Can Huskies live to 16

Facts You Need to Know About a Huskys Lifespan!

If you have a husky or are thinking about getting one, its good to know how long they usually live. Every dog breed has a different average lifespan. So, how long do huskies live?

In this article, well also share tips on how to keep your husky healthy for as long as possible.

On average, Siberian huskies live between 12 and 15 years. Some might live longer if theyre really healthy. Others might live less if they have health problems. But generally, you can expect a husky to live about 12 to 15 years.

Siberian Husky Lifespan

Huskies who live most of their lives without health issues are likely to reach 13-15 years old.

This is a pretty generous lifespan for a medium-sized breed like the husky. Many larger breeds have a slightly shorter lifespan, and smaller breeds, a longer one.

Huskies, like most other dogs, are prone to certain health conditions. And for those that go on to have health issues affecting their overall quality of life, general health and wellbeing, and ultimately their life expectancy.

Having said this, huskies with health issues can still live a high-quality life and make it way beyond 10 years old. Of course, it depends on what health issue we are talking about and when it happens.

What Do Huskies Usually Die From?

Unfortunately, cancer is the most common cause of death in huskies as it is in many other breeds too. Certain cancers are curable and effective treatment is available if detection is early.

Aside from cancer, issues like arthritis, hypothyroidism, the effects of zinc deficiency, and heart disease are also common killers for those huskies that are well into their senior years.

Similar Breeds Life Expectency Comparison

Many would like to know how the husky compares to other similar breeds, popular breeds. So lets take a look.

Husky life expectancy comparison chart:

The husky doesnt fair too bad compared to other popular and similar breeds. Youll notice only a few of the breeds have a longer life expectancy. And that will partly be down to being physically smaller than the husky.

Alaskan Klee Kais along with Alaskan Malamutes are two of the closest breeds to the Siberian Husky. The Alaskan Klee Kai is quite a fair bit smaller than the husky, and the Malamute is of course much bigger. Their respective lifespans correspond to this.

And for those wondering about the Alaskan Husky: they are technically crossbred, and their genetics indicate a mixture of Siberian Husky, Greyhounds, Malamutes, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Despite this, they are not considered a separate breed from the Siberian Husky. Anyway, their lifespan is 12-15 years, just like the Siberians. More about Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Differences.

Whats The Oldest Husky Alive?

A really common question I receive is whats the oldest husky alive (or that has ever lived).

I have tried finding this information since I started this site years ago, and honestly, it isnt easy to find a definitive answer.

• Some owners on various husky forums have mentioned knowing a husky that has lived to 18 years old. Which is super old for almost any breed, let alone a husky.

Have we verified this? Unfortunately not. And no world records have been claimed for having the oldest husky alive.

There are always exceptions to the lifespan range, so I do not doubt that some huskies have lived to be around 16-19 years old.

4 Main Factors Affecting a Huskys Lifespan

Lets examine the main factors affecting how long a husky will live.

1. Health Issues

Health issues are of course, a huge factor. Some huskies will never have significant health issues, and others wont be so lucky. Some will suffer from health issues early on and others much later on.

Getting health issues early on will likely impact lifespan negatively. And not necessarily as a direct result of the health issue itself but because of the knock-on effects.

Knock-on effects could disrupt their ability to exercise and stay energetic, it could also affect their digestion and absorption of nutrients. Which, in the long run, have an impact on overall health, quality of life, and lifespan.

A big problem is that a lot of health issues cause obesity, either directly or indirectly, and obesity is considered to have detrimental effects on lifespan.

The same is said for health issues that cause stress. It was found that stress in domestic dogs is quite prolific and can negatively impact lifespan.

Health issues huskies can suffer from:

• Hip dysplasia (leading to arthritis)
• Epilepsy
• Cancers
• Eye problems (PRA)
• Hypothyroidism
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Zinc deficiency
• Gum disease

Some of these health issues can directly cause death, and for those that dont, the negative lifestyle and potential chronic stress endured by them could lead to a shorter lifespan.

2. Diet & Nutrition

Diet and nutrition have a tremendous impact on your huskys health over many years. Diet and nutrition can even be the difference between developing health issues or avoiding them

The world of dog food and dog diets is almost as complicated as it is for us! Youve got kibble, human-grade dog food, the raw food diet, a mixture of them, and Im sure many more.

Its a strongly debated topic, but in reality, its quite hard to know which diet is the best, as they all have their pros and cons.

While I do feel that the raw food diet is probably* the healthiest diet for a husky in the long run, its also extremely expensive, with an average monthly cost of $250-$350. And this is not possible for many owners.

Thankfully, kibble still does a good job, but its important to opt for a premium quality kibble from a reputable brand. Brands like Orijen, Acana, Taste of The Wild, and Wellness prioritize fresh and whole ingredients, and have a suitable macronutrient breakdown tailored for working dogs.

Its crucial to avoid kibbles that have a high carb content. Carbs have been shown to be pretty much useless for canine health. Dogs, especially huskies have long been eating almost entirely protein and fat (even for a long time after domestication), and therefore their bodies are made to digest protein and fat efficiently.

With companies all fighting to beat each other in price, quality is lost, and cheaper ingredients are preferred. And for many inferior kibbles, bulking up the carbohydrate content is the way this is achieved.

In the long run, keeping your husky on a diet that lacks nutrition or is of low quality in general, will likely impact their health and life expectancy.

If you want to learn more about food and diets for your husky, check out the husky nutrition section.

3. Exercise & Activity

Perhaps one reason why huskies have a generous life expectancy is due to the fact they are very active and well-exercised.

Most people who own a husky, or want to get one, are well aware that a husky NEEDS a lot of exercise and suit an active lifestyle.

Thankfully, most owners respect the huskys need for exercise and do provide around 2 hours on average of exercise per day.

This, without a doubt, keeps a husky healthy not just physically but also mentally too. Although mental stimulation is still required separately, physical exercise can do its part in keeping stress levels down.

4. Environment & Lifestyle

Something that perhaps doesnt get the attention like health issues, diet, and exercise does is a dogs general environment and lifestyle.

This is heavily related to stress levels and overall happiness. Multiple in-depth studies have shown that the environment and stress levels of our canines companions can influence their health, just as it does in us.

So as an overview, its worth considering what kind of environment does your husky live in and what could be their stress levels.

Environments can change dramatically, from city living to quiet rural areas with plenty of space to run around at all times. Some environments are busy and chaotic whereas others are peaceful and liberating.

4 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Husky Healthy

Lets run through some simple tips on keeping your husky healthy and hopefully alive for longer!

1. Regular vet check ups

Regular vet checkups are crucial, yet often forgotten about. Many owners forget and some put them off if their dog appears to be fine. We, however, dont have the expertise that a vet has, and we arent able to perform the necessary checks that they can in the vets office.

Bi-yearly appointments are the best way to detect health issues early, prevent health issues from happening, and keeping your husky healthy for longer.

2. Sufficient exercise

Exercise is crucial to a husky. Huskies were bred as sled dogs and are accustomed to running for miles upon miles almost on a daily basis.

Its literally in their DNA to exercise (much more than the average dog). To keep a husky healthy their exercise needs must be satisfied. 2 hours per day is appropriate for healthy adults, but many huskies will happily exercise for longer.

3. Quality nutrition

Take the time to really get your huskys diet and nutrition on point. Research the brand you are using, converse with other owners, be sensitive to how your husky reacts to the food, and even consult your vet if you need to.

Dont be afraid to try new diets until you find a really good one, but when you do, be sure to stick to it for a while.

If the raw food diet is something you would like to provide, its crucial to do your research and have your veterinarian monitor your husky over the course of a few months to ensure their body is receiving a healthy ratio of nutrients.

4. Provide a stress free, loving environment

Last but certainly not least, provide a calm environment that your husky can relax in and remain stress-free. Huskies crave attention from their owners, so dont be afraid to indulge your husky with your love and time (even if they turn their nose up at it! lol). Good health and happiness will come when your husky is prioritized.

FAQs

Can Huskies Live For 20 Years?

As of now, we are unaware of a husky reaching 20 years old, but that doesnt mean its not possible. The oldest husky that has been officially recorded was 18 years old.

Yes 14 is considered old for a husky. This is already towards the end of their average lifespan.

Huskies at 10 years old are considered well into their senior years but should live for another few years at least. This is assuming they are in good health.

What Age Do Huskies Become Senior Dogs

Huskies over 8 years old are considered senior dogs.

Thank you for reading! If you have any more questions about the huskys life expectancy, be sure to contact me

Additional resources and studies used:NCBI Study

CGE Journal Canine Medicine

PDSA Org Uk

How Long Do Huskies Live Husky Lifespan 101

Athletic, intelligent, and absolutely stunning, the Siberian Husky is one of the most sought dog breeds, and its easy to see why.

Another reason they stand out amongst the pack pun very much intended is that the lifespan of a Husky Dog differs a fair amount from other dog breeds in their weight class.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

The lifespan of a dog is most dependent on their breed. Small breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Pomeranians typically live 12-16 years, with some living close to two decades.

While the biggest of the biggest have the shortest lifespan with Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Irish Wolfhounds rarely making past the decade mark.

How Long do Siberian Huskies Live?

Even though Siberian Huskies are a medium-size breed that typically lives 10-13 years, the Siberian Husky itself has a longer lifespan, typically living between 12-15 years. And its not uncommon to hear of them living to the ripe old age 16.

When comparing them to similar dogs in their size range, Golden Retrievers only live about 10-12 years while the average German Shepherd lives anywhere from 9-13 years.

The Siberian Huskies cousin, the Alaskan Malamute, has a shorter lifespan as well between 10-12 years.

How Long Do Alaskan Huskies Live

Due to their complex genetic mix of various Northern breeds including our Siberian Husky, along with the German Shorthaired-pointer, Greyhound, and sometimes other dogs, The Alaskan Husky is a particularly healthy dog. They have a lifespan that matches the Siberian Husky at 12-15 years.

What is The Longest Living Husky?

Strangely, there appears to be no concrete record for the oldest living Siberian Husky. No Siberian Husky appears on Guinness longest living dogs list.

Murmurs around the internet appear to show that the oldest husky may have lived to age 18. There is even some talk about one living to age 20.

What do Huskies Usually Die From?

With regular vet checkups, a nutrient well-balanced diet, and of course, love, you can expect your husky to live 10+ years and well into their senior years.

Unfortunately, like most senior dogs, cancer is by far the biggest killer.

While a pretty healthy breed all things considered, like any breed, the Siberian Husky is prone to some genetic disorders including eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, & Corneal dystrophy), and bleeding disorders (Von Willebrands disease), epilepsy, Laryngeal Paralysis, high blood pressure.

Hip dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy, autoimmune skin disease, skin Infections, and hypothyroidism.

What Age is a Husky Full Grown?

Huskies grow the fastest between 0-6 months old then slow down a bit until they reach a year old at which they are usually at their adult height then continue to fill out their frame until they are about 2 years old.

Some males can continue to grow past that, and wont reach their full size until they are 3 years old.

At 6 months, a Siberian Husky is old enough to have her first litter, though its usually not recommended until she is at least one year old.

Is it Better to Get a Male or Female Husky?

When it comes to how long each sex lives, as long as you get your female sprayed, there little to no difference in lifespan.

There is the myth that males are better tempered (once neutered) than females but dont learn as well. While females are great learners but can be temperamental even after being fixed. Its all crap if you ask us.

An untrained husky regardless of their sex is likely to be pretty stubborn, may hunt small animals like squirrels, and try escaping your house whenever they feel like it.

But when you train you Husky which isnt hard but youll want previous training experience youll have one incredible dog to call your best friend.

How to Keep Your Husky Healthy so They Can Live a Longer Life

Here is a substantial list of simple things you can do to help your Siberian Husky live a longer life.

Regular Veterinarian Checkups and Vaccinations: A disease caught early is a disease thats often curable, so make sure you take your Siberian Husky to their regular checkups with the veterinarian and resolve small concerns with online vet help.

. This is doubly important because they receive important vaccinations that can save their life.

Parasite Control: A heartworm preventive like Heartgard is an absolute must because heartworms can kill your dog.

Spaying: Its important to spray and neuter your dogs, but getting your female husky spayed is especially important as several studies show that spayed females live longer than unspayed females.

Keeping Slim With An Active Life: Research shows dogs within their appropriate weight range life 2-3 years longer than overweight dogs. Siberian have enormous appetites because they are bred for pulling heavy sleds for miles and miles.

So dont even think about getting a husky if youre not an active person that cant spend an hour heavily exercising your huskaroo.

Do Huskies Make Good Family Dogs Other Characteristics Of The Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are best described as wickedly smart dogs with incredible agility and energy thats backed massive personalities often on the stubbornly goofy or dorky side.

They are super friendly and loving members of the house. However, this is only true for certain people and families.

Huskies have a downside, and it all has to do with their intelligence and energy. They are too smart for their good and like to test your patience to see how far they can get.

They can be especially stubborn during training, or whenever they feel like it, and will often try darting out an open door to run.

Huskies owners all have fond stories of them chasing their husky down the street, yards, you name it, because they left the door slightly too open for too long when bringing in groceries.

As such, taking care of a Siberian Husky on your own, especially, if youre not experienced owning and training a dog, can often be a disaster.

They do best with families where the parents are previous dog owners and can teach their kids the importance of properly training their new husky pup.

Siberian Husky Characteristic Chart

Are Huskies Good Family Dogs?

Huskies can be fantastic family dogs, especially because they have all that energy that is perfect for tuckering out the little ones.

Huskies are mostly graceful around kids, but they can be dorks and spaz out with energy, but even then, theyre good about not running into people.

Most huskies do get random independent episodes usually only lasting a few hours to a day at most where they want to be left alone.

They can become territorial over their area (bed/den) when this happens, and will growl or get angry if pressed upon. Usually, this happens with other animals, not people.

Last, you want to make sure you can handle their training needs as their intelligence makes them prone to boredom resulting in them disobeying.

As well, dont expect a husky to walk without a leash by your kids side. They love to run, and they love to run after other things that run.

Do Huskies Sleep a Lot?

Like all dogs, huskies sleep a lot between 12 to 16 hours each day. After 6 months, your husky pup should be sleeping through the night and taking multiple naps throughout the day. Maybe we should take a clue from our pups cause they seem to know whats up.

When awake, Siberian Huskies are alert and active dogs bursting at the seams with energy. A poor diet can result in low energy as well as a serious condition such as a thyroid issue.

Conclusion

With many Siberian Huskies living to 15 and sometimes 16 years olds, the husky may just be the medium size breed with the longest lifespan.

They make exceptional dogs, but for the right kind of owner. If you think a Siberian Husky is just what the doctor ordered for you, check out a husky rescue or your local rescues.

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