Dog breed · Working
Siberian Husky
Friendly, independent, energetic
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 16–27 kg (35–60 lb)
- Height
- 51–60 cm (20–24 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- Siberia (Russia)
The coat
Medium · White muzzle and chest
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Siberian Huskys right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
Be ready for
- Independent — training takes patience
- Happier with space and a garden
- Needs a lot of exercise every day
- Sheds a lot
- Barks or howls a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Siberian Huskys weigh 16–27 kg (35–60 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Siberian Husky
Bred to pull sleds over long distances, Huskies are friendly to almost everyone — useless as guard dogs — but independent and strong-willed. They howl rather than bark, shed enormous amounts twice a year, and are happiest with a job such as running or canicross. They are not suited to hot climates or small homes.
Health to know about
- Eye conditions (cataracts, corneal dystrophy)
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Zinc-responsive skin disease
Care in short
- Two hours of vigorous exercise daily
- Secure fencing — huskies are escape artists
- Brush twice weekly, daily during the twice-yearly moult
- Keep on a lead: recall is famously unreliable
Kit for a Siberian Husky
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Similar breeds
| Trait | Siberian Husky |  German ShepherdCompare |
 Australian ShepherdCompare |
 Border CollieCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16–27 kg (35–60 lb) | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) | 16–32 kg (35–71 lb) | 12–20 kg (26–44 lb) |
| Energy | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 2/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Siberian Husky get?
Adults usually weigh 16–27 kg (35–60 lb) and stand 51–60 cm (20–24 in) tall.
How long do Siberian Huskys live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Siberian Huskys good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Siberian Huskys shed?
Heavily, all year round.
What health problems are Siberian Huskys prone to?
Eye conditions (cataracts, corneal dystrophy); Hip dysplasia; Hypothyroidism; Zinc-responsive skin disease.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts