Did you see that Siberian Husky puppy in the shop window? Those bright blue eyes and furry coat that make him the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. Don’t you want to take her home?

Siberian Huskies are some of the most enjoyable pets you can ever have. But there are 5 main factors that you MUST be careful with before choosing to have one. Huskies are some of the most majestic and beautiful dogs in the world, but at the same time they come with a very peculiar set of characteristics and behaviors that can drive the owner crazy.

After reading the following list, you can decide for yourself if the “sibe” is right for you. But as any seasoned homeowner will tell you … once you own a sibe, you will ALWAYS own a sibe!

So let’s start the list:

1. Shedding a mountain of hair

Siberian Huskies shed very little fur practically throughout the year; while at the same time being kept very clean like a cat would, thus requiring infrequent baths. But what matters is that Huskies shed ALL of their fur twice a year for a period of 3 weeks each time.

These dogs have a short undercoat and a longer undercoat, and it is this undercoat that they shed in one go. You can expect to sit with your dog, comb in hand, for an hour while you remove the strands of hair at once. The amount of hair they shed will be enough to make you an extra cushion.

2. Propensity to escape and RUN

Siberian Huskies are very intelligent and have a mischievous personality. They will take every opportunity to escape to go exploring and discovering. Huskies have been known to open doorknobs, dig under fences, and climb gates to escape. But the biggest issue to be aware of is that a Husky has the propensity to RUN. Whenever you are outside, a Husky should NOT be removed from your leash. Championship-trained Huskies have even been known to sneak out the door. This makes the Siberian husky one of the most frequently lost dogs in the world, which unfortunately makes them a common sight in rescue centers.

3. Predatory instincts

Siberian Huskies have an ancestry from dogs that survived using their hunting skills in the Siberian environment. To this day, these dogs are born with a predatory instinct that causes them to chase and hunt small animals such as rabbits, birds, squirrels, and even CATS. Does this mean that your Husky can’t get along with your cat? If he can. As long as the Husky is bought from an early age among smaller animals like your cat, your Husky will learn to accept the animal as “part of the family”. In fact, your Siberian husky can treat your pet indoors like part of the family, while chasing other birds in the backyard.

4. Digging up your garden

Back in the day when Siberian huskies used to live in freezing temperatures in Siberia, they survived by digging long enough to snuggle indoors and protect themselves from harsh weather outside.

This ancestry has given the modern Husky the tendency to dig, dig, and DIG! If you have a well-kept backyard garden, don’t expect it to be recognizable later if you let a Siberian Husky roam free. Your potted plants are also unsafe, and neither are small plants or shrubs. Some Husky owners choose to provide their dogs with a patch of dirt as a “digging area” in the backyard, while also putting up fences underground to prevent their dogs from escaping.

5. Destructive when bored

Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent and social animals, making them the most pleasant and cheerful family pets. The flip side is that due to their need to socialize, these dogs are prone to boredom, especially if left alone. When a lonely husky gets bored, you can expect his furniture to become the target of some “husky treat.” Siberian Huskies have been known to damage furniture, walls, carpets, and anything else when left alone.

When left indoors by themselves, a Siberian should be temporarily contained in a suitable dog crate to ensure the safety of the dog itself, as well as the safety of your home and furniture.

There you have it! The 5 factors that you MUST take into account before becoming a Siberian Husky owner. If you are considering owning a Husky, it is recommended that you first learn all you can about the species before making the purchase.