9 different personalities your husky can have


1-The Athlete

The Siberian Husky is a natural athlete. They require exercise in some form. However, it is a misconception that the Siberian needs lots of open space. Adequate exercise can be achieved within a small fenced area or with daily walks. Remember, though, that due to their strength, they should not be left solely in the care of a young child or less-than-physically-fit adult.

Another great way to exercise a Siberian is to have two! With two Siberian Huskies, they can entertain each other. While it isn’t necessary to have two, it is certainly helpful to have another dog around that likes to play. Without a partner in crime for your husky, the humans of the house will need to be quick and ready on their feet for play.


Ask any multiple Siberian home about the wonder of their play. Watching huskies play is often equated to watching a hockey game. «He goes for the body check.» «Hey, that’s roughing!» Think of the fun you can have sitting back with a nice refreshing drink watching the games in your own club box—no crowds, no sticky floors, and no lines to the bathrooms.

Another option for the Siberian craving person who only wants one dog is to adopt a mature companion. They certainly are still full of spunk, but they are not at the same level as the youngsters. Click here to read more about the joys of owning a mature dog.

Keep in mind that all Siberians will find a way to amuse themselves almost anywhere they go. That is why it is always important to find ways to keep them entertained. With their intelligence coupled with their power, they can be a handful for the unwitting home.



2-The Dietician

That’s food? I’ll decide what to eat.
Originally bred to perform on a minimal amount of food, the Siberian requires less subsistence per pound than other breeds their size. Some will actually monitor their own intake and will pass up on eating a meal here and there. However, some will also acquire a taste for table food and will try to hold out for only table food.

Many new Siberian owners have been heard to say, «My Husky won’t eat the kibble; she went three days without eating. I put some leftovers in her food and she finally ate, but she only ate the left-overs. The kibble was left in the bowl.»

The husky will train the owner what to feed, if allowed. Huskies do require a balanced diet, high in protein and fat. Many commercial dog foods do not meet the dietary needs of the Siberian.

If left unattended…
Siberian huskies will find a way to entertain themselves. If you leave them unattended, you may be surpirsed by their selected activity. Getting to know your husky is crucial in understanding to what extent you may leave him or her alone in certain situations. Some know only to play their designated toys, while others will find new textures to explore, ranging from your shoes, to the couch or even the dry wall!

3-The Einstein

Time for a game!
Training a Siberian Husky is a challenge. They are extremely intelligent and stubborn, which can be difficult when training. They might talk back when you ask them to sit and soon you will find yourself having a conversation with your Siberian about why he or she should sit for you. Or they might stare directly at you in understanding of the command and decide they just don’t feel like listening.

Because of their independent spirit, training must be handled with consistency and patience. A Siberian Husky owner really should come armed with both a lot of good reading material and a good sense of humor to be able to handle their antics.
A successful Siberian Husky owner will tell you that training involves lots of positive training. You ask, «What is positive training?» Positive reinforcement training is a method by which a dog is praised for performing the desired task or behavior. Generally, this praise is done by voice, clicker, or treat. It is most assuredly the best method to use when training your Siberian. As a working dog, they like to learn and enjoy having a job to do. The dog is happy learning something new, and the owner is happy to be successfully teaching. It is a positive experience for all and a great way to bond with your dog.

As with all training, it is important to be patient and consistent. Training should be done for no more than 10 minutes at a time, as your dog may become bored. If you decide to devote 30 minutes a day to training, you will get much more from three 10 minute sessions than one 30 minute session. Siberians are very intelligent dogs, and as such, are prone to become bored during training. Therefore, it is good to continually teach them new things throughout their lives. As they learn new things, your relationship will continue to grow.

Tails of the Tundra is very fortunate to have several volunteers who are familiar with positive reinforcement training, basic obedience and manners training, and dog behavior problem solving. If you find yourself needing any advice or help on how to proceed, feel free to email us; one of our volunteers would be happy to lend a helping paw.


4-The Gardener

When Man couldn’t do it, Huskies were called in to finish the tunnel between Britain and France.

Dig! Dig! Dig!
They have a natural tendency to dig and with awe you can watch them dig large craters in your yard. They might even find that sump pump leak, which was 3-4 feet under the ground. They have an instinct to dig which can be curbed to some extent but not eliminated.

Many Siberian Husky owners find the need to keep a towel ready by the door and often cringe at the sight of rain—because when there is rain, there is mud. And where there is mud, there are Siberian Huskies standing in the middle. The image of muddy Siberian Huskies is an image that can make some laugh and others cry.


5-The Guardian

Every stranger is just a friend they haven’t met yet.


6-The Hairball
A speck of husky hair? Expect more!

Many have seen the beautiful thick coat of the Siberian Husky and immediately condemn them to life as an «outside dog.» Although they are coated with a double insulated coat of hair which protects them from both heat and cold, they need as much indoor comfort as any other breed.

While we are on the subject of that thick, wonderful coat, let’s stop one fallacy here. Siberian Huskies CAN, HAVE, and DO live in hot climates such as Florida. While they are subject to dehydration, just like any dog or human, they are just as happy as long as they are with the people they love. Of course, they need water and don’t mind some air conditioning.

7-The Magician

The escape artist who up for any challenge.

The houdinis of the dog world.
They have the ability to squeeze through the smallest of holes, break or chew their way out of a tie-out orrun through an electric fences. Some will actually devise a plan for their escape route that you may have never even thought of.

We’ve witnessed this actual escape plan: one Siberian waits patiently around the corner for the prime opportunity when you open that front door, then bolts over the coffee table, over the chair, and one last leap over your shoulder…then begins the game of catch-me-if-you-can. Think it can’t happen? Think again. Sibe owners learn to anticipate escape routes so they’re always one step ahead of their quick or devious Siberian Husky.



8- The Socialite

It is always party time for these social butterflies.

Part of the pack.
These social butterflies are considered to be very pack oriented and gregarious. Whether their pack includes humans or other dogs, they easily become bonded with others. They are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time. They require the companionship of others, animal or human. If left with no others around to occupy him or her, either the howling begins, the escape route is started, or something you really liked is destroyed. For example, a Siberian pup could easily relieve boredom by turning your waterbed into a large pool. As they say, «idle paws are the devil’s workshop!»


9-The Wanderer

Nomads by nature makes them never trustworthy off leash.

Nomads by nature.
Siberians can easily adjust to a new environment. In fact, to them every stranger is just a friend they haven’t met yet. This nomadic tendency, coupled with their innate curiosity, makes it extremely important to always have them confined or on a leash. With no fear of cars and no homing instinct, this nomadic tendency could easily leave them prey to hunger, injury, disease, or worse.