Before You Fall for Their Beauty: The Realities of Owning a Husky

I get it, those piercing blue eyes, the wolf-like stance, the thick fur that looks like it belongs in a winter fairytale. Huskies are undeniably one of the most stunning dog breeds out there. But before you let their beauty sweep you off your feet, let’s talk about what it really means to own one.

I used to be the kind of person who chose pets based on looks. I thought if a dog was cute, that was all that mattered. Then I got Blaze; my first husky. And let me tell you, Blaze is beautiful. But beauty doesn’t prepare you for the chaos, the energy, the howling at 3 AM, or the sheer amount of fur that somehow ends up in your cereal.

If you’re thinking about getting a husky, here’s what you need to know before you commit.

1. They’re Escape Artists

Huskies don’t just run, they plot their escapes like tiny criminal masterminds. One minute they’re lounging on the couch, the next they’re halfway down the street because someone left the door open for two seconds.

Blaze once dug a hole under my fence so perfectly that I considered letting him take an engineering exam. If you’re not prepared to husky-proof your home like you’re guarding a high-security prison, think twice.

2. They Have Boundless Energy

Huskies aren’t the kind of dogs you can take on a 10-minute walk and call it a day. They need hours of exercise every single day. If they don’t get enough, they’ll find their own way to burn energy, and spoiler alert: it usually involves destruction.

Blaze chewed through two couches, three pairs of shoes, and my car’s seat belt (yes, while I was inside the car). One time, after a particularly busy week where I didn’t have as much time for long walks, I came home to find my living room looking like a crime scene, stuffing from the couch scattered everywhere, my favorite sneakers unrecognizable, and Blaze sitting proudly in the middle of the mess, wagging his tail like he had just redecorated. That was the moment I truly understood that a husky’s energy needs an outlet, and if you don’t provide one, they will create their own. A tired husky is a happy husky, and if you’re not an active person, this breed might not be for you. A great way to burn their energy is with this durable husky toy.

3. They Shed A Lot All Year.

You’ll find fur in places you didn’t even know existed. No amount of vacuuming, lint rolling, sweeping, mopping, dusting, or praying will keep your home fur-free. Huskies “blow” their coats twice a year, which means they shed so much that you could probably knit a second dog. And even when they’re not in full-blown shedding season, their fur still finds a way to infiltrate every corner of your life.

If you’re someone who can’t stand dog hair on your clothes, furniture, floors, car seats, or even in your food, this is your warning. And if you’re not careful, that excessive fur can lead to a flea invasion, those tiny troublemakers thrive in thick coats and can turn your home into an itchy nightmare. Keeping a husky means committing to a flea-free environment with regular grooming and treatments.

4. They’re Stubborn but Intelligent

Huskies are smart, sometimes too smart for their own good. They know what you’re asking them to do, but whether they listen is another story. Training them requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor.

Blaze would sit when I told him to, but only after he finished his business, like stretching, sniffing the air, and contemplating life. One time, I asked him to sit before crossing the street, and instead of following the command immediately, he took a full minute staring at a butterfly flitting nearby, as if debating whether obedience was worth his time. Another time, during a training session, I told him to lie down, and he dramatically flopped onto his side with a deep sigh, as if I had asked him to do the most exhausting task in the world. If you want a dog that obeys without question, you might want to consider another breed. I highly recommend this training guide to help with husky stubbornness.

5. They’re Vocal (and Not Just a Little)

If you like peace and quiet, huskies are not the breed for you. They don’t just bark—they talk. They howl, they whine, they argue back when you tell them “no.”

Blaze once howled at the mailman for five minutes straight, then turned around and started howling at me, probably for letting the mailman exist. One night, I was watching a horror movie, and right at the most intense scene, Blaze let out the loudest, most dramatic howl I had ever heard. I nearly jumped out of my skin. My neighbors even texted to ask if I was okay. If you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors, be prepared for some complaints. And if you think you’re going to have a private phone call, think again, Blaze once “joined” a Zoom meeting, howling in the background so loudly that my colleagues now ask about him regularly.
This calming treat might work wonders to help keep the noise level in check

6. They Need a Lot of Attention and Commitment

Huskies aren’t the type of dogs you can leave alone for long hours. They’re social animals that need engagement, companionship, and mental stimulation. A bored husky is a destructive husky.

When I got too busy and didn’t give Blaze enough attention, he repaid me by shredding an entire roll of toilet paper all over my apartment. Twice. If you have a hectic schedule and won’t be able to provide constant care, a husky might not be the best fit.

The Bottom Line: Think Before You Leap

Huskies are breathtakingly beautiful, incredibly intelligent, and deeply loyal companions, but they’re also high-maintenance, stubborn, and require a lot of work. If you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and love they need, you’ll have one of the most rewarding friendships you can imagine.

But if you’re just drawn to their beauty and aren’t prepared for the realities of husky ownership, it’s okay to admire them from afar. They deserve homes that understand them, care for them, and can keep up with their wild, adventurous spirit.

As for me? I wouldn’t trade Blaze for the world—even if he still howls at the mailman every single day.

So, before you fall for a husky’s beauty, ask yourself: Are you ready for the adventure?