Siberian Husky

Large dog (25–45 kg), typically living 1214 years.

Typical adult weight

Males: 2027 kg

Females: 1623 kg

Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.

At a glance

Energy
Shedding
Grooming needs
Trainability
Barking / vocal
Good with children
Good with other pets
Heat tolerance

Typical lifespan

Median lifespan for a Siberian Husky is around 11.6 years, based on an estimate built from this breed's size, type and published lifespan range. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.

Life with a Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a very high-energy breed that needs serious daily exercise, or it can become bored and destructive. As a large dog (25–45 kg as an adult), it is reasonably easy to train with positive, reward-based methods, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also can be quite vocal, especially if bored or under-exercised.

Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat benefits from a regular weekly brush to stay tidy, and it is a heavy shedder all year round, especially during seasonal coat blows. Around the home, the Siberian Husky is usually good with children and tends to be patient and tolerant and usually settles in fine alongside other pets with proper introductions, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.

Weather is worth planning for too – this breed copes very poorly with warm weather and needs extra care in summer. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Siberian Husky so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.

Puppy growth chart

Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 21.5 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard large-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.

Age% of adult weightExpected weight
12 weeks33%7.1 kg
16 weeks45%9.7 kg
26 weeks60%12.9 kg
39 weeks80%17.2 kg
52 weeks90%19.4 kg
78 weeks100%21.5 kg

Feeding guide by weight

Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Siberian Husky of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.

Body weightDaily caloriesRoughly dry food
16 kg896 kcal249 g
21.5 kg1118 kcal311 g
27 kg1327 kcal369 g

For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.

Daily exercise needs

As a working, sporting and herding breed-type dog, the Siberian Husky typically needs about 90120 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.

Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.

Estimated UK costs

Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Siberian Husky typically run to around £188–£254 a month, or roughly £28,200–£38,100 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.

Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.

These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.

Health conditions to be aware of

Like all breeds, the Siberian Husky has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye conditions

A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.