Dogs are some of the most passionate and loyal pets anyone can have.
Playful and optimistic, they capture the hearts of many people around the world. One of the most adorable breeds is a Siberian husky known for its intelligence and beauty.
However, unlike canines such as German shepherds and Alsatians, they are not very common. You can only find them naturally in a few parts of the world like Asia.
Also, their price is directly tied to their geographical location.
That's why we highlight all you need to know about Siberian huskies and how much it takes to purchase, feed them the best husky puppy food, and maintain their health.
Useful Facts to Know About Siberian Huskies
The Siberian husky is mostly of northern heritage due to its plentiful fur, pointy ears, and shaped tail. They are medium in size and carry unique markings across their eyes and bodies, making them look similar to wolves. The canine originated in Asia, and the Chukchi people mainly used them as sled dogs. They also used them to provide the owner companionship in periods of isolation.On closer observation, they have this playful yet playful and cheerful look to them.
They came into the limelight in the 20th century because these dogs frequently won sled races, breaking century-old speed records. People have domesticated them in the current age, but mushers in the U.S still keep Siberian huskies for the purpose of participating in sled races.
Interestingly, although the Siberian husky is rare in most parts of the world, it is the 12th most common canine in the United States. Most Americans covet its beauty and intelligence, which has many people to ship these dogs and make them reproduce.
How Much a Siberian Husky Would Cost You
Like we mentioned earlier, Siberian huskies are quite expensive compared to other dogs.The price of the Siberian husky depends on the purity of the breed. Half-bred Siberian huskies would go for about $600-900. However, if you want to get a top-quality variant of the canine, you should expect to spend nothing less than $1000.
If that sounds too expensive for you, there’s another option for you; adoption. You can choose to adopt a survivor pure-bred or half-bred husky for the price of $350-$500, including other expenses.
In addition to the initial prices of the Siberian husky, there are also various other expenses to consider, such as:
Vaccination and maintenance
Compared to other dogs, Siberian dogs are born a little weaker. They need a bit more support and care to reduce their mortality rates. If you have a pack of newly-born Siberian dogs, you would need to swiftly vaccinate each of them. It is common knowledge that vaccination bills aren’t cheap.Like other dogs, you need to thoroughly train huskies on new habits to form and old habits to discard, which would cause about $100 for eight weeks. Luckily, they clean themselves, so you only need to give them a few baths a year. This saves you a lot on bathing supplies.
Feeding
Generally, dogs require a lot of food to stay functional and healthy based on the amount of activity they're doing and the weather the canine is in. Siberian huskies are canines that need a lot of protein to keep their rich coat of fur healthy and their energy levels high. They are highly active dogs, so you would need to add at least 30% protein to each of their meals.In the summer, where their activity levels are lower, you can lower the protein level to about 20% in every meal. Good protein sources include chicken, fish (without the bones), meat, milk, and so on.
An average husky eats about three cups of dog food each day, about one pound of dog food. This would mean that you would need to spend $400-$600 yearly on dog food alone for one husky.
Other health conditions
Siberian huskies are relatively healthy dogs that have the potential to live up to 15 years. They also keep a normal weight of 35-60 pounds which scratches out obesity-related diseases. However, they occasionally have to go to the vet, and we all know how expensive vet bills are.They are susceptible to several diseases such as:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip socket doesn't fully cover the upper thigh bone's ball portion, making it easier to dislocate. Huskies are commonly born with the disease, and you would need about $1,500-$6,000 to treat, depending on its severity.
- Entropion: Huskies who have this condition experience their eyelids turning inwards, causing mild to severe discomfort. Luckily, it is easier to treat than hip dysplasia, ranging from $300-$1,500.
- Corneal Dystrophy: Huskies are particularly susceptible to this optic disorder. It is a condition in which an abnormal, alien substance accumulates in the eyes. If you leave it untreated, it can spread to the other eye and render your pet blind. Depending on the time of detection, it costs $300-$3,000 to treat.
- Uveodermatologic Syndrome: This condition is generally common among dogs. It causes the affected dogs' hair to whiten and their skin to lose pigmentation. They would also suffer from several optic problems, such as retinal separation. We recommend you act fast as soon as you notice your canine has these symptoms. It costs $1,000-$3,000 to treat.
- Deafness: Deafness is an easily treatable condition, which costs an affordable $100-300 to resolve.
The Bottom Line
Siberian huskies are one of the most beautiful and loyal canines in the world. If you take one under your roof, you are guaranteed a trusty companion as well as a capable bodyguard. Due to their high energy levels, they can even be reliable workout buddies!If you want to get one, you need to know the different expenses involved in keeping the puppy and the various health conditions they are susceptible to. It would be best if you also considered taking in a rescue dog at a lesser price, providing shelter for one more unlucky canine.
