Siberian Huskies are renowned for their intelligence, athletic ability, and beautiful appearance, making them one of the most desirable dog breeds. As a result, numerous enthusiasts who participate in different conversations about Huskies frequently inquire about the average lifespan of Siberian Huskies.
To answer that, the average life expectancy of a Husky is 12 to 15 years. This matches up favorably with other dog breeds of a similar size such as the German Shepherd, Labrador, and Golden Retriever. Of course, statistics are only a guide: some dogs live longer while others have shorter lives.
But to help your furry best friend live an active and long life, you can veer some factors in your favor. In this post, we’re going to talk about some factors that can affect the life expectancy of husky, average life span of husky, and what you can do to have the longest-living Siberian Huskies.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Husky?
A dog owner who got his Siberian Husky from animal rescue organizations, from the shelter, or simply found him on the street, may ask: how long does a Siberian Husky live? What is the lifespan of a Siberian Husky? How old do huskies live? Well, the information to these questions could be very useful if owners try to prolong their Siberian husky life span.
There is a sporting possibility of Husky life expectancy reaching their teens. It’s great to know that their heritage as active sled dogs means that they are descendants of breeds with good health.
An Alaskan Husky, for example, is generally supposed to be a healthy breed but they occasionally suffer from precondition genetic health issues similar to those seen in purebreds.
As a general rule, the larger the breed, the shorter the life expectancy while small dogs tend to live longer. For medium to large breeds, the 12 to 15 years Husky lifespan stands up well.
In any case, the Husky dog, with the special case of a miniature variation breed, has a greatly consistent adult size and small variants are unlikely to shorten or lengthen the lifespan considerably.
Typically, Huskies grow their full size by 12 months of age. From one to seven years of age, they are labeled as an “adult,” and “senior” after that.
It should be noted as well that husky dogs are known for their high level of activity and differ from many other dog breeds. These breeds are playful, strong, and have good stamina. Such characteristics are attributed to the dog from puppy age to adulthood, which also determines the breed’s lifespan.
What are the Common Illnesses Huskies Get?
Besides knowing, how long do Huskies live? Or what is the average lifespan of husky dogs? Owners should also be aware that a purebred dog like a Husky has an Achilles heel where its health is concerned.
Most dogs have a potential risk of having certain health issues. And huskies are no exception. But the good news is: due to their strong and healthy breed, Husky life expectancy is high.
This makes sense as these dogs are used to harsh sub-zero temperatures. Weaker breeds were improbable to survive to produce the next generation.
Those concerns that came about affect the quality of life rather than Husky lifespan. “How long do Huskys live?” is a common query and isn’t always easy to answer. Let’s check out some common Husky health problems.
Cataracts
Cataracts are common to Huskies and are hereditary. The condition is non-life-threatening in the same manner a heart defect might be. However, they may progress to blindness later on [1].
This isn’t great news for an active dog like the Husky but they can do just fine with the care of their owner.
Cataracts refer to the lens’s cloudiness within the eye. Having a cataract blocks light from entering the retina at the back of the eye. As cataracts develop, poor eyesight can lead to a total loss of vision.
While we think of this health problem as a condition for senior dogs, sadly, Huskies can develop premature hereditary cataracts. From as young as one year old, this impacts their ability to see.
For an active dog that loves to wander, this can be restricting, but not dangerous.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Another condition that causes juvenile blindness in Huskies is PRA and potentially young pups. PRA is one of the inherited health problems affecting the light-sensitive layer lining the eyeball.
Once the retina withers and thins after few months, the dog can go blind. But with a dedicated owner, this health problem should not affect Husky lifespan.
The possible risk is the energetic dog that runs into the street unaware of oncoming traffic. This makes it a challenge to give the Husky breed adequate exercise, but plenty of space and a long line go a long way to keeping your furry best friend safe.
Glaucoma
It appears the eye is the weakness of Huskies as glaucoma is also one of the husky health problems that affect the eye. Glaucoma refers to an increase of fluid pressure within the eyeball, causing it to expand and stretch.
Not only does this blur the dog’s view but it’s also painful. There are treatments that help decrease the impact of this health problem, but they aren’t always successful. Moreover, they don’t cure glaucoma but control the symptoms. This makes lifelong treatment crucial.
Hip Dysplasia
Huskies are prone to hereditary hip dysplasia passed on from parent to pup. It causes the poor structure of the hip joint. Sometimes pain relief is all that is needed in mild cases.
However, when the pain becomes severe, it would require hip replacement surgery. Hip dysplasia has the potential to cut Husky lifespan if radical surgery is not an option. It is the most difficult decision to make.
But instead of having the dog live in constant severe pain, deciding to end his misery is the humane choice.
Behavioral Issues
Although, strictly speaking, this is not a health problem. Husky’s need for extreme exercise and love of freedom can be a concern. Huskies are bred to be on the go all day long.
Unfortunately, not every former working dog has a fitting energetic owner. When kept confined, they can establish bad habits, such as chewing, digging, and barking. This can lead to them being signed over to a shelter or abandoned.
It could put the future of the dog in peril since rescues are becoming full to overflowing.
What You Can Do to Extend the Lifespan of a Husky?
We’ve touched upon ‘how long do huskies live’ and have discussed all the health issues and other factors that might shorten the life of your Siberian. Now in this section, we’ll be teaching you about the actions you can take to extend the lifespan of a Siberian Husky.
Provide Proper Nutrition and Vitamins
It doesn’t matter if you decide to feed your Huskies with kibble or raw dog food, dry or wet, canned or home-cooked, but it is vital to include in the regular diet of your pet all essential nutrients, such as proteins, water, fats, and carbohydrates.
Additionally, minerals and vitamins must be periodically added to their meal. Serve your pet only with food not lower than the premium class, suitable by size, age, and physical activity.
Always Give it Exercise
As a sled dog, the breed is hard-wired to run all day in harsh weather. Your pet may love to curl up by the hearth, but this doesn’t retract their basic drive to run. A bored canine may run off and become the victim of a car accident. Or else, they may become so destructive they’re unbearable to live with.
Thus, make sure a Husky gets plenty of physical and mental exercise. Also, take care of your pet’s waistline and they’ll live longer. Research shows that lean breeds live two to three years longer than their chubbier hound cousins. Avoid over-feeding to cap off that Siberian Husky lifespan.
Regular Checkups and Vaccinations
Make sure you’re taking your Siberian husky to the veterinarian at least once a year for a routine checkup. This is vitally important for all types of breeds, regardless of whether they’re sick or not.
Additionally, make sure your hound has all the required vaccinations such as parasite control. Parasite control can help prevent heartworm that is a life-threatening condition. With vaccination and regular checkups, you can avoid several diseases and stop them right in their tracks.
Have it Spayed
Studies reveal that female dogs live longer than male breeds, and that spayed females live longer than those that are not. For a longer Husky life expectancy, have your female puppy fixed.
Proper Grooming and Hygiene
To maintain the health of the Husky and increase its lifespan, it’s extremely essential to groom them properly. It’s not enough to bathe them 2-3 times a year and brush their magnificent coat a few times a week. During shedding season, more frequent brushing is required.
Wiping your dog’s eyes and cleaning its ears should be included in your routine list. It is also advisable to brush their teeth regularly or at least use teeth-cleaning toys. It’s recommended to use natural dental treats that are Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common cause of death in Huskies?
Like most senior dogs, cancer is by far the most common cause of death in Huskies. While a pretty healthy breed, like many dogs, Huskies are prone to some genetic disorders including eye problems (glaucoma, cataracts, and Corneal dystrophy), epilepsy, bleeding disorders (Von Willebrand’s disease), high blood pressure, Laryngeal Paralysis, hip dysplasia, autoimmune skin disease, Degenerative Myelopathy, hypothyroidism, and skin infections.
However, with a nutrient well-balanced diet, regular vet checkups, and of course, plenty of love, you can expect your Husky to live 10+ years and well in senior years.
What age is a Husky fully grown?
Huskies grow quickly between 0 to 6 months old then slacken a bit until they reach one year old–at which they are typically at their adult height–then continue to grow until they are around 2 years old.
Some males won’t reach their full size and can continue to grow past that until they are 3 years old. At 6 months, Siberian Huskies are already old enough to have their first litter, though, they’re typically not advised until they are at least a year old.
How do you care for an old Husky?
It’s necessary to make your pet belonged and feel loved as he grows old. However, don’t expect your hound to be as athletic and fast as it used to be.
In this case, it is essential to provide your old mutt with proper care, such as not physically overloading the dog; going for vet examinations every two months even if the pet is relatively healthy; providing minerals and vitamins on the recommendation of a vet, and not overfeeding the dog.
Conclusion
To wrap up, as Huskies mature, they may develop a variety of health issues. Those can make their last years less or shorten their life expectancy. We hope this article has helped you answer the question: how long do Huskies live?
In keeping your Husky healthier longer, a rule of thumb is to note that he is a working dog so don’t overfeed him and keep him active. Otherwise, your Siberian Husky is at risk of becoming obese, and that leads directly to premature death. Keep your dog active and slim can increase your husky life expectancy and promote a healthy life.
