are great with kids and other dogs while displaying a happy openness to new people. If you are looking for a stoic guard dog to watch over your house, these guys may not be your first option. However, they are typically known for their welcoming and king nature.

However, if you are looking for a dog that is highly adaptable and happy to share his or her space, then huskies may just be a great match! One thing is for sure; huskies are very vocal and known for their high-energy levels. In short, these dogs need stimulation and plenty of activity – a perfect addition for families who are active and happy to spend time playing with their family and friends.

Environments They Thrive In

Ultimately, your husky is very likely to show you and your family plenty of affection, including your smaller and younger kids. They usually have no problem getting along with other dogs, meaning they will interact well with other dogs if your household has more than one pet.

To best keep your huskie in his or her happiest mood, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Huskies are very active and greatly benefit from plenty of exercise and time spent outside. While they are generally happy and pleasant, huskies are known for being strong-willed. A confident owner who finds it easy to take charge will have an easier time with the will of a husky.

What Do The Stats Show?

Of course, statistics do not always describe the whole picture accurately. Still, if you are the type of person who appreciates figures or needs something concrete to put their mind at ease, then you will be happy to know that huskies are rarely responsible for attacks against humans.

A study conducted between 2005 and 2017 demonstrated that canines killed 433 Americans over a thirteen-year period. Of those deaths, often referred to as DBRF (human dog bite-related fatalities), pit bulls and rottweilers were responsible for over 75% of these deaths. Huskies made up just 3% of these dog-related fatalities – which accounts for just one each year over the time of the study.

In comparison, golden retrievers, who are widely regarded as one of the most peaceful breeds, were responsible for nine deaths in the same study over the same period of time. This incredibly close figure provides sufficient evidence that huskies are nearly just as peaceful as golden retrievers. As a whole, huskies are incredibly peaceful dogs that rarely show signs or outward behaviors of aggression.

Characteristics That Demonstrate Huskies Are Not Aggressive Dogs

Usually, when we think of a dangerous or aggressive dog, we may describe them as being skittish, suspicious, anti-social, among other disturbing behaviors. Luckily, huskies have been domesticated for a long time and continue to be considered a favorite dog breed throughout the world.

They have many characteristics that contribute to their likeability, especially among families. Exploring these characteristics paints an honest and typical picture of how they interact with people and even other dogs.

Friendly And Sociable

Understanding the friendly and sociable nature of huskies starts with understanding their origins. Like a family, huskies were initially bred and raised in big packs, with groups reaching up to fifteen or more dogs. This early socialization led to huskies developing very playful and social qualities.

Today, huskies maintain their need to be around others. Most of the time, they prefer to play, eat, sleep, and live in the constant company of others – hardly a characteristic of a dog that could be described as aggressive.

They Crave Interaction

As mentioned above, huskies love to be in good company. Rather than spend their time alone, huskies prefer the company of other dogs and humans. Generally, huskies are ready to make friends with nearly anyone in hopes of creating new friendships.

Their idea of a day well spent includes plenty of time spent outside playing with their loved ones and snuggling up on the couch with the family in the evening. This behavior is usually what makes it so easy for huskies and children to form strong bonds.

They Lack Suspicion

Huskies are not inherently suspicious of strangers or those who they do not know very well. While this may not be the most sought-after trait for those who want a dog that guards their home, it is certainly great for families that like to welcome many guests into their homes.

Their strong sociability makes them more inclined to befriend a new face rather than display suspicion, aggression, or any other form of hesitancy. With little suspicion towards other humans and dogs, huskies are much less likely to act poorly because of their misunderstanding of new people.

Are There Any Potential Threatening Behaviors?

Are huskies aggressive? This is the question at hand. So far, we have discussed all of the characteristics and traits that demonstrate the peaceful nature of huskies. However, there are certainly some behaviors that may be misconstrued as aggression in certain circumstances. Here is what you should keep in mind.

They Need Stimulation

Huskies are a very active breed, so they must be both physically and mentally engaged regularly. You have to remember; huskies were originally bred to pull heavy sleds through brutal weather and often long distances. They like to “work” and, as a result, need consistent activity throughout their day.

Without a healthy amount of activity, huskies can become frustrated, and in extreme cases, destructive. When dogs experience these feelings, they are more likely to act out – much like humans. While aggression is not particularly typical behavior, under these circumstances, it is possible.

Their Size

Huskies are categorized as a medium to a large dog breed, with males typically larger than their female counterparts. Big dogs usually have more strength and power than smaller breeds. Because they are playful and tend to jump around, they may accidentally become hazardous to small children.

They love to play fight, which can sometimes be misunderstood as aggressive behavior. However, proper training from a young age can help curb their excitement, jumping, and overly playful behavior when necessary.

Stubborn And Independent

While the level of independence and stubborn behavior huskies demonstrate depends on each and every dog, huskies are widely considered self-willed and independent. Their typical attitude is “ I do what I want when I want.”

This is another characteristic that can be managed in a healthy way with early training. Their independence and stubborn nature make them a bit harder to control, which some may consider making some families consider them to be less trustworthy. However, with the right approach, this can usually be easily managed.

Preventing Potential Aggression

If you have or are considering welcoming a husky puppy into your home, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when it comes to training and preparing for a happy and healthy relationship with your new addition to your family.

Understanding Their Behavior

From a young age, your husky will likely show some signs of dominant behavior. This is completely normal, and it is actually their way of testing their boundaries with you. As a dog that is more used to a pack environment, your new pup will have to be taught that they aren’t the dominant party in your home.

The most effective way to ensure this behavior is curbed from the beginning is to instill the proper training if he or she begins to bite too hard, jump on others, or display other forms of boisterous behavior.

Sufficient Exercise

As a very high-energy dog breed, you husky will need plenty of exercise to maintain healthy behavior. To give you a clear understanding of their energy level, huskies can run up to 100 miles per day. So, it is incredibly important that they have many opportunities to work off that excess energy throughout the day.

For a husky to sufficiently satisfy their need for daily activity, it is best to ensure that he or she enjoys at least two hours of exercise each day. Incorporating interactive toys and socialization throughout daily activities is great for their mental and physical stimulation.

Are Huskies aggressive? Final Thoughts

It is only normal to consider “are huskies aggressive” as you consider welcoming one of these wonderful furry friends into your home. In short, huskies are usually very kind, open, and family-friendly dogs. While it is important to keep in mind that each and every dog is an individual with their own unique personality, with proper training and a healthy lifestyle, they are very likely to make a fantastic addition to your family.