A Very Brief (but relevant) History of the Siberian Husky
As I said in the title, this is relevant information to this breed and the conditions it is ‘used’ to. It is both fascinating and interesting that we can track the Siberian Husky’s root back quite a long way.
The Husky, with a few other breeds, descended directly from the original sled dog. The very first Huskies were owned by the Chukchi people in the Siberian peninsula and here, the climate was extreme – I’m talking temperatures as low at −70 °F.
Most of us reading this article won’t have experienced anything like these conditions but for the Husky, it was the norm during the Siberian winters.
The Chukchi people relied on this dog and they undoubtedly helped them survive. In the winter, during the day they were used to help with transport and during the summer months they were let off to fend for themselves.
This, they did with ease and were able to hunt and build crude shelters for themselves to protect them from the biting wind that they would’ve experienced.
When the summer months came to an end and finding food became difficult they returned home to the Chukchi. Rumour has it that they weren’t left outside back then, they were welcomed into the home of the people and were even used at night to help keep the population warm!
In the early part of the 20th Century, they were imported into Alaska, not exactly much of an improvement of the climate! Well, maybe a bit. Fast forward now a century and with the advent of social media, their popularity increased.
Many were/are fascinated by their wolf-like looks and photos being shared globally only helped to increase their popularity. From here, markets were formed where there was a demand with no supply and they soon started popping up all over the place.
What Environment is Best for the Husky?
The best climate for the Siberian Husky is one where it doesn’t get too hot. Although their coat is thick, it is able to adapt to varying conditions so there are actually many locations where a Husky can enjoy a good life and is able to keep active.
It would be easy to say a climate that matches Siberia would be perfect for the breed but this isn’t entirely accurate. Although it would (and did for many centuries) survive in this environment, we’re not talking about a climate in which they just survive, we’re talking the best climate for them.
So, as long as you live in a location that doesn’t have desert-like conditions all year round, they should be fine. The problem with this is that although their double coat can adapt itself to a hot climate, it can only do so to an extent.
Their coat will still be thick and it will still be like playing a game of football in the middle of summer, wearing a thick coat.
Many Husky’s these days are found throughout the world in all kinds of climates but if you live in a temperate climate, such as in the United Kingdom – they are known to do rather well here.
Here, apart from the odd day, the temperatures are never too hot and never too cold and although there are, of course, seasonal changes, it’s rare to see that much variation.
Maybe then the question should be ‘What climate is bad for the Siberian Husky?’ – as this would have been easier to answer. Any environment where temperatures regularly exceed 80 °F or so, with direct sunlight beating down on the dog would really restrict the amount of exercise you could do with this dog.
Needless to say, if they are being left outside then they need shelter from the sunlight and protection from the elements. The Husky may have survived for generations in Siberian summers but that doesn’t mean they particularly enjoyed it or wanted it, it’s just the cards that they were dealt.
If you’re thinking of keeping your Husky outside then you’ll need a kennel to keep them away from the elements. So, let’s get the basics covered first. The Husky House must be:
The temperature inside needs ideally to be somewhere between 50 °F and around 70 °F. My advice would to either ensure there is a heating (or cooling) mechanism where appropriate and also a device where you can remotely monitor this temperature.
Some people suggest that also the Husky is restrained whilst outside but I would very much recommend against doing this. It can, and probably will, lead to severe anxiety-related problems and even physical injuries if they hurt themselves because of it.
Clean water must be provided to ensure the Husky can be properly hydrated.
Maybe now is the best place to talk about the Husky and hibernation. Some people (believe it or not) have asked whether the Siberian Husky hibernates. If you’re interested in this, please check out my article here (opens in a new tab).
What is a good outside dog?
Top 10 Dog Breeds To Keep As Outdoor Dogs
Be sure to put your Husky’s crate in a place where he will be comfortable sleeping at night. You may want your Husky in or near your bedroom or in a quieter area of the house or even a popular family room area.
WHEN CAN MY SIBERIAN HUSKY PUPPY GO OUTSIDE OR IN THE GARDEN?
The Siberian husky is full of personality, and it’s the most enthusiastic dog breed you’ll come across.
Huskies are also quite friendly and social towards other dogs and make great companions for kids, adults, and other animals alike.
Add in their impressive physical features, and resisting this breed becomes impossible. But can huskies live outside? Here is the answer to that and more.