100 Fun Facts About Siberian Huskies

The popularity of one of the greatest shows on television, Game of Thrones, has made the Siberian Husky a household name. More and more dog lovers are fixated on this dog breed, and getting their own dose of wolf cuteness; they’re also known by the names ‘Sibe or Husky’. They’ll bring a punch of intense affection, fun as well as intelligence to your household.

By the way, they are compatible with children!

Be careful; they have an adorable gaze that’ll pull you right in and soon, you’ll be hooked.

To help you understand these lovable pooches better, we’ve listed over 100 great facts about Siberian Huskies, which this incredible breed will not tell you in person.

The Beginnings

1. You guessed it; these blue-eyed dogs originated from Siberia, Russia specifically for sledding.
2. In 1909, they were a great help to those people who lived in Alaska and were used for sledding across the icy terrain. They transported loads of equipment, supplies, food and yes, gold during the Nome gold rush.
3. Diphtheria is a hazardous bacterial malady that affected an Alaskan town in 1925. The story of Balto was derived then; it tells of a pack of Siberian Huskies who were used to get the antitoxin. They successfully bore -23-degree weather and traversed over 674 miles. These Huskies were the only option because the airplanes at that time could not get in or out, because of the snow’s density. A lot of people were able to breathe easy after their return.
4. Siberian Huskies were ‘war dogs’ and used a part of the search and rescue teams in WWII.
5. From 1938-1991 these pooches bore the name Arctic Huskies, but all that was changed to reflect their origin from Siberia.
6. Canada had the first registered Siberian Huskies.
7. The Husky could go back to 27,000 years after DNA was discovered from an Arctic Wolf. This would make Siberian Huskies an ancient dog breeds.
8. All dogs, wolves, and jackals are linked to an animal that existed 40 million years ago. It was a weasel-like tree-and-den dweller known as the Miacis. Afterwards, it evolved to a Tomarctus that had the genus Canis (aka canine).
9. The Soviet government closed the borders around the 1930s, which saw the last of the Siberian Husky imports.

Temperament

10. Siberian huskies are a loving bunch. Unfortunately, a lot of them love everyone, so we do not recommend that you use them as guard dogs. They’ll most likely be kissing that intruder to death.
11. If you’re not up for a vigorous daily outing to the park or great outdoors, then this blue-eyed pooch is not for you. They have a ton of energy and need lots of running time.
12. Uh oh, talk about independence by the barrel load; these canine divas will not pay your commands much mind; they see them more as suggestions. Stubborn much? But, we love them anyways! <3
13. Their hunting instinct is strong, and as such, these dogs and cats don’t naturally mix. It’d be an incredible episode of ‘Tom and Jerry’ in your house if they’re not trained to co-exist.
14. Siberian Huskies need leash training. Remember that they’re sled-ers and would typically be hauling and pulling goods and people across the ice.
15. Be warned potty training will take great patience with this independent thinker.
16. Enter the Siberian escape artist. If you think somewhere is secure, they’ll prove you wrong majority of the time. We recommend you install an invisible fence that is pet safe. We’ve used the PetSafe containment system and it’s worked well for our husky.

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17. We all need companionship and so do the Siberian Husky. They have a pack mentality, so get them a pet sibling or prepare to dole out tons of love and affection.
18. Have your obedience trainer on speed dial and use them occasionally to whip your Huskies into shape, or as close as you can get.
19. The indigenous Eskimos – Chukchi people, don’t have to hire nannies. They employ the services of these children loving pooches to look out for their kids. They can be found in Western Chukotka.
20. Siberian Huskies will make great companions for people with illnesses like depression. If you’re crying or sad, they’ll do an excellent job comforting you.
21. The slightest change in your body language will be picked up by these observant pooches.
22. Make sure that your home is secure; they tend to explore a lot. So have fences installed so that they will not wander away from home. Remember they’re very friendly.
23. Though they are docile, prepare for some mischievous antics from this breed.
24. Dominance is needed with this breed. This pack dog needs someone who can take charge like an alpha dog.
25. Siberian Huskies might not bark a lot, but they are a highly vocal breed. They give you a variety of vocal soundings including yelps, howls, and sounds that might sound like talking.

26. The Siberian Huskies are not to be confused with the Malamutes; both dogs are opposites in temperament.
27. The Husky can often detect a seizure before it begins or changes in blood sugar; as such, they make great therapy dogs.
28. Imagine a two-year-old, smarty-pants, and you have a clear idea of a Husky.
29. Don’t take their precocious nature and independence as them being dim-witted if anything they are far from it. Their stubbornness makes them a little difficult to tame; remember they’re intelligent and mischievous pets.
30. Call in the excavators! Once they get outside, they’ll often try to find an area to dig and relax in the cool earth. You might notice this kind of behavior when they get around your furniture or carpet as well.

Appearance

31. These friendly canines are known for their love-filled blue eyes, which is an inherent trait.
32. The breed has several coat color combinations; they include agouti, pure white, white and grey, white and copper red as well as full black.
33. Because of the problems which can result from mutations, it’s not encouraged for the breed to have a genetically enhanced, merle coloring.
34. Siberian Huskies sometimes have one blue eye and one brown eye. This is referred to as Heterochromia.
35. The male Siberian Huskies are bigger at 45 to 60 pounds and 21-23.5 inches tall.

36. The Husky female is smaller than the male. They average 30 to 50 pounds and 20-22 inches tall.
37. The Husky breed also has a conditioned called snow nose, a pink marking. It usually makes an appearance in winter and goes away in the summer.
38. These free-moving pooches can look as if they are gliding through the air when they move.
39. They’re compact, built for running and pulling weight.
40. The Siberian Husky can have liver hue, tan or black noses, depending on the color of their coat.
41. If you notice their fluffy tails, it stays downwards when they relax, however, once they are moving it curls up.
42. Their whiskers are very sensitive and are beneficial when they hunt at night. It also lets them know when space is too small or if predators are close by. The Siberian Husky whiskers also detect airflow changes.
43. You’ll often see a mark or stripe on their face if it is a bi-colored Husky as well as a mask appearance by their eyes.

Did you know!

44. To keep their eyes protected and moist Siberian Huskies have a nictitating membrane or extra eyelid.
45. A husky’s nose is wet due to a thin layer of mucous that absorbs scent. This is then licked to further process the scent with their mouths.
46. When it is freezing in the nights, a Siberian Husky’s nose will dry up.
47. Every human has a different fingerprint; well every Husky has a different nose print. Cool huh?
48. Do you wish you could see in the dark? Well, Siberian Huskies can, because they have a tapetum lucidum membrane in their eyes.
49. Even though humans have nine times more taste buds than Huskies, they have four times more than cats.
50. It is hard for a Husky to tire out because they can alter their metabolism.

51. Huskies are fast runners. They can go upwards of 28 mph.
52. Siberian Huskies can withstand the cold, far better than humans can, even upwards of -76 degrees Fahrenheit.
53. The Husky is not colorblind that is a myth.
54. These friendly pooches have a powerful bite and have been known to bring to bear, about 150-200 pounds of pressure per square inch.
55. Huskies have slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement just as we do. When you see them doing paw movements while they’re sleeping, that means they are dreaming away.
56. If you’re ten miles away from this pooch when he or she starts to howl, chances are you’ll be able to hear the pup.
57. Unlike humans, Siberian Huskies come without an appendix.

Hair for days!

58. This is a shedding breed of epic portions. Make sure you own a vacuum if you get one and check out these professional deshedding tips to give yourself a head start. The Bissel Pet Hair Eraser works wonders in our home!

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59. As for their undercoat, this sheds maybe twice a year. It’s known as ‘blowing their coat.’
60. Invest in trash bags and a coat rake; give your furry friend a daily coat raking, as this will loosen the fur clumps.

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61. These Siberian canines are not like humans; they do not require frequent bathing. Do so only if needed, because their furs can dry out. The following shampoo is great to use on huskies during bathtime.

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62. Siberian Huskies should never be shaved, especially their undercoat, unless for medical purposes. It is their protection against extreme weather.
63. Another cool factor for this blue-eyed pooch is they have waterproof coats that reflect heat. So, it’s fine to have them in tropical climates.
64. Trim their eyes, ears, and paws frequently.

Happiness and Wellness

65. Juvenile cataracts and glaucoma can be common in this dog breed; they also are prone to seizures.
66. Don’t overfeed your Siberian Husky, most easily gain weight and can have difficulty with joint issues or hip dysplasia.
67. Huskies live up to about 14 years.
68. These adorable pooches are born with no teeth, and they can neither see nor hear.
69. However, you can cuddle them up because their sense of touch develops first.
70. By four weeks old, your Husky will be able to see and make some vocalizations.

71. Their resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
72. Feeling the heat, do not worry. This hot-blooded canine burns upwards of 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. It is normal for them.
73. Huskies have the same 321 bones and 42 permanent teeth like all other dog breeds.
74. If you have a female Siberian Husky, she can have puppies twice a year.
75. Don’t feed this canine any grapes or raisins. It’s poisonous for dogs.
76. It’s a definite no-no for them to be given any caffeine or onions (this also applies to other breeds).
77. Talk about food allergies! The arsenic in apples and pears are not lethal for your Siberian friend.
78. This dog breed has 18 muscles in their ears.

Fun Facts

79. They sure do love their comfort! When Huskies sleep and curl up with their tails touching their noses, this is known as the Swirl.
80. ‘Esky,’ which makes sense for Eskimo dog; this was the intended name for the breed. However, there seemed to be some miscommunication, which resulted in the name being Husky.
81. There are moments when your fun-loving pooch, experiences a great burst of energy. This is referred to as ‘zoomies.’
82. The Husky is mostly a howler, rather than a barker.
83. Studies out of the University of Florida suggest that you should enjoy those Siberian Husky kisses. It seems humans could benefit from the good probiotic effect coming from the proteins in its saliva.

84. These energetic companions will do your heart a world of good, according to the American Heart Association. Lots of exercise and stress-free sessions.
85. Huskies are territorial, so after their bathroom session, they’ll kick the dirt, and the scent glands of his paws will do the trick.
86. Siberian Huskies are not wolf dogs, meaning they are not derived from wolves.
87. If you are breeding Siberian Huskies, expect up to eight puppies per litter.

88. A Siberian Husky can be breed with a Wolf as they are a purebred and not a hybrid dog.
89. The Akitas and Malamutes share some ancestral similarities to the Siberian Huskies; as such, they fall under the ‘Spitz’ dog type.
90. It seems Siberian Huskies are in tune with that Earth’s magnetic field when they poop.
91. They might not be number one among dog owners, but they are in the top ten as the most popular breed, according to America’s Pet Registry.

Pop Culture & News

92. Quite a few Universities use the Siberian Husky as a mascot; these include Northeastern University, Houston Baptist University and the University of Washington.
93. Many celebrities are fond of our energetic pooch, including Rita Ora. The pop princess named her dog ‘Bowie.’
94. Jack London wrote a novel called White Fang. This pooch has ¼ Husky in his family gene pool.
95. Siberia is very cold and experiences freezing temperatures. As such, the Chukchi people often allow them to sleep in their beds. This is referred to as a ‘three dog night.’ Talk about a live blanket!

96. Have you watched the movie ‘Balto’? Well, did you know that the dog is a Siberian Husky?
97. When you take a trip to Central Park in New York, stop and check out the bronzed statue of Balto. He was the leader of sled teams from 1925.
98. Because Siberian Huskies resemble the wolves featured in popular movies such as Game of Thrones, more people are interested in owning one of these pooches.
99. On the flipside, so too are their popularity in shelters. Game of Throne fans learns eventually that these dogs are very energetic and require lots of attention. It’s not just about the looks people! Here’s everything you need to know before adopting a Siberian Husky, please be prepared to care for them.
100. Balto is not the only movie that has featured Siberian Huskies. You can also catch them in Snow Dogs, Eight Below and Iron Will.

Seeing as you got to the bottom of the list, we would say that you are a serious contender to own one of these friendly pups and benefit from their true beguiling ways and fun loving attitude.

For more information, see Breed Advisor’s guide to husky prices.