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Planning to Adopt?
This page is designed for anyone considering adopting a husky or husky mix, particularly through Arctic Rescue.
We believe in providing honest, straightforward information because while huskies are smart, funny, and full of personality, they come with unique challenges that require dedicated and prepared owners.
Our goal is to help you make the best-informed decision when considering adoption. Explore this page for in-depth details, quick facts, interactive tools, and other free resources.
Husky Stats
Noise
Drool
Destruction
Care Needs
Exercise
Stubborness
Escaping
Social Needs
Intelligence
Annual Cost
Friendliness
Security
What to Expect
Intelligence with Equal Parts Stubborness
Huskies have an intelligence that sets them apart from many other breeds. However, most huskies come equipped with a strong sense of independence and stubbornness--which makes training a unique challenge. Their smart, willful nature means they can quickly pick up on commands and tricks, but they may choose not to follow them if they don’t see a personal benefit (but can we blame them?) Training a husky requires significant time, patience, and determination from their owners
Barking, Howling, Yowling, Growling, Singing, and Ringing.
Huskies are known for being talkative and expressing themselves through howling, whining, and other interesting sounds. While the iconic husky scream can be amusing, it’s usually unsuitable for apartments or areas where consistent noise can be problematic for yourself or others. In addition to their over-active bark-box, feeling stressed, bored, or anxious can lead to even more noise if not appropriately managed.
Lots and Lots of Quality Time
Huskies are pack-oriented dogs that thrive on interaction and attention from their families. They love being around people and other large pets, so they do best in environments where they get plenty of social and time. If left alone often or for long periods (more than 2-5 hours), it's common for huskies to experience separation anxiety, which can lead to unwanted behavior. It’s important for potential owners to be involved in their husky's lives and meet their social needs. If you work full-time or are frequently away, a husky may not be the right fit.
Hair, Hair, and More Hair
Huskies are built for winter with a thick double coat that insulates them from rain and snow. While they can adapt to warmer climates, they need an extra cool place to rest, access to more water, and weekly brushing. They shed year-round, with particularly heavy shedding during spring and fall, so regular grooming is a must to maintain your home and your husky's coat health. If you're not a fan of dog hair, regular grooming, or constant cleaning, consider whether a husky would be right for you.
Quick Facts
Potential Health Risks and Financial Dedication
Huskies require regular vet visits (1-2 times annually), a healthy diet, and appropriate exercise, but can still be prone to certain issues like hip dysplasia, eye conditions, thyroid issues, skin problems, and allergies. With that said, it's likely a husky could require extra health maintenance throughout its life, so it's extremely important for potential owners to be emotionally, physically, and financially prepared to handle these risks.
Clever Escapes and Potential Danger to Small Pets
Huskies are known for their ability to escape, and their strong prey drive encourages them to chase. To keep a husky safe, fencing should be high (at least 6 feet), secured at the bottom, and regularly checked for weak spots or damage. If you have small pets or live in an area with wildlife, please talk to your adoption organization to ensure it’s an appropriate environment for a husky.
Extensive Training and Unwanted Behavior
Consistent, positive reinforcement works best for huskies, as negative techniques often backfire and lead to more rebellion. They respond well to treats, praise, and play, but training needs to be varied and engaging to keep them interested. Without this kind of stimulation, a husky’s intelligence can turn into a source of mischief as they find their own ways to stay entertained, which might involve chewing, digging, howling, escaping, and testing boundaries. Potential owners must be patient and prepared to dedicate time and effort to training on a daily basis.
Wind Them Up and Watch Them Go, Go, Go.
Huskies are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise to stay happy, healthy, and out of trouble. Ideally, they should get at least one to two hours of vigorous exercise each day, which could include sessions of running, hiking, and mental challenges. If you’re not prepared to engage in regular outdoor activities every day, a husky might not be for you.
How to Prepare
Find a Vet
Before adopting a husky, you'll want to find a reliable veterinarian if you do not have one already. Research local vets or ask your adoption organization for recommendations. This way, you're medically prepared right from the start and you'll save time when scheduling their first appointment, allowing you to quickly address any health needs and establish a good relationship with your vet for future check-ups and care.
Dog Proof Your Home & Yard
Before bringing your husky home, it’s important to dog-proof their space. Move pets, secure trash cans, and remove hazards including exposed cords, small objects, and chewable items like shoes and children's toys. Ensure your yard can withstand husky escape strategies, and lastly, set up a designated safe area with food and water, a bed, and toys.
Gather Supplies
You'll need a sturdy leash and collar, or you might prefer a harness for better stability and control. Choose stainless steel food and water bowls to prevent bacterial growth, and consult with your vet and adoption organization to select a high-quality dog food when transitioning from their rescue diet. Purchase a comfortable bed, grooming tools, and various toys to keep your pup entertained and determine what they like best.
Have an Introduction Plan
Start by letting them explore their new space at their own pace to get comfortable. Then, slowly introduce them to family members in an open environment like the backyard. After a couple days, you can gradually introduce them to any additional pets in a neutral area with a focus on observing and mitigating prey drive.
Introducing Huskies to Other Pets
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Separate them for the first few hours or days.
Keep your husky and other pets separated to help them adjust, this time can vary per animal. Gradually introduce their scents by providing each pet with objects the other has interacted with like toys, clothes, etc.
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Allow them to meet through a door or enclosed gate.
Let your pets meet in a neutral area behind a stable barrier. If using a baby gate, consider leashing. This controlled introduction helps transition through their initial greeting and gain a sense of familiarity.
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Perform a leash introduction.
With both pets leashed, allow them to meet in a neutral area like the backyard or, if introducing a cat, a room where they can easily run and hide. Maintain a calm atmosphere and allow them to approach each other while keeping control of the leash and interaction. This or the previous step may need to be repeated before proceeding. A trusted second person is recommended.
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Allow them to freely interact.
If both pets do not show any signs of stress (like growling, raised hackles, lunging, or fear), you can allow them to interact freely by dropping the leashes or giving more slack if using a long line. Continue to observe them for signs of potential issues (watch for dominance displays, reactivity, and protectiveness between dogs, and lunging, shaking, and aggressively chasing when introducing cats and other small pets).
Is a Husky Right for You?
Take the quiz and find out
Learn Why Huskies Are the Most Frequently Returned Breed
Hover or click the common statements below to learn why huskies are ultimately returned or rehomed.
But they became anxious and started chewing while I was gone.
I thought their independence would fit my busy schedule.
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Until they met my cats and displayed a strong prey drive.
I heard they made great family pets.
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But they just wanted to play with everyone and everything.
I wanted a wolf to protect my house.
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Until I was brushing everyday to keep the fur monster at bay.
I didn't think the fur or shedding would be a big issue.
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But I didn't know "active" meant running and hiking 2+ hours a day.
I needed a partner for my active lifestyle.
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But my rescue developed an eye disorder I can't afford.
I had a husky as a kid that never got sick.
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But my neighbors didn't.
I liked their many different sounds.
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Until it felt like parenting a child in the "no" stage.
I wanted a smart dog that's easy to train.
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Until I had to professionally update my backyard to prevent escape.
I've always wanted a husky.
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Specialized Resources
...inspired by our rescue dogs!