I'm hoping to get a male husky! General consensus seems to be they're more lovey and clingy, and that's my kind of pet. But I do have other pets, and I was wondering if they would be problematic.

I have 8 cats- and they don't mind sticking up for themselves. Mostly they sleep in high places, but I thought if I got the pup when he's young, I could get him to coexist peacefully.

Additionally, I have a dog, a large female mix of a german shephard and bluetick coonhound. She's about 80 lbs, and going on 13 years old (though she's in pretty extraordinary health).

I worried a female may get jealous of Chelsea (the dog), and figured a male may coexist easier, but I wondered if the male had more tendencies to hurt cats.

Any input on this before I make the final decision?

Gender does not dictate how high their prey drive is. Generally if you get a pup at a young enough age they do well integrating with cats and other dogs. You do have to teach them their boundaries with the other animals as you would any other dog though.

You can look around the forum as there are a lot of threads on huskies and cats.

To be honest, a husky with 8 cats and a senior dog sounds like a recipe for disaster. Also, huskies aren't really lovey/clingy dogs. Think about the most aloof lab you've ever known and you'll still be far away from the most lovey husky. Not to say there aren't huskies that show a ton of affection, but most of them aren't super lovable all the time, they are independant. My pup does show me affection, but it took a long time for him to do so. He's almost 9 months now and he finally started getting slightly more affectionate around 7 months. When he was around 4 months, I took him to a puppy play group and while he was playing with another puppy, a little black lab ran up to me. That puppy loved all over me and showed me more affection in 15 seconds than Dizzy had in 2 months.

How much research have you done on huskies? Are you aware of their prey drive? Their exercise needs? Their play style with other dogs? How socialized is your current dog? Does she do well with other dogs? If you think your dog will be jealous of a puppy, it doesn't really matter if its a male or female as a puppy. It might matter as the pup matures, but not as a baby. What is your living situation? How will you train the puppy and protect your other animals, while also protecting the puppy?

My input is that you need to step back a bit and do some more in depth research before you bring home a puppy, male or female. I could be wrong, but you seem to be looking at getting a husky puppy with rose colored glasses, and are totally unprepared for the tornado that is life with a husky puppy.

I know my husky isnt very cuddly at all. Sometimes when he is real tired and will let me pet him when he sleeps but i have to move to him. They are a very independent breed. Yes they always want to be in the same room as you probably but they want to do their own thing.

My male is surprisingly very lovey and cuddly, but I think the main reason is because he has allergies and he just wants to be scratched, haha. My girls want nothing to do with affection and are happiest on their own.

As for the cat part, eight cats and a husky is a lot. We have three cats and and we got all three Huskies as pups and they have a very high prey drive! I would not put it past them to kill my cats if given the opportunity. However, some people have had success with both husky and cats getting along just fine. It really depends on the individual dog and a chance your going to have to take if you decide the husky is the right dog for you. I too recommend doing more research on the breed before fully committing.

By the way, I have two cats and Dizzy is fine with them. Although, as he's getting older, he's getting more curious. I wouldn't trust him alone with them.

While they may be lovey dovey as puppies it seems most grow out of that as they get older, just like any child. Kenzi is only cuddly in the mornings for about 15 minutes and her only motive for that is to butter you up to play. The rest of the day unless I'm going to take her for a walk or play, she doesn't care. A friend of my husband also has a husky pup and he is way more interested in exploring and destroying things than cuddling with mama anytime of day.

My boy's pushing 15 and he's pretty much never been the cuddly type. On the rare occasions he is, he's either trying to get something from me (food/treats, walks, etc) or he's been really sick and wants some comfort. He was cuddly as a pup, but grew out of that rather quickly.

I don't know about the cats...my two would kill a cat in a heart beat. But I really think it's how you would raise the new puppy with the cats, or how the cats would take bringing in a new member.

My male is very cuddly! He loves to be by my side all the time, but I think it's more of "she's mine, not your's" when karma is around!

The lovey and clingy part struck me as odd as well. I wondered where that information was passed along. They are definitely motivated to be near you and don't really handle solitude that well compared to other dogs, but that is, I would assume, due to their working nature and their tendency towards boredom very easily.

My gut reaction is echoed above. I am glad you came here asking the question because you will get some constructive, honest, experienced recommendations and real world testimonials. I would say at the very least hold off quite a while, do more research and seriously evaluate your motive and your desire for a Husky in particular.

I was actually reading here in a thread that males are significantly more affectionate that females! I went through an entire thread that basically agreed that males were more affectionate and females were just the slightest bit more independent. That's what the consensus was, anyway.

Oh, and I didn't mean to sound like I thought my dog would be jealous! Chelsea doesn't really care about other dogs, but I've read through at least 20 pages of google on the behaviors and needs of huskies, and found that people thought females had the tendency of jealousy when it came to other dogs and even newborns. Chelsea is good with other dogs- the only ones she's ever had problems with are other females to be honest.

I did read up on the needs actually! I am currently on a medical leave from college, and I actively go for 2-3 hour long walks and runs. Now that it's winter here in western new york, I can't really take Chelsea with me. Despite her health and energy being pretty phenomenal, the one issue she's having is in her hips, when she is in the cold for long periods of time.
I know they need LOTS of exercise, and also they should never be off the leash (escape artists who can RUN). Luckily I have a huge backyard and the necessities to keep one under control; my dog used to have the same problem in her youth.

As far as the living situation goes, in response to wpskier222, we have a 2 floor (3 if you want to count the basement I suppose) house, and the cats really do have free reign. Most of the time, they're in someone's room sleeping, or if it's feeding time they all gather in the kitchen.
Only 2 of them would ever run away, one being shy, the other because she's very quick to decide she doesn't like company. The rest have been known to just not care when the dog is around.

The prey drive was really the big thing I was concerned about because despite all the research, I have seen many people say one thing, and the other. They're fine, they're not. They're dangerous, they're docile, etc.
My dog is a mix of 2 breeds with exceptionally strong prey drives, a german shephard and a bluetick coonhound. Never once has she ever tried to hurt a cat (though rats have been less lucky- she kills them often). She's 13 in January, our oldest cat is 10 or 11. She's just never had a problem with cats. She's even trained to scruff them if they manage a way outside (as they are exclusively indoor cats) Of course, every dog is different and her demeanor in general is pretty unique to herself, but that's just for the sake of example.
The prey drive was my biggest concern, because some say if you introduce early and train the dog from hurting them, they should be fine. Others say they'll be dangerous as long as they live. Which is why I wanted to ask for some more serious advice before I even considered committing to anything!

If you get the dog from a puppy, training him to leave cats alone will be much easier, we have 2 that are fine with our cats, one was picked up at 13 weeks, the other at 5 years (we checked her cat skills first)
If you do bring him in as a puppy, the long walks won't happen for about a year or so, while it is tempting to keep them very tired, it isn't recommended for their growth and joints. Typically it is suggested to do 5 minutes of walking per month, and only start running/pulling etc after 1 year minimum. Keep researching, they are a very stubborn breed and they are extremely trying Teenagers.

As far as cuddles go....I would be very surprised.

On the topic of cuddly or not: within the breed people say males are more affectionate than females.  However, the breed as a whole is not an affectionate/cuddly breed (Think labs, golden retrievers, many herding breeds and smaller breeds that are more one person/family oriented - breeds of dog that were bred to work very closely with their humans or companion breeds).  That isn't to say that their can't be individuals that don't fit the mold.

Dogs of any breed are unique just like people.  They have their quirks and different personalities.  Breed traits are breed traits for a reason and that reason is that for the most part dogs within the breed exhibit them to some extent.  Prey drive is one of them and it is something you would very much have to watch for and be proactive about.  The difference between GSDs (I know your girl is a mix) and Siberians is how they were bred and what they were used for.  GSDs are an extremely biddable breed built to work in close proximity with their people.  Siberians are not.  They're bred to be independent and to think on their own (they had to be able to make a decision as to obey a command or not).  Many people have cats and Siberians and do just fine.  Others haven't been so lucky.  We just took a dog into rescue who killed his families cats (his GSD friend passed away - she kept the cats safe essentially.  Since she is no longer around the Siberian got to the cats and killed them).  Prey drive can be incredibly unpredictable.  One day the slightest thing could set it off and that could be the end of the cat - even if the dog has lived peacefully with them for years.

Could it be done? Probably.  Depends on the level of dedication you're willing to put into it.  The breed is not for everyone and sometimes, no matter how badly you want something, sometimes you (general) just have to realize that the present is just not the best time for it.

I definitely suggest doing lots more research, sticking around on the forum and talking with others here and also seeking out and talking to breeders (the genetics behind a dog and where you get the dog is equally as important as training the dog)

Right, thank you!!
Additionally, I have considered Klee Kai and Alaskan Malamute- I've been reading up on them as well, and I hear that Malamutes are considerably more laid back and less likely to have a prey drive. Alternatively Klee Kai are much smaller.

Out of curiosity, I don't suppose anyone here has any input on Malamutes and Klee Kai vs siberians?

You're welcome .

Malamutes are much larger but they too have prey drive. I'm pretty sure there are a couple people with Mals on the forum. One woman isn't very active anymore I don't think but I'll see if I can get her on here to give input.

I think there is one or two people who have AKKs but I'm not sure how active they are.

You convinced me! I am always lurking but never really post.

I have a 3 year old malamute named Maggie.
Let me see what I can say about malamutes and you can ask me more questions

Mals tend to be more laid back than huskies. Though the do have moments and get bored and become destructive.

Very very very high prey drive.

Socialization is really really important some mals have dog aggression issues. Maggie can be iffy some days around other dogs.

There isn't really a shedding season with malamutes they blow their coat the same about all year around.

I am addicted to the malamute breed! Lol

What else would you like to know?

Thank you very much haha! It's all very helpful

Would you say mals are affectionate? Not in the sense that they want to monopolize your time, but that they just like being around people, and can be lovey.

The prey drive is definitely the thing that had me the most concerned. Largely most dog breeds I like happen to have high prey drives (aside from the Borzoi, but there are no breeders around here), and my own is a mix of 2 with them. I wondered if perhaps introducing a pup when they were young that they're friends not food would be a possibility. I found a breeder very close to me, who is expecting a litter on the 15th of December, so it would be a young pup of course.

I was intending on getting a male, because my research on the alaskan lines in general have pointed to males being a tad more laid back when the other dogs are not other males. Of course, with my dog's age, unfortunately she may only be around for another year or two. Which, is something I have taken into consideration. If she were about 4 years younger I wouldn't be considering it even, really! But in her age she's a tad less companion and much more "I'm going to lay down for the whole day", haha.

Yes malamutes love love love people. Maggie is very affectionate. Maggie will hang out with all guests that come over. At dog parks she tends to not care about people but everywhere else she will be fine.

I have found male malamutes just as loving as females! Some malamutes don't have high prey drive, I wouldn't trust that. Maggie can't be trusted with anything but another dog or humans. I don't know if any mal can be more lazy than my malamute. Lol

A lazy dog is fine by me! Chels is just a tad lethargic in her age, and sometimes antisocial. People come over and she's all over them, leaning on their legs and demanding pets, but unless you're a guest she is known to ignore you, ahaha. She is a sweet dog though, and she herself has had very few problems with other dogs. The ones I've noted are small dogs (jack russel and a pug), who were annoying her. And a female golden, who she got along with normally, but it was a VERY high strung golden who could get very rough. She's also a watch dog, and very tame around animals like cats. She's been known to get sprayed by skunks because she thinks they're cats and she's learned to scruff cats when they're outside.

I've been going on the assumption that the prey drive will be prominent and I will need to train it out, regardless of the breed, to be on the safe side. My cats are indeed my babies.

I've heard huskies need to be crated if no one is home, to ensure they wont be harmful to themselves, others, etc. Are malamutes the same? Would you recommend crating during times when no one is home?

Well I know lots of malamutes that are okay with cats. If you get it as a pup, shouldn't be a problem!

Well that depends on the mal. Maggie has to be crated. She will find trouble to get into. I recommend crates for most dog owners anyway!

Quote :

I've heard huskies need to be crated if no one is home, to ensure they wont be harmful to themselves, others, etc.

I'd call that a broad (and incorrect to an extent) statement. My one girl actually has destroyed her entire crate because I crated her when I wasn't home. She is fine loose in the house, though.

Each dog is different. I would actually talk with people before believing most of what you read via google search.

Alright, thank you! I really appreciate your help. With that input, I think I am leaning more towards the malamute then!

The Klee Kai seemed like a nice idea, but unfortunately there are no breeders in WNY, and none in Ontario either, which is rather close. I did speak with the local malamute breeder, and they said they like to socialize their pups from an early age, and the temperaments of the parents are laid back, docile and social, and the litters exhibit those traits as well.

It's still a ways away and I haven't even really fully committed to the idea of owning another dog right away (I'm thinking early next year, Jan or Feb) but thank you so much for your help!! I'm glad I hadn't committed to going for a husky right away either. Assuming I do end up getting another dog, it will probably be a mal, and I will be sure to keep updated.

Niraya wrote:

I'd call that a broad (and incorrect to an extent) statement.  My one girl actually has destroyed her entire crate because I crated her when I wasn't home.  She is fine loose in the house, though.  

Each dog is different.  I would actually talk with people before believing most of what you read via google search.

Of course! Unfortunately I don't personally know many people that own huskies. I have a neighbor that owns a beautiful malamute. He's blind in one eye, but never aggressive. Very aloof and gentle, a wonderful dog really. But I don't know anyone who owns a husky, which is why I decided to make an account here and gather input before making any kind of decision

I think if you like reading up on google. Search on greyhound cat testing. Probably best all around info I found on high prey drive dogs with regards to cats. Some high prey drive dogs can never live with cats, some can be be trained, and some, probably very few, need no training. My loki is still a work in progress but actually I think has progressed better then my lab as a puppy. Both my lab and loki will kill almost anything outside though. Loki will also be crated until I know my cats are 100% safe around him. In a case of a husky, this may be never.

There is no problem in getting a young Husky used to cats. He will respect them as pack members. Only thing is that the cats might not be amused about a little pup wanting to make friends with them, although it is ok that they will stick their own boundaries, you should hav ean eye on it.

I think huskies show affection differently than other breeds of dogs. For example, my boy is not by any means cuddly. He is independent and will not lay on me or close to me whether it be in the bed or couch. He doesn't lick faces or hands as most dogs too. I think he shows his love for me by always being near me. He lays on the floor by my side of the bed. He lays by my feet when I cook, fold laundry, or sit on the couch. He lays by the tub when I bathe. He plays with me, but chooses to play with others when they are around, because he can be more rowdy or mouthy with others and he knows it. He is possessive over me because he doesn't like my cats being near me, which isn't okay with me and I'm trying to correct it. He listens to me more so than he does my husband, in terms of commands or scolding. If I go outside with out him he gets upset. If I am outside with him and my husband, and I walk away from them to get in the car and leave he yelps because he wants to be with me.
All of this means he is more attached to me, loyal, or sees me as his pack leader...but he isn't very cuddly at all. The only time he licks me is if I have food scent on my hands, and the only time he wants to lay by me on the couch or bed is if I have food.
He doesn't act like he would hurt the cats, but he also will never like them and neither will they him. It's been 3.5 months and he is 5 months old and they still can't find harmony. The cats have resorted to staying on surfaces and high places to be left alone. I believe it's a huge territory battle. The cats are two neutered males and my husky is not neutered. But they are NOT living in harmony together. I have tried everything to make the cats appear dominate.
The dog is going to be interested in your cats. And I believe the less they want to do with him, the more interest he will have to bother them. Especially because it's stimulation and huskies always have to be entertained. He will try to make them run or try to boss them around and dominate them. I have two....I can't imagine 8 of them and my husky. I will never leave him out of his crate when I eave the house. Even for 30 mins....because I know the breed and have heard stories about huskies that grew up with cats with zero issues, and without warning people have came home to tragedies. I will not even chance it by leaving him unsupervised. I am responsible for my cats and my dog. Any thing that my dog does, or anything that happens to my cats would be my fault, if I didn't take precautions to prevent it.
Also, I have had many animals my whole life. I have had an abundance of cats and dogs, minimum of 5 each) all at once. I have one dog now, and two lazy cats. This one husky has required more of my time than all of my past animals combined. Make sure you have the time and consistency to train him and discipline him, or he will be a tough animal to keep. I know you're most likely educated on huskies and know how hard they are to train and tolerate. Now, take Whatever difficulty, stubbornness, behavior, and activeness you expect they are, and multiply in by 5.