I am sure that you have heard people saying something along the lines, “don’t get a Husky… they’re the worst…, or they’re too much work”.
What is it about these dogs that could make people think this way? In my opinion, there are no bad dogs… it’s just a matter of preference. All dogs have their own unique characteristics and little traits that make them special.
This is exactly what brings beauty to this world. It would be kind of boring if all of us were the same, right?
Of course, not every breed of dog will be suited for everyone and their lifestyle, so before you get a Siberian Husky, I highly recommend reading these 15 reasons why Huskies are the worst dogs.
Think of it like a little test for you. If reading this article doesn’t change your opinion about Huskies, then you’re definitely ready to own one of them. Or, perhaps, just read it as a form of entertainment.
Why Are Huskies The Worst Dogs?
Let’s discuss a little bit of some Husky facts that you might not have known about:
1. Huskies Are Very Stubborn
If you want a pet with a lot of personality, there is no better one than a Siberian Husky. These dogs have a very strong personality, and are often known for being very stubborn and independent. One thing is for sure – your life with a Husky will never be boring.
Stubbornness is usually a genetic predisposition for this breed; however, a lot of it comes down to your own approach and proper training. If these dogs are not treated well, they’ll often behave more like a toddler than a dog.
2. Huskies Have A Strong Prey Drive
Let’s go back in history and learn more about Huskies and their origin. Siberian Huskies were bred by the Chukchi tribe, in Siberia, to be working dogs. They were mostly used as sled dogs and as hunting dogs; hence, their high prey drive.
If we look into their predatory behavior, we can see that dogs (predators) often have an eight-step motor pattern that consists of orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab/bite, kill, dissect, consume.
Due to this natural instinct for hunting, they might not be the ideal pet if you own other small animals such as cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs.
Related: Are Huskies Good With Cats? Everything You Should Know
3. They Can Be Destructive
Siberian Huskies are known for being very active dogs. If they are not properly exercised or if they feel bored, lonely, or stressed, they might resort to destructive behavior.
This can include anything from chewing your favorite pair of shoes to chewing through drywall, which they are quite known for. This can be prevented with proper training and giving them enough exercise where they can burn off their excess energy.
4. Huskies Need Company All The Time
Huskies might be stubborn and independent; however, they’re also extremely loving and affectionate. These dogs love you unconditionally, and love being around you all the time. Does this mean they’ll follow you to the bathroom? Definitely!
If they don’t have a friend to play with, you’ll be their center of attention, which is lovely, but it can also be really annoying.
Unfortunately, due to this extreme affection, they are also prone to separation anxiety, which means leaving them alone can cause a headache to you and your neighbors.
Why neighbors, you might ask? Well, let’s just say Huskies have an interesting way of expressing their sadness.
5. They’re Great Escape Artists And Diggers
Having a nice garden and a Husky simply doesn’t go well together. Siberian Huskies are known for being amazing escape artists and great diggers. I believe even Houdini would be impressed by their ability to escape, and their “wanderlust” desires.
If you do get a Husky, you have to be extremely careful with them because they can easily jump a fence, dig under a fence, or even unlock doors. Quite impressive for a dog.
When Huskies lived in Siberia and were surrounded by the snow, they actually learned to dig the snow and shield themselves from the wind and cold. This behavior persisted with the breed, and now, even your indoor Husky will act as if his mission is to dig your entire garden.
6. Huskies Shed A Lot – Like… A Lot
Huskies are beautiful dogs. Everyone has to agree with that. They have beautiful, double-coated fur that not only looks so fluffy and soft, but it also keeps them warm.
However, they shed a lot. They “blow” their coat twice a year, and require regular brushing in order to keep their coat healthy and good-looking. Prepare to see a lot of dog hair all around your house.
The vacuum will be your best friend, but unfortunately, not even that can help with the amount of hidden fur that you’ll encounter. It’s the price you have to pay if you want to have a beautiful-looking, fluffy dog.
7. They Like To Talk
Remember how I said that Huskies have an interesting way of expressing their sadness? Oh yeah… Huskies are also very vocal dogs that don’t bark a lot. You must think I am crazy. Well, they don’t bark, but they howl. It’s like having a wolf that lives with you.
They are really chatty dogs that will either amuse you or annoy you to death. You choose, but don’t expect to have a nice and quiet household if you decide to adopt a Siberian Husky.
Read also: Should You Punish A Husky For Growling?
8. They’re Basically Drama Queens
If we could give a medal to the biggest drama queen in the whole canine world, Huskies would definitely get a gold one. They are funny little fellas that have quite a character.
This kind of behavior can be influenced by a lot of things, but most of the time, it’s just how they were born. It’s in their DNA, and while you might do some things in order to stop this kind of behavior, you’ll also need to accept them as they are.
If you want to learn more about this dramatic behavior, and what you can do about it, check this article for more information.
9. Huskies Can Be High Maintenance
A Siberian Husky is not the kind of dog that is there just as a companion for cuddling, and something that you own. They are quite high-maintenance dogs with high stamina levels that require a lot of work.
They’re quite the athletes, and they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This means that they’ll need at least two hours a day of doing something productive and fun.
Related: 17 Best Toys For Huskies That Will Keep Them Away From Shoes
Walking, hiking, running, going to a dog park, and playing are just a few of the things that you can try in order to satisfy your dog’s natural desire for exercise.
10. Huskies Can Be Hard To Train
Although Huskies are very intelligent, they can be really hard to train. This is due to their independent and stubborn streak that makes things a bit difficult for potential owners.
If you want to properly train your dog, you’ll have to know what you’re doing, and handle him with a firm, but fair attitude; otherwise, you’ll find yourself in a situation where your dog has trained you.
Although many people discredit this kind of behavior toward dogs, if you are dealing with a problematic and dominant dog, this training guide can be really helpful.
11. They Tend To Run And Pull On The Leash
Did I mention that Huskies were bred to be sled dogs? The basics of being a sled dog include running and pulling, and that is exactly what Huskies love to do.
Whenever they get a chance, these dogs will sprint like there is no tomorrow. They might not eat a lot, but they can definitely run a lot. So, if you’re planning to go to the park or for a walk, make sure that you bring a leash, and definitely prepare to be pulled a lot.
12. Huskies Have Endless Energy
If there’s one thing Huskies never seem to run out of, it’s energy. These dogs were bred to pull sleds for miles, and that stamina hasn’t diminished one bit.
While this makes them perfect for active owners who enjoy running, hiking, or other outdoor activities, it can be overwhelming for someone with a more sedentary lifestyle.
Without adequate exercise, Huskies can become frustrated and channel their energy into less desirable activities—like destroying your furniture or digging up your backyard. Owning a Husky means committing to a daily exercise routine, no matter how tired you feel or what the weather is like.
13. They’re Social Butterflies
This social nature makes them excellent companions for large families or households with other pets. However, it also means they require a lot of attention and interaction.
If you’re someone who’s often away from home or prefers a more independent pet, a Husky might feel more like a responsibility than a joy.
14. Huskies Love Cold Weather
Huskies were bred to endure the harsh, icy conditions of Siberia. With their thick double coats, they can comfortably survive temperatures that would make most humans shiver. However, this adaptation means they don’t handle heat well at all.
In warmer climates, Huskies can easily overheat, requiring constant monitoring and special care. Owners often need to provide cooling mats, plenty of shade, and extra hydration.
They might even need to limit outdoor activities during the hotter parts of the day. If you’re not ready to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate a cold-loving dog, a Husky might not be the best fit.
15. Huskies Have Selective Hearing
This isn’t because they don’t understand you—they do. Huskies are independent thinkers, and they often weigh the pros and cons of following a command before deciding if it’s worth their time. If there’s a distraction, like a squirrel or an interesting smell, good luck getting their attention!
Training a Husky requires patience, creativity, and persistence. You’ll need to outsmart their stubborn streak with engaging techniques and rewards that truly motivate them.
To Sum It Up
That is it – 15 reasons why Huskies are the worst dogs. Some people will agree and some will not, but these are definitely some of the Husky traits that might not make them the most desirable breed in the canine world.
Before you adopt anything, not just a Husky, please do your research and learn everything you can about the breed. This will help you understand if this is the right breed for you and your family.
There are so many abandoned dogs around the world simply because people get a pet in the spur of the moment, and when they realize how much work he or she is, they just throw him or her away. This is not what a responsible dog owner should do.
Do you have any fun stories about your Husky? I’d love to hear all about your furry friends’ shenanigans.
Read next: 11 Reasons Why Beagles Are The Worst Dogs You Can Have