Sled Dog Breed Fact Page

Dog breed facts and frequently asked questions about Huskies.

I heard alaskan huskies never bark, is this true?

This is a common husky dog breed fact misconception. They are not any more barky or quiet than other breeds. Usually, a well cared for dog team will only bark during feeding, excitement before a run, or when a strange person or animal enters the area. In a more chaotic dog yard, you will consistently hear dogs barking.

How often does a husky dog shed?

It depends on whether they spend more time outside or more time inside. If a husky is mostly outdoors they will shed twice a year. Once in spring and once in fall. If they are mostly indoors they will shed heavily twice a year and then lightly throughout the rest of the year. If you have an aversion to dog hair this is not the dog for you. You will be vacuuming at least every other day. To help with shedding get the Furminator (pictured right) it is well worth the pricetag!

I have Dr. Smith's Pet Hair Fantastic for vacuuming dog hair and it is an awesome tool, especially for getting pet hair out of your vehicle!

Is an Alaskan Husky a dominant dog breed?

Not any more or less dominant than other dog breed. Huskies are often considered dominant because of their independent nature. A husky is bred to pull a sled, and not bred for obedience, hunting, retrieving, or protection so their working dog nature is based on bonding through running. Bonding takes a long time to establish (potentially a year) with a husky. Dominance is not a dog breed fact for a husky.

Can you train a husky to be a pet dog?

Yes and No. Many huskies are trained as pet dogs. Sometimes, when a sled dog comes from a long line of racing dogs they only know running and pulling a dog sled. A pet dog owner needs to cater to this running behavior or they will have a very tough time connecting with a racing husky.

My alaskan husky always cowers when I get near her, was she abused?

Sled dogs that come from dog team style situations can be shy of humans they do not know. This is actually a very common trait. I used to think it was submissive behavior, but I think it has more to do with genetics and environment than submission. A typical dog team setting is often in a remote area with very few visitors. The dogs spend most of their time with just a handful of humans. As you can imagine you do not run into much traffic (except the occasional dog team or moose) on a dog sled trail. This makes the dogs very shy around anyone new.

Can a husky be aggressive?

It is a common dog breed fact that any dog can be aggressive in the right circumstances. A husky has a very high prey drive. A prey drive means they have an instinct to chase. This instinct leads them to chase small or injured animals with intent to catch. This is why it is not recommended to have a sled dog live with a cat.

A dog team is a pack (a group of dogs), in a pack situation a small child or unknown dog can be a pack target. For this reason mushers often forbid people from allowing their pet dogs or children from entering the dog yard.

I heard huskies are great with children, is that true?

Huskies that come from a professional sled dog situation do not spend much time around children, or only spend time around the musher's children. If a husky has not been exposed to children before they are 4 months of age, it is potentially difficult to train them to be safe around children. It is a dog breed fact that children should never be left with a dog unsupervised.

You will find exceptions, but do not count on those stories as a guide. If you are new to huskies, and have children, focus on getting a puppy, a husky you know has been around children, or getting a different dog breed.

How long do huskies live?

A husky has an average life span of 13-16 years. I have known quite a few huskies that were 17 years old.

The Husky and The AKC

How many puppies are in a sled dog litter?

Sled dogs often have at least 4 puppies in their first litter, and can have 8 or more in their second and third litters. These large litters are one reason overpopulation is such a problem in sled dogs.

I heard huskies never have any health issues is this a true dog breed fact?

Yes and No. The most common health issue for a sled dog are thyroid problems. This is another reason huskies end up at the animal shelter. A proven race dog will start to slow down and lose interest in running, but the real problem might be metabolic. This issue can be maintained with inexpensive synthetic medication and nutrition.

The thyroid problem can be chronic or acute. If left untreated the fur will appear rough, flaky, oily, and even have bald patches. Overall, sled dogs do not have as many genetic issues as you might find in a registered dog breed. As with any dog, a husky can be diagnosed with unexpected health issues.

Articles addressing specific dog behaviors:

PopShops™ affiliate stores