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

Siberian Huskies are some of the funniest pets you can have. But there are 5 main factors that you MUST consider 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 “sibe” is right for you. But as any experienced sibe owner will tell you…once a sibe owner, ALWAYS a sibe owner!

So let’s start the list:

1. Shed a mountain of hair

Siberian Huskies shed very little for most of the year; while also at the same time keeping themselves very clean like a cat would, thus requiring infrequent baths. But the problem is that Huskies shed ALL of their fur twice a year for a period of 3 weeks each time.

These dogs have both a short undercoat and a longer coat, and it is this coat that they shed all at once. You can expect to sit with your dog, combing in your hand for an hour while pulling out strands of hair at a time. The amount of hair they shed will be enough to make you an extra cushion.

2. Propensity to escape and RUN

Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent and have a mischievous personality. They will take advantage of any opportunity to escape to explore and discover. Huskies have been known to pry open doorknobs, dig under fences, and climb up gates to escape. But the biggest issue you need to be aware of is that a Husky has the propensity to RUN. Whenever outside, a Husky should NOT be taken off the leash. Even championship-trained huskies have been known to run off. This makes the Siberian Husky one of the most commonly 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 by using their hunting skills in the Siberian environment. To this day, these dogs are born with a predatory instinct that makes them chase and hunt small animals like rabbits, birds, squirrels, and even CATS. Does this mean your Husky can’t get along with your cat? Yes, he can. As long as the Husky is bought from a young 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 may treat your pet bird inside the house as part of the family, while chasing other birds in the backyard.

4. Dig up your garden

Back in the days when Siberian Huskies used to live in sub-zero temperatures in Siberia, they survived by burrowing big enough to snuggle up inside and protect themselves from the harsh climates outside.

This ancestry has given the modern Husky the tendency to dig, dig and DIG! If you have a manicured backyard garden, don’t expect it to be recognizable later if you let a Siberian husky roam free. Your potted plants are also not safe, and neither are small plants or shrubs. Some Husky owners choose to provide their dogs with a piece of land as a “dig area” in the backyard, while also fencing it 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 playful family pets. The other side of the coin is that due to their need to socialize, these dogs are prone to getting bored, especially if left alone. When a lonely Husky gets bored, he can expect his furniture to become the target of some “husky treatment.” Siberian Huskies have been known to damage furniture, walls, carpets, and anything else when left alone.

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

So there you have it! The 5 factors you MUST consider before becoming a Siberian Husky owner. If you are considering owning a Husky, it is recommended that you learn as much as you can about the species before making the purchase.