Why Huskies Are the Best Family Dog

Are you looking for a good-natured, fun pooch to be the newest member of your family? If you’re a dog lover, then your home probably doesn’t feel complete without a furry housemate galloping around, but if you have kids, you may be hesitant about what kind of dog to bring into the mix. This is understandable since it’s natural for you to want to find a pup that will be an excellent companion and playmate for your children, but also a dog that will be gentle and kind with your kids as well. 

Before you purchase or adopt a dog, it’s always highly advised to set up an in-person meeting with the actual pooch. There are many dog breeds that are known for being extremely lovable and a great fit for homes with children, and there are many that have a reputation of being better off with child-free homes. However, every dog is unique, just like every human, and it’s important to know everything you can about the actual dog you are considering.

The Husky: Family Dog and Loving Playmate

Huskies are very sociable, loving dogs that love to play and bounce around every chance that they get. Your kids will be absolutely delighted at the Husky’s desire to play and run around all day, but keep in mind that a dog with this much energy needs to be properly stimulated and trained from a very early age. Huskies make wonderful companions, but they can also be a little high-maintenance, so again, always get to know your new potential pup before jumping into anything.

Overall, Huskies make a great choice for a playmate and pet.  Here are 8 reasons why a Husky is the best family dog:

• A Husky is very sociable and loves to be around all people.
• A Husky is very loyal and pack-oriented, so he loves being a member of a family.
• A Husky is even-keeled when it comes to his temperament, and is not known for being aggressive, which makes him a great fit for homes with kids.
• A Husky loves to play as much as possible.
• A Husky has a LOT of energy, so he will be eager and willing to run around with your children and be their constant playmate.
• A Husky is not possessive, but he will look out for your children, after all, they are members of the same pack.
• A Husky is not a big barker, which could be a good fit for homes with babies and very small children, although this pup does like to howl.
• A Husky tends to have a pretty predictable temperament, which is always a plus if you have young children in the home. 

Getting To Know the Husky

Obviously, while you want to get to know the actual dog that you plan to add to your family, knowing the basics of the breed is still super helpful. After all, you still need to know things like how big the dog is expected to get when he is fully grown, what kind of grooming a dog requires, and other helpful tidbits such as how easy he is to train (or not) and if he is prone to any particular health conditions. 

Knowing these breed basics can help save you from some unfortunate or inconvenient surprises down the road. For example, you end up with a dog that is twice as big as you were expecting and you don’t have enough space for him in your tiny apartment. 

Here are some good-to-know facts about the lively and sociable Husky:

SIZE

The average height of a Husky is between 20 and 23.5 inches, and the average weight is roughly 35 to 60 pounds. The females are usually smaller, so this is worth considering if you are set on a Husky but don’t want a very large dog; just be prepared though, since there’s always the possibility that your pup falls closer to the higher end of the scale. 

LIFE EXPECTANCY

A Husky lives an average of 12 to 14 years, making him a good constant companion for your three or four-year-old. This pup could be around with your children until they go off to college, which is always worth considering when you are trying to decide whether to adopt a younger or older dog.

GROOMING NEEDS

A Husky as a family pet actually doesn’t require extensive grooming. In fact, for a pup that is considered a bit high-maintenance in terms of the attention that he needs, this doesn’t hold true when it comes to grooming. A Husky will do a pretty good job of keeping himself clean, only needing a few baths a year, and a weekly brushing to take care of loose hair and to help keep his skin and coat in good shape. The Husky has a double coat, and his undercoat sheds about twice a year, so using a pin brush to rake out loose hair is also recommended. Otherwise, keep up with regular nail trims and dental care, and this pup is good to go!

HEALTH ISSUES

Overall, Huskies are considered a healthy breed, and reputable breeders should screen their dogs for certain issues like hip dysplasia, as well as eye issues with a full ophthalmologist evaluation to check for a variety of problems including juvenile cataracts. It is recommended that this breed be seen by a canine ophthalmologist on a yearly basis. You can learn more by reading the Offical Breed Club Health Statement.

EXERCISE NEEDS

This pooch is a very athletic dog who requires extensive opportunities for exercise and engaging in both physical and mental activities. Huskies were also born to run, so unless you are playing in a large fenced yard, it’s important to keep this pup on a leash when you are out and about. Huskies can tend to have a bit of a mischievous streak, so making sure your dog has ample opportunities for play and to engage in a variety of activities can keep him happy, healthy, and out of trouble. When you are away from home, it’s a good idea to leave some fun, interactive toys like the Rolly Cannoli with your Husky to help keep him entertained, but keep in mind, this pup craves human companionship and doesn’t like to be alone.

TRAINING

Like many breeds, Huskies benefit from early training and early, positive socialization. This pup loves his family, but he can also be a bit stubborn. When you mix a Husky’s high energy with his stubborn streak, you can have a recipe for disaster if you don’t start a training program as soon as possible. If you are unsure about what to do on your own, talk with your vet about puppy classes in your area and trainer recommendations. Once you get the basics down with your Husky, you can attempt a few fun tricks on your own and with your kids; this can be a great way to bond with your pooch. 

Huskies and Kids

Huskies are incredible dogs for families with children, but it is still important that both your new pup and your kids know how to interact with each other in a positive and appropriate way. Make sure to set clear expectations for both your children and your pup, and always supervise your dog with young kids. When everyone is on the same page, you’ll have an incredible new addition to your pack, a lovable Husky: family dog and faithful friend. 

Ready to find the perfect Husky for your family? A great place to start is petfinder.com, or if you are considering looking into different rescue organizations, you can check out National Husky Rescue Groups and help out a pup in need of a good home. When you’re ready for more great tips and resources that can help you be a great pet parent, make sure to check out the rest of our blogs! We’re always adding new information that can help you learn all you can about your amazing pets!