Can a Siberian Husky be happy, healthy, and non-destructive in an apartment if it is very well exercised?

Question

I want to get a dog that is compatible with a medium sized apartment. But I don't like small, yappy dogs. I really love the larger breeds, and am not willing to go smaller than a medium sized breed. I am an experienced large dog owner. I've always wanted a Siberian Husky. But it's my understanding that they are very high energy dogs. But I do live a very active lifestyle. Would a Siberian Husky do okay in an apartment if it was exercised frequently? I walk/jog for several miles in the morning. I would also be taking it out multiple times per day to play and walk. There is a large, woodsy park near me with miles of walking trails and large open spaces (although I know it's inadvisable to exercise huskies off the leash). I've already done a fair amount of research into the breed, but was really hoping for opinions specific to my situation. I would also be interested in opinions on other large/larger medium breeds that would do well in this situation.

Answer 1

Is it possible? YES! It's it easy? NO!

My friend lives in a small apartment with two Siberians who are extremely happy AND healthy!

What you will absolutely need, though, is a dog park! This is essential! Because, even though you run several miles a day and your husky will love to run with you, it will need some time to run at its own pace (much faster than you) and really stretch it's legs. My friend never takes his dogs to the dog park for less than two hours, but often times at least three and up to six or more hours at a time. And one of his dogs will play THE ENTIRE TIME WITHOUT STOP! Have you seen the movie "Eight Below," you know that line where Paul Walker's character says "These dogs are bred to work and will work themselves to death," is 100% true. They are the quintessential working dog and love a challenge and love to move

Also, let me just say that it's mor than inadvisable to let a Husky off a leash, it's irresponsible and stupid. A husky WILL run. Especially if they see a bird or squirrel, but they don't NEED a reason, they will just run because they love to run (and run and run and run and run) and good luck catchin' 'em!

Also, a Siberian is NOT a large breed. Some get large, but most are in the 35-50 lb range. They are much more energetic than a large breed dog are require different nutrition.

Also, crate training will become your best friend. A siberian should not be left to it's own devices. They are smart and sneaky and curious about everything!

So, yes, it can be done, but just be prepared, these dogs are pretty intense and are not for everyone! But THANK YOU so, so much for doing research and buying responsibly!!

OH! One more thing, shelters & rescues often have huskies available, please consider adoption.

Lastly (geez, I can go on forever), What about an Alaskan Malamute, they are similar but slightly less intense, look into that breed, also.

Answer 2

Yes, it is very possible. I live in an apartment in NYC with my Siberian Husky, who is three years old and 55 pounds. Siberian Huskies are considered medium sized dogs if they are pure bred. Labs and Goldens can get much bigger. We have a blast together and lead a very active lifestyle. He meets people and other dogs all the time. We go on very long walks together. We walk probably two to five miles per day and go to Central Park all the time. In between walks he just rests, sleeps, and plays. Also, he loves doggy daycare. He goes about two to three times per week. I would see if you have something like this near you. My Husky is very quiet. This breed does not bark much. The neighbors love him! The only time he makes any noise is when he wants to play with another dog he meets outside on walks he howls a little. My theory is the home should be a resting/eating/play place and the majority of the dog's energy should be spent outside the home. A lot of behavioral problems in the home from dogs are because they have too much pent up energy. Unfortunately, some dog owners don't take their dogs on walks because they have 'the yard' excuse. And if they do take them for a walk, the walks are too short. I love seeing the dogs here in the city because they are so well socialized and happy because owners pretty much have to take their dogs out all the time. Even people that have large homes and yards can make their dogs feel cooped up if they never get out. You can definitley have a husky since you lead an active lifestyle. Your schedule sounds awesome and I think it would be great for your dog. I adopted my husky, so I missed the puppy phase, but you might want to look into adopting an adult husky. The shedding is not that bad either since I comb him and vacuum every few days. As long as you keep up with it, it is fine.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

"They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs."

"Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, but should not be excessively exercised in warm weather. They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are likely to dig their way out and go off hunting."
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/siberianhusky.htm

Here is a site that has dog breeds in categories:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/searchcategories.htm

You should look into either "Jogging" or maybe even "High Exercise Demand" I believe that ANY breed is good for apartment life .. (well minus a few) as long as you give them the desired exercise that they need. Exercise in the morning before you go out so it doesnt get destructive during the day and also at night. You seem like you do alot of exercise so I think it would work. You might want to keep the coat very short in the summer (I have seem some long coats on huskys) just so it doesnt over heat.

I had a Husky mix and my house is fairly small with a non fenced in yard. He jogged with my moms boyfriend in the morning and at night. Sometimes in the afternoon depending on how hott it was. The dog had long hair so he had it groomed very short in the summer and ALWAYS had water on hand just incase. He wasnt destructive which was good. And played alot in the house and stuff.

Hope that helps!

Answer 5

I think with the amount of time your willing to put into making your dog happy and healthy it will work.

What I do recommend you do is find a Siberian husky that is either

1. older, so it's less puppy-like (obviously it will still be energetic, just less so)

2. likes to lounge around

I know there is a husky rescue near my home which specifically says that some of there dogs prefer to be "lap dogs." This means that even though it's a husky, it like to lay around on the couch or floor and even enjoys cuddling over running and playing.

Do some research on the dog you want to buy (I do not suggest you get a puppy whatsoever!) and talk to either the breeder or previous owner about the dog's tenancies. They should be able to tell you if the specific dog you want is OK in an apartment as long as it still get to go outside.

Answer 6

I have two dogs, one is a white 42 lb. female pure Husky, the other is a clunker, a 85 lb. white shepherd/white husky cross. They are indoors a lot, and are indoors all night. We have no problems with them at all, but I work them every day, or they will drive me nuts. You might want to look into getting a dog scooter, and training the dog to pull you thru the park. It's a blast!!!! If you need more on this, e-mail me at [e-mail] I'd be glad to help you get started. Huskys need to pull!!! I also mush them in the winter, but that's not an option for you. Expect to vacuum often, Huskys have incredible amounts of fur. They're great dogs, and I don't really think they're that hard to manage at all if exercised enough.

Answer 7

Well overall your situation could be worse, but I have 2 very important points to add:

1. Huskies are LOUD. They bark and they howl/yodel. Very often. And very loudly. Your neighbors might object, especially if your dog ends up with separation anxiety when you leave.

2. Shedding. That is a lot of hair in a very enclosed space. We're talking vacuuming 3 times per day. I have cats in an apartment, and I filled a vacuum canister every single day with their hair- think of that times about 20 for a husky.

If you can get past those 2 things, I think you could do okay with a husky. Just remember they need very firm handling- if you are not the dominant personality in the household, you'll never be able to control him. Keep researching, and good luck!

Answer 8

it sounds such as you particularly have now not researched both puppies or huskies. Pups are not able to move into agility till they re 18 months historical. Huskies are NOT condominium dwellers, a stroll may not be ample, exceptionally simply 2 hours. They want consistent endeavor or they WILL get out. They also are EXTREMELY rough to educate (as I'm determining XD). Grooming..you recognize they want like thirty mins an afternoon proper? And there is a well threat you'll get thrown from your condominium, on account that those puppies are VERY vocal - they are going to howl regularly by way of the night time. Try an additional breed, equivalent to a Greyhound - those puppies are PERFECT to your way of life.

Answer 9

A lot of the info you have gotten so far is good. Note do not ever ever ever shave your husky. I don't care if you live in the hottest climate imaginable. We live in TX heat and they are fine. We currently have 5 sibes. Shaving them can cause them to overheat faster, and make them susceptible to sunburn. Think of their coat as an insulator. You do have to watch how much they work during the heat. Running etc. They can over heat if you aren't careful. (The same as any dog they aren't special in that regard.) They need shelter and plenty of water, but so should any dog in the heat.

They are NOT guard dogs. They can scare people away from their appearance, but don't expect them to do anything but lick the person that comes through that door, whether they are planning on killing you or not!

You are correct in assuming that they can NEVER be off leash. EVER! If they are you will end up with a dead husky. I have a sibe trained in obedience and agility and I would never let him off leash without a secure fence!

Some sibes depending on their parents and lineage can be over 60lbs! Not typical but they can be. Just a note to file away. If you want a less stubborn breed go with a lab. They will love to run with you, and they will be a lot easier to work with. Regardless take them to obedience training asap. If it is a pup do training at home until 2 weeks after it gets its final puppy shots. Hope this helps

Liz

Answer 10

Sounds like the dog would have a great owner.
I have a Lab puppy, this dog will be a medium size dog. I live in a apartment. We take our dog out every day for walks in a wooded park. This dog has to have a lot of exercise as well. They are one of the best dogs around!!!
Husky's have great stamina, friendly , lively, and bold.. They are known to be working or guard dogs. They can weigh up to 60lbs. They will shed.
What ever kind of dog you get that dog will be very lucky!!
Good Luck