Siberian Huskies have an average lifespan that is typical for most midsize dogs, especially considering how healthy this breed is genetically. Siberian Huskies are not prone to serious health problems, but issues can develop if they do not receive proper diet and exercise. This makes physical and social stimulation one of the key life expectancy indicators for Siberian Huskies.
Average Lifespan of Siberian Huskies
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the average lifespan of a Siberian Husky is 12 to 14 years. This is normal for a midsize breed, which typically live at least one decade but not long past 15 years (at most). Buying a Siberian Husky from a reputable breeder that offers genetic testing and proof of “clean” lineages will help ensure your dog lives as long as possible.
Siberian Huskies are very active throughout their life and the breed is not known for extensive genetic problems, which both contribute to their longer lifespan. Additionally, Siberian Huskies have not historically suffered from over-breeding, which could otherwise have introduced physical or genetic problems that would shorten their average life expectancy. Regular exercise, a good diet, and lots of socialization and stimulation will also keep them healthy and long-lived.
Factors Impacting Lifespan of Siberian Huskies
The quintessential picture of a Siberian Husky is mushing across a snowy landscape, which should provide prospective owners with a hint as to how active these dogs are. Siberian Huskies are incredibly athletic and need a great deal of mental and physical stimulation. You should be prepared to walk your Husky at least one hour per day and spend a few more hours getting their energy out in other ways, such as through fetch, frisbee, tug of war, and even brain games for dogs.
Having a yard makes it easier to keep a healthy Husky. Siberian Huskies benefit from having space to run and otherwise stretch their legs. Dog parks, doggy daycares, and local pup playgroups can also help wear your Husky out.
Healthy Siberian Huskies are active even into their senior years, so prospective owners should be aware that exercise will be a lifelong requirement.
An appropriate diet will also be key for a healthy, long-lived Siberian Husky. Siberian Huskies require less food than other midsize breeds since they are historically used to travel long distances on lean meals. Because of this, you should use a protein-rich, high-quality food for your Husky.
Monitor your Husky’s weight carefully: females should be between 35 and 50 pounds and males should be between 45 and 60 pounds. Scale back the amount of food provided during mealtimes as needed. You can also base the volume of food on interest. If your dog does not seem to be interested in eating, it’s possible they are being fed too much.
Biggest Health Concerns for Siberian Huskies
In terms of genetic issues, Siberian Husky Shaking Puppy Syndrome (SPS1) and Siberian Husky Polyneuropathy (SHPN1) are two neurological diseases that impact this breed:
- SPS1 is characterized by tremors (e.g., shaking), incoordination, and general difficulty with walking. Affected Huskies will have symptoms early as puppies. Unfortunately, most Siberian Huskies with SPS1 all die before reaching two years of age.
- SHPN1 is characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, incoordination, and gait abnormalities. Onset typically happens in juveniles less than two years of age. SHPN1 attacks the nervous system and progressively impacts a Husky’s ability to walk, but the severity can vary, and it is not always lethal. Unfortunately, there is no current treatment.
Genetic testing is available to identify SPS1 and SHPN1. Both diseases are caused by autosomal recessive genes, which means that the sire and dam must have copies of these genes.
Excluding SPS1 and SHPN1, Siberian Huskies are actually very healthy compared to other midsize breeds. Hip dysplasia and eye disease are possibilities but are not prevalent across the breed. (This also makes Huskies an ideal breed to adopt, for those interested.) Regular vet visits and annual physicals will help you catch hip dysplasia and eye issues before they can progress too drastically. If you have concerns about eye disease, you can also consult an ophthalmologist (but expect to pay more).
Besides genetic issues, the greatest health concern for Siberian Huskies is their lifestyle. As noted earlier, maintaining an active and social routine is critical for a long-lived, happy Husky. This includes both physical and mental stimulation. Being chronically overweight and/or under-stimulated can negatively affect a Husky’s lifespan.
Lifespan of Siberian Huskies vs. Alaskan Malamute
Siberian Huskies are often confused with Alaskan Malamutes (and vice versa). To be fair, both are Arctic-based breeds with thick fur and a love of running. But there are actually several differences between these two breeds, including their lifespans. On average, Siberian Huskies tend to live longer between 12 and 14 years, which is slightly longer than Alaskan Malamutes. According to the AKC, Alaskan Malamutes average between 10 and 14 years.
The Alaskan Malamute is larger than the Siberian Husky, which could be a contributing factor to the shorter lifespan. Whereas Huskies top out at 60 pounds, Alaskan Malamute females should be roughly 75 pounds and males can get up to 85 pounds. Alaskan Malamutes tend to be taller, broader, bulkier, and heavier overall than Siberian Huskies.
