Prey drive

Huskies are renowned for their characteristically high prey drive, and when given the chance will kill small animals like birds, lizards, squirrels, and guinea pigs. Some Huskies may not even be suitable with cats or small dogs. We have saved many huskies from kill shelters who were surrendered for killing the family cat, or other smaller pets.

Rarely we will see the occasional husky that came from a home with cats and is cat-friendly. This is why we require adopters to bring their cat to a meet and greet so we can be absolutely certain a husky is actually cat-friendly. But Huskies typically do not do well with cats.

Huskies should not go to a home with smaller pets like birds, bunnies, guinea pigs, or pet lizards. As a result, interested adopters who own such pets will not be approved.

Escape

Huskies are more prone to jump over a fence if they see one of these small animals. Huskies are escape artists, and they are more prone to escape if they are not exercised daily. They need exercise and stimulation multiple hours of the day. If not exercised, they will dig under a fence/jump over a fence to run away and they don’t come back. 

They are not off-leash dogs, and if they are let off-leash and they see an animal they will run away and not come back. Your small child will not be able to walk a husky because they were bred to pull 5x their body weight and again if they see a prey-driven animal they will end up hurting a child by pulling/dragging. 

They are sneaky and will find a way to escape if they are not walked or properly exercised. They can jump over fences if they want to, climb gates/fences, dig under fences, and can crawl out, and some can even open doors. Some can even escape from their own crates.

Exercise

Huskies were bred to be working dogs, and as such require ample exercise. More so than many other breeds. Huskies will not succeed in a home where daily and routine exercise is not maintained. A lack of adequate exercise will greatly worsen their destructive and escapist tendencies. 

Shedding

Huskies will shed all year round and their hair will get everywhere including on clothes, furniture, and most other surfaces. Vacuuming and sweeping will need to become a daily routine.

They need to be brushed/groomed and NEVER SHAVED. Huskies have a highly specialized dual-layered coat, which protects them from BOTH the heat and the cold. If you shave them, their undercoat, which protects them from skin cancer and overheating, is no longer able to do its job. Shaving can also prevent their coat from growing back normally.

Destruction

They are known for being mischievous and get into many household things when they feel like it. Huskies can be known for chewing furniture, walls, paper, electronic devices, and anything else that can be left out. This is why crating is the safest thing to do if you have a destructive dog.