Are Huskies Aggressive?

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Are Huskies aggressive? With their larger physique and intense eyes, it’s easy to think that the Husky is a dog you don’t want to get close to. This could lead to problems when having guests over or even wanting to adopt a Husky in the first place. If you’re worried about aggressive behavior and the Siberian Husky temperament, you need to know all of the facts.

So, are Huskies aggressive? No. Huskies are generally one of the kindest breeds and will snuggle up to just about anyone- even strangers! Proper training and plenty of exercises will ensure your Husky stays happy. The only real dangers associated with Huskies are their size and energetic personality.

It’s nice to know that this beautiful breed is one of the sweetest types of dogs around. However, it doesn’t mean that there are no potential dangers involved with this large, striking animal. We’re going to discuss why Huskies are not aggressive, but how they can be dangerous and how you can avoid any pitfalls.

Are Huskies Aggressive?

If you ask any Husky owner, they will tell you right off the bat that their Husky would never suffice as a guard dog.

Why?

Because the Husky breed is so sweet and kind that they will virtually walk up to anyone and want to snuggle and play. And yes, that includes complete strangers that walk up to your door.

But why is the Husky such a loving, caring dog?

Well, it all goes back to their roots. The Husky was originally bred to pull sleds- and that’s it. There was no guarding the flocks at night, no sticking right by their owners through thick and thin. This leads the Husky to be a strong and capable dog that loves to run and play, but not one with a guarding or aggressive personality.

Can Huskies be Aggressive?

While it’s not in the Huskies nature to be aggressive, we have to keep in mind that every dog is different.

This is even truer when dealing with a mixed dog that may potentially have a more aggressive breed added to the combination. The good news is, for the most part, you should never really have to worry about a Husky being aggressive. 

If you do notice signs of aggression in your dog, it’s important to act fast. The sooner you take care of the problem, the better off you and your dog will be.

There are a couple of things you can do to stave off aggression:

  • Acknowledge the aggression as soon as it arrives. You need to acknowledge the problem right from the get-go. This will give you a better opportunity at fixing the issue so it doesn’t progress. Keep in mind that something as playful as jumping on other people can be a sign of aggression. Your Husky thinks he’s being silly, but it can come across far differently.
  • Take your Husky to obedience training. Obedience training is probably the best thing you can do for a Husky. This breed is naturally a bit more stubborn and likes to do their own thing, so having him professionally trained in obedience will ensure he learns how to behave correctly- including how to not be aggressive.
  • Socialize your dog as much (and as early) as possible. Socialization is the key to success when it comes to raising dogs that are not aggressive. You want to make sure he is around a variety of people from a small age, including people of all ages, sizes, and skin tones. You will also want him socialized around dogs of all different breeds, too.
  • Make sure he has plenty of exercises. A Husky that isn’t getting his wiggles out is going to have some pent up energy that could result in a more aggressive dog. While he won’t be meaning to be rude, destructive, or aggressive, the inactive Husky may start to act out simply because he’s bored.
  • Make sure he is mentally stimulated, too. The Husky isn’t just all physical. He also has a fairly smart brain that can get bored easily. That being said, make sure there is a wide range of toys for your Husky to play with that stimulates his mind.

Can a Husky be Dangerous?

The good news is that Huskies are not aggressive in a way that they may bite or attack someone.

This simply is not in the nature of the Husky breed. They would much rather play, run around, and be silly with the people around them. However, that doesn’t mean that you are free of any trouble when it comes to the Husky.

There are two major ways a Husky can be potentially dangerous:

1. Their Size

Think about it- the Husky is not a small breed.

While they may not be the largest dog on the planet, they still have a fairly larger stature and a lean, mean physique. Weighing anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds, Huskies can become quite big and heavy.

While this is a pretty great size for a dog, there is the potential of your Husky knocking over children and seniors.

It’s unfortunate because your Husky is not trying to be intentionally cruel or aggressive, but when your loving dog goes to cuddle up with a 3-year-old it could end in trouble.

This is why training and socializing your Husky is so important.

You can teach him from an early age, before he gets large-and-in-charge, how to behave around small kids and senior citizens. This will help to reduce the chances of his size standing in the way of his snuggles.

2. Their High Levels of Energy

High-energy Husky!

The other issue with the Husky is that he is very energetic.

This ultra-hyper breed can become bored fairly quickly if he is not being mentally and physically stimulated, and he might start to act out and take it out on the people and dogs around him. This can quickly come off as aggressive and is something that should be avoided.

Again, this is why it’s important to exercise your Husky and keep him busy with toys.

Needless to say, the Husky is a fairly needy breed that will require at least two hours of exercise per day and he really enjoys having some one-on-one time with his owner to keep him satisfied and out of trouble. Other than that, he is a beautiful and sweet dog.

Related Questions

Are Huskies a good family dog?

Since they are so caring and sweet, yes, they can be wonderful family dogs. However, you have to keep in mind the larger stature and high energy levels of this type of dog. They will require a lot of exercise and stimulation throughout the day, or they may become bored and destructive. This type of neediness is something overwhelming for families.

Why do Siberian Huskies growl?

Huskies aren’t big growlers, but it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Most of the time your Husky is simply protecting his food or toys from other people or dogs. They may also be in fear, be in some type of pain, or simply having a good time. If you think your dog is growling because of pain it’s important to find the root of the problem and help your dog as soon as possible.

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