With eyes that will pierce your soul and a personality that will win your heart over, the Siberian Husky is a magnificent breed that is hard to resist. Let’s look over some Siberian Husky statistics and facts about a dog that will not only fill your home but also your life!
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20 Fun Facts About Huskies & Siberian Husky Statistics
1. There are an estimated 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 Huskies in the world! 😮
Of the 1 million to 5 million Huskies in the world, the majority of the registered Huskies live in the United States, Canada, Russia (particularly the Siberian region), China, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
[Source: How many Huskies are there in the world?]
2. Huskies can tolerate temperatures as cold as minus 75°F (minus 60°C)
They can even withstand wind chills as cold as -100°F (minus 73°C)! 😳
[Source: How cold can Huskies tolerate?]
3. Siberian Huskies rank 1st in the list of most talkative breeds in the world.
Huskies are extremely vocal! Owning a Husky guarantees constant entertainment and chatter in the house without a single dull moment.
[Source Wag Walking]
4. Siberian Husky registrations have been on a steady decline since 1990 😞
Based on all available AKC stats from 1990 to 2009, Siberian Husky registrations have been on a steady decline since 1990. However, Siberian Huskies became the 12th most registered dog breed in 2015, 2016, and 2017, so registrations probably spiked during those years.
Let’s share the love by encouraging more people to get a Siberian Husky! 🥰
Unfortunately, AKC dog registration statistics aren’t available to the public yet for 2010 onwards, only rankings.
Siberian Husky Registrations Graph – 1990 to 2009
[Date Source – AKC]
5. Huskies can smell up to 12 miles away!
Siberian Huskies can detect scents from ~12 miles away (20km). No wonder they are always trying to escape. 😂
[Source: How far can a Husky smell?]
6. The Siberian Husky is the 21st most-owned breed in the US, as of 2022.
According to the most popular dog breeds of 2022, Siberian Huskies came in 21st out of 199 different breeds. This number is based on the AKC’s dog registrations.
Note: the Siberian Husky’s highest rank is 12th back in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
[Source – AKC]
7. The Siberian Husky AKC rank has been on a rollercoaster for the last 30 years!
The below graph was created using Siberian Husky rank stats from the AKC.
Siberian Husky Rank Graph – 1990 to 2021
[Data Source – AKC]
8. The Siberian Husky’s howl can be heard up to 10 miles away.
Next time your husky is howling, go for a drive ~10 miles away and see if you can still hear them!
9. They constitute 3% of fatal dog bites since 2016 and have resulted in 13 deaths.
Huskies in general are so friendly and sweet that they make terrible guards and watchdogs as they would rather welcome everyone home with open paws.
However, they can very well put up a fight if provoked. Although not one of the biggest, they’re definitely one of the strongest breeds in the world. The Siberian Husky has a bite force of 320 PSI!
[Source MKP Law Group]
10. Huskies and Husky mixes make for one of the most abandoned breeds in shelters in several parts of North America.
According to The Dodo, “Since Game of Thrones first aired in 2011, shelters and rescue groups across the country have experienced a spike in surrendered and abandoned huskies, husky mixes, and similar breeds”.
How was Game of Thrones stated as the culprit? It’s because many of the dogs were showing up with names from the show, such as Sansa, Stark, Ice, and Ghost.
[Source The Dodo]
11. About 40% of Huskies have blue eyes.
Did you know that all husky puppies are actually born with blue eyes? They change color eventually. A mutation called ALZ4 reduces the pigment in the Husky’s eyes and makes them appear blue. They’re not actually blue, but appear so because of how the eyes absorb and reflect light; just like how the sky appears blue from Earth.
[Source Outdoor Dog Fun]
12. Connecticut and Washington have the highest number of Husky owners in the US.
Connecticut and Washington folks have a soft side towards this fur ball. The Husky is also the proposed State dog of Washington.
13. The Husky intelligence ranking came in as the 45th smartest dog breed for obedience & working IQ.
Huskies are famous for their “stubborn streak” all over the world. They may have average intelligence and willingness for obedience, but what actually makes the Husky smart is their ability to effectively communicate with humans and work with them. Their aptitude for human-canine partnership is far higher than several other breeds.
Stanley Coren, a Professor of Canine Psychology at the University of British Columbia ranked all dog breeds by working and obedience intelligence in his book called The Intelligence of Dogs.
Huskies are ranked 45th; tied equal intelligence with the Bichon Frise and King Charles Spaniel. This rank classifies them as having average working/obedience intelligence.
Note: we secretly know that their husky is actually way smarter than most dogs because they choose to do their own thing. They are too smart for our silly obedience tricks!
[Source – Stanley Coren Book: Dog Intelligence]
14. Togo, a Siberian Husky, was voted “The World’s Most Heroic Animal” by Time Magazine in 2011.
Togo, the Siberian Husky, rose to fame after he led a team of sled dogs across hundreds of miles to deliver diphtheria antitoxin to the town of Nome, Alaska, during an outbreak of the disease in 1925.
Did you know, Togo was so rowdy and ‘misbehaved’ that his owner actually gave him away at 6 months of age? However, this escape artist ran several miles back to his owner. It was this loyalty and resilience that made his owner keep Togo for life.
[Source – Wikipedia]
15. Huskies can cover over 150 miles (241 km) with an average speed of 10 mph (16 kph).
Huskies can cover over 150 miles (241 km) with an average speed of 10 mph (16 kph), thanks to their excellent endurance. Although not the fastest, this breed can cover the longest distance at a consistent speed compared to any other breed.
[Source – Highland Canine]
16. The Twilight Saga, which features werewolves and the television series Game of Thrones spurred a huge uptick in demand for Siberian Huskies as pets.
The Twilight Saga, which features werewolves and the television series Game of Thrones spurred a huge uptick in demand for Siberian Huskies as pets, followed by a steep increase in their numbers at public shelters.
Technically, in both the movie saga and the TV series, the animal actors were not Siberian Huskies, but Northern Inuit dogs. However, people were acquiring Siberian Huskies because they looked similar to Ghost, the most popular dog in the Game of Thrones series.
Peter Dinklage, (Tyrion Lannister) also pleaded with the public to stop acquiring the dogs without first researching the breed.
Also, the Siberian Husky rose to its highest ranking of 12th out of 197 breeds in 2015, 2016, and 2017. These were the same years when EVERYONE was talking about Game of Thrones. Coincidence? I think not.
[Source White Wolf Pack]
17. Huskies were World War 2 heroes.
During World War II, Huskies were used by the US Army to transport provisions, medicine, mail, and for search and rescue operations.
[Source – Canada History Project]
18. Huskies are cat-like.
One of the delightful aspects of owning a Husky is how clean they are. Their coat doesn’t have that doggy odor many people aren’t fond of. Hence, they rarely need to be bathed. But what’s really fun is that these dogs actually lick and groom themselves much like a cat does!
[Source – Daily Pets Care]
There are many theories about whether Huskies are descended from wolves or not. But there is no conclusive evidence yet that Huskies are direct descendants of wolves or that they are more closely related than other dog breeds.
[Source – Are Huskies Wolves?]
20. The oldest living Siberian Husky is 19 years old
Even though the average lifespan of a Husky is 12 to 14 years old, Huskies can certainly grow older! While not official yet (e.g. in the Guinness World Book Of Records), the oldest Husky is apparently 19 years old.
[Source – How old is my Husky in human years?]
Siberian Husky Traits
Here is a table showing statistics regarding specific Siberian Husky traits and characteristics.
| Traits | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|
| Eye Color | Usually Blue or Brown; sometimes bi-colored or parti-colored. |
| Coat Color | Gray/White, Black, Silver Gray, Gray, Black/Tan, Sable/White, Red/White |
| Shedding | LOTS of shedding! |
| Height | 20-23.5 inches |
| Weight | 35-60 pounds |
| Temperament | Effervescent! |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
| Intelligence | Intelligent! |
| Activity Level | Extremely active! |
| Good With Kids? | Great with kids |
| Speed | 30mph |
| Endurance | 100-150 miles per day |
| Origin | Bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia |
| Price | $700-$3000 |
| PROS | Even tempered, social, friendly, playful, expressive, free-spirited, odorless, loyal and beautiful! |
| CONS | Escape artists, not suitable for first time dog owners, strong prey drive and heavy shedding |
Having a Husky in your family pack can bring immense joy and love into your life. And now you also have fun and interesting statistics and facts to share with your friends!
What other stats or facts have you heard about Huskies?
Share them in the comment section below.
FAQ
What are Siberian Huskies?
Siberian Huskies are a breed of sled dogs that originated from the Siberian peninsula of Northeast Asia. They were initially bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds and herd reindeer.
Are Huskies good guard dogs?
Although Huskies have a wolf-like appearance, they are not effective guard dogs because they do not have a natural guarding instinct. They are friendly and social animals that make great companions.
What is a musher?
A musher is a person who drives a dog sled. They are responsible for leading and managing a team of sled dogs during transportation.
Who is Balto?
Balto was a famous Siberian Husky who became famous for leading the final leg of a 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska, which saved the town from a diphtheria outbreak.
How do Huskies regulate their metabolism?
Huskies have a unique ability to regulate their metabolism depending on the amount of food available to them. They can store fat and energy in their body and slow down their metabolism, allowing them to survive for longer periods without food.
What is a snow nose in Huskies?
A snow nose is a condition that causes the nose of a Husky to turn from black to pink or brown during colder months. It is a common and harmless condition that is not well understood.
Why do Huskies come in a wide range of colors?
Huskies have a lot of genetic diversity, which allows them to come in a wide range of colors from black to pure white. This is because they were bred for their performance as sled dogs rather than their aesthetics.
What are some fun facts about Siberian Huskies?
Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. They are known for their wolf-like appearance, almond-shaped eyes, and thick undercoat. They are also excellent at search and rescue operations and are often used in this capacity by law enforcement agencies.
Are Huskies born with wolf-like features?
Yes, Huskies are born with wolf-like features such as almond-shaped eyes and a thick undercoat. However, their behavior and personality are more similar to that of a domesticated dog.
What is the difference between a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Malamute?
Alaskan Malamutes are larger and more muscular than Siberian Huskies. They were bred for heavy work and pulling heavy loads over long distances. Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, were bred for speed and agility. They are also known for their playful and friendly personalities.
