Why Are Siberian Huskies So Expensive? 5 Reasons

All purebred dogs are expensive when considered alongside their mixed-breed counterparts, but some breeds command a particularly high premium. Siberian Husky puppies can range from several hundred dollars for “pet quality” pups to thousands of dollars for future show dogs. But why are they so expensive?

Siberian Huskies are expensive because they are active, intelligent dogs that require lots of exercise and socialization. Since they can be challenging pets, they aren’t one of the most common dog breeds in the US. As a result, quality breeders are relatively rare. This scarcity drives up the cost.

Of course, the initial cost of the puppy is only the beginning. Read on for more information about how to make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder. I’ll also discuss what kind of costs to expect once your new family member comes home.

Reasons Siberian Huskies Are So Expensive

There are several things you’ll need to do to make sure your husky is happy and healthy. Some of it you might be able to do yourself (hello walkies!). But for the rest you may find you need to turn to a professional.

1. Good Breeding Is Expensive

Although there’s a lot to love about the mixed-breed, if you’re in the market for a specific type of pet with particular traits, then a rescue pup may not be for you. It’s possible to make educated guesses about a puppy based on its visible characteristics. However, when the breed is unknown or mixed, even something as simple as its future size is merely that: a guess.

If you want to be certain you’re getting a purebred Siberian Husky, you’ll have to find a breeder. And as with so many other things, you get what you pay for. This is one area where you don’t want to skimp.

Good breeders know their dogs’ individual traits and health histories. They’re far more likely to breed puppies that will be healthy, well-socialized, and ready to be a member of your family.

Don’t be afraid to ask to meet your pup’s parents or see where they’ll be born and cared for. You can even ask for references.

Reputable breeders won’t hesitate to answer your questions or connect you with other families they’ve worked with, and be prepared for the breeder to question you. Good breeders care where their puppies are going and want their owners to succeed.

2. Huskies Require Lots of Maintenance

With Siberian Huskies, buying the puppy is only the beginning of your investment.

Your dog will need exercise–lots of it. After all, huskies are bred to run long distances–up to 100 miles (161 km) a day! Because they need so much room to run, huskies do not make great apartment dogs, so you’ll need more living space, which can be costly.

Huskies can also become mischievous when left alone, and they’re very vocal–a trait your neighbors are not likely to appreciate, and another reason why you’ll probably want the extra space.

You might be able to walk your dog enough to keep him happy, but you may wind up needing to hire a dog walker or take trips to doggy daycare to tire out your pup and keep him content. These extra services can easily add to your monthly pet care costs.

Furthermore, having a house with a yard sometimes isn’t enough if that yard doesn’t have a high physical fence. So, if your home only has sidewalks and hedges, you’ll probably have to fork out a hefty amount to have a tall, secure fence installed.

If your dog still manages to get out, they’re not likely to stay nearby. Your breeder will almost certainly have had your dog microchipped before letting you take them home. If they haven’t, make sure to have it done as soon as possible.

3. You’ll Need To Invest in Extensive Training

As smart, loving dogs, Siberian Huskies can make great pets, but they need help learning the rules of living with people. They are strong-willed, and all but the most experienced owners will want to invest in professional training.

The right trainer will have breed-specific experience and will teach you how to be a confident, loving owner. Huskies have a high prey drive, and they can be a threat to smaller animals if they aren’t properly socialized. A good trainer will know this and will help your new dog become a solid canine citizen. Check out Brain Training For Dogs if you are looking for an online training option. Adrienne Farricelli is a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer and has over 10 years experience. She has been featured in worldwide publications for her outstanding work. Her training expertise has helped thousands of families! She also does training for service and military dogs, too!

4. Many Insurance Policies Won’t Cover Your Husky

Siberian Huskies are not known for being particularly aggressive toward humans. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that any dog could bite under the right circumstances, no matter the breed.

Siberian Huskies are on the list of breeds most commonly excluded from homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies. That means if your dog bites someone, you’ll personally be on the hook for any damages or penalties, which could be very expensive.

It’s a good idea to check your policy to make sure it will cover your new pet and perhaps purchase supplemental coverage if it does not.

5. Huskies’ Health Conditions Can Increase Veterinary Costs

All dogs will require some level of veterinary care during their lives, and it’s impossible to predict exactly how much you’ll wind up spending to keep your pet healthy. However, purebred dogs are more prone to health issues because of their relative lack of genetic diversity. Siberian Huskies are no exception.

Good breeders will screen potential breeding pairs for possible genetic issues, but such precautions cannot prevent every issue. Health issues common to Siberian Huskies include:

Hip problems: Huskies, like many other larger breeds, are at increased risk of hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together as it’s meant to. It can lead to arthritis.
Eye problems: Huskies are prone to eye problems, including cataracts (a condition where cells collect and cloud the vision) and glaucoma (pressure within the eye can lead to blindness). Regular veterinary checks can head off problems.
Epilepsy: Huskies can be predisposed to seizures, which result from atypical electrical activity in the brain. Some medications can reduce the frequency of seizures, but there is no cure for epilepsy.
Certain cancers: Huskies live longer than many similarly-sized dogs and thus are more prone to some cancers as they age. Regular checks can prevent many of these from becoming serious.

Final Thoughts

Siberian Huskies are wonderful dogs with tons of personality, but they aren’t appropriate for every pet owner. In considering whether a Siberian Husky is the right dog for you, it’s important to think about the costs associated with the breed.

While they are not the most expensive type of dog, Siberian Huskies aren’t particularly cheap to own. If you’re comfortable with the expenses listed here, then seek out a reputable breeder and get ready to welcome a wonderful new addition to your family.