Everything you need to know about Husky puppies

Welcoming a dog whose ancestors were bred to sprint and hunt across ice deserts isn’t something any dog lover should take lightly. While they might look like adorable balls of fluff (which they are), Siberian Husky puppies are also intelligent powerhouses with bags of energy to burn and heaps of shut-eye to get.

And no matter how many blogs you read, making the choice to bring a Husky puppy home is a big one (they grow into adult Huskies - enough said?)! So, to give yourself a taste of what it could be like to live with an ex-sled dog, pet sit locally or abroad, spend some time with your favourite breed and find out all the things to know about Huskies before you take the plunge.

While first-hand experience through pet sitting is the perfect way to immerse yourself with your prospective pup’s breed, learning about them online is great as well. So, sit back and relax while we take you through some important things to know about Siberian Husky puppies (and of course, copious cute pictures). Oh, and if you do take the plunge, check out these Husky names.

Husky puppy facts

Here’s what to know about Husky puppies when it comes to size, exercise, training, temperament, energy levels, health needs and grooming…

Size

Huskies will continue to grow for up to 15 months, so here we’ll explore their estimated weights, all the way from baby Huskies up to adulthood. We’d always advise contacting your vet if you’re unsure about whether your pup is at a healthy weight, but here we’ll give you a rough idea.

• 1 month. Male: 3-5 lb, female: 2-6 lb
• 2 months. Male: 10-15 lb , female: 5-12 lb
• 3 months. Male: 20-30 lb, female: 15-30 lb
• 6 months. Male: 30-43 lb, female: 25-36 lb
• 9 months. Male:  40-53 lb, female: 29-46 lb
• 12 months. Male: 43-60 lb, female: 34-50 lb
• 15 months. Male: 45-60 lb Female: 35-50 lb

Exercise

Husky puppies may not have a life of sledding ahead of them anymore, but they’ve still got the energy for it. And you know what that means - lots of stimulation and exercise is needed to keep these cuties satisfied and calm. 

According to the American Kennel Club, Siberian Huskies were bred to haul light loads across frozen deserts with a minimum energy expenditure. The semi-nomadic Chukchi (i.e. the Huskies’ two-legged companions) were isolated from the rest of the world, meaning that these dogs were bred for generations and perfected their sledding roles. 

So what does that mean for the humble pet lover of today? It means that Husky puppies need LOTS of stimulation and exercise. Be prepared for extended games of fetch and be ready to give your pack-loving pooch the love and attention they need (which is a lot). If you’re wondering how often you should walk your dog, it depends on their age. The younger your pooch, the less walking they’ll need. An adult Husky will need around two hours of walking per day, so slowly work up to that as your Siberian Husky puppy develops.

Training

When it comes to training your puppy, your new furry best friend will need to know who’s boss from a young age. Despite their piercing eyes, fluffy coat and their cute and stumpy stature, Husky puppies are known to challenge the dominant figures in their life. So, even though they’re more than cute, establish your house rules and be consistent with them. That way, when your Husky is fully grown, ten times stronger than their former selves and far more intelligent, they’ll be following your rules and making your life SO much easier.

Temperament

These fluffy cuties are alert, independent and intelligent. They’re well-equipped for survival in harsh conditions and aren’t afraid of hard work. Despite this, they’re friendly and love attention from their two-legged companions. Siberian Huskies are pack animals after all, and love to be around its members. As long as your pooch is trained, loved and given the exercise they need all the way from being a baby Husky puppy through to old age, they’ll likely remain friendly. These pups weren’t trained as guard dogs, so aren’t instinctively vicious, but there have been reports of bites from Huskies, like with any dog breed.

Grooming

If you’re welcoming a Husky puppy into your life, don’t be afraid of the vacuum or grooming brush! At around a year old, these fluffy cuties will shed their coat and make way for their glorious adult locks. Once fully grown, you’ll find a soft yet dense undercoat topped with a seriously smushable fluffy outer coat. Huskies tend to shed twice a year at the turn of the seasons, and even more so if you live in a warm area. So, to avoid matting and heaps of hair around your home, groom your pooch weekly during and in the lead-up to their shedding season, and a little less frequently between. Check out our top 10 picks for the best dog brushes for shedding here.

What’s the best home for a Husky puppy?

When it comes to Siberian Husky puppies, it’s important to remember their history when you’re considering whether they’re the right pup for you. Their ancestors were used to hanging out with their two and four-legged friends almost all of the time, so they need attention from you and your other pack members. They won’t do well with being left alone for too long - it can lead to destructive behaviours. So, if you work part time or even better, from home or not at all, maybe a Husky puppy will suit your lifestyle.

These pups are bred to be outside, so won’t appreciate apartment living. Make sure you’ve got a substantial back garden, big enough to play fetch in and secure enough to avoid any break-outs. And when it comes to leaving your beloved four-legged buddy, find a pet sitter. Vets agree that our fluffy friends are happier in the comfort of home and find the transition between caregivers a whole lot easier than changes to their environment.

Huskies and children

Huskies can get on well with children - they’re perfect family dogs for packs who love to stay active. Despite their tolerance and even love towards children, it’s worth approaching their bonding sessions with caution. Like with all dogs, make sure you supervise any interactions between your Husky and children. Smaller children especially can make unexpected movements which can alarm your pooch, so just supervise to make sure everything is running as it should. When it comes to Husky pups, it’s important to socialise them with children and other family members regularly so that they can get used to their new (extended) pack as early as possible.

Huskies and cats

While Huskies can get along with other dogs if socialised from a young age, if you’ve got a cat, it’s best not to welcome a Husky pup into your home. Again, think about their ancestry - these dogs were allowed to roam away from their pack to hunt for food which means their prey drive is ingrained for survival. And despite not needing to hunt any longer, they’re still wired to go after animals smaller than them. So, if you’re thinking about uniting a household of smaller fluffy friends and a Husky puppy, think again.

Breeders

Unfortunately, there are many Husky breeders out there claiming to be reputable, so if you’re thinking about welcoming a Husky pup home from a breeder rather than a rescue centre, make sure you do your research. If you’re based in the US, the American Kennel Club has their very own marketplace which exclusively lists 100% AKC puppies from litters registered by them. The breeders are also AKC-registered and they’re required to follow all the rules and regulations of the organisation. And if you’re based in the UK, you can head to The Kennel Club (UK) to find Kennel Club Assured Breeders in your local area.

Adopting a husky

Unfortunately there are many Siberian Huskies in rescue centres awaiting a loving forever home. Before thinking about bringing home a Husky pup from a breeder, find out if there are any rescue centres near you with pups looking for loving pet parents. That way, you’re providing the warmth and comfort an adorable pup needs, and you usually won’t need to worry about any of their initial health checks, as the rescue centre often gets those sorted for you. While you might not be able to adopt a young Husky pup, rescuing means you’re able to improve the life of a lovely pooch.

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