The Siberian Husky is a native Siberian dog developed by the Chukchi to pull sleds for long hours in harsh climates. More than 3000 years later Huskies are popular family pets. They are energetic dogs and like to spend a lot of time outside all year round, whatever the weather.
Many owners are concerned about this dog’s ability to cope with hot weather but don’t give as much thought to their requirements when temperatures drop. Do huskies like the cold?
Huskies can survive in cold conditions but this doesn’t mean they like low temperatures: they do get cold! A Siberian Husky cannot tolerate temperatures of 10°F (-12°C) or lower. Though its double coat helps it to withstand icy weather, a husky prefers a level of warmth.
It is assumed huskies like the cold because of their Siberian origins. But it’s more a case that they are able to tolerate the cold more than other dogs.
Huskies are designed to withstand freezing temperatures with their dense double coats that keep out the chill on the iciest days.
However, a Husky should not be kept outside in freezing temperatures as hypothermia and frostbite can set in very quickly.
How long can huskies stay outside in the cold?
When it’s really cold, a husky should not be left outside for hours. Your dog will generally let you know by its behavior when it is feeling too cold and wants to come inside.
We cover how you can tell if a husky is too cold further down, so make sure you are aware of all the signs.
Even in the coldest weather, a husky needs to go outside for exercise and to relieve itself. Whilst it is moving, it will stay warm enough, so it’s fine to take a short brisk walk.
If you have to leave your husky outside for any length of time when it’s very cold, it must always have access to a warm, dry shelter.
What climate suits the husky best?
Most huskies are pets and not working dogs. They spend a lot of time indoors though some prefer to be outside as much as possible.
Siberian huskies survive the cold because of their coats. They have a double coat consisting of an undercoat and a coarser topcoat of guard hairs.
This combination protects it in extremely cold weather. The soft, dense undercoat traps heat and the guard hairs prevent snow and ice from building up and stop snow from penetrating through to their skin.
Guard hairs also protect a husky’s skin from superficial injuries.
The best climate for the Siberian husky, if the dog has access to a sheltered, heated environment is anything from a tundra climate (a climate that is cold and dry most of the year) to a temperate climate (a climate that doesn’t typically have extreme temperatures).
You may find this answer strange, seeing as they spent hundreds and hundreds of years doing perfectly well in the arctic conditions of Siberia.
However, the question wasn’t what climate the husky could survive in, it was what climate best suits the husky.
When the Siberian Husky lived with the Chukchi tribes in Siberia, it spent most of its time transporting the spoils of hunting expeditions from coastal regions to the inland communities.
This was usually a long distance covered at high speeds. There wasn’t much time for resting and feeling cold.
The amount of exercise the huskies undertook helped keep them warm in the harsh Siberian climate. It would not have been an ideal environment for this breed if they weren’t used in this specific way.
The Siberian Husky can now be found in countries worldwide, even in hot climates.
Although the husky can survive in hot climates, it is a challenge to ensure they get the exercise they need without overheating in high temperatures.
What temperature can huskies tolerate?
Huskies can struggle in temperatures above 70-75°F (21-24°C), as their thick coats make it difficult for them to dissipate heat efficiently. They are also at risk of heat-related issues like heatstroke if not provided with proper shade, ventilation, and access to cool water.
Although they tolerate cold temperatures, when it’s between 10° F (-12° C) and 15° F (-9° C), as much as this dog loves snow, a husky will feel the cold. Prolonged exposure to these temperatures (or lower) will put your husky at risk of hypothermia.
Although the husky was bred in the incredibly tough climate of Siberia where temperatures can drop as low as -75° F ( -59° C), they would not have survived for long if left outside unprotected in those conditions for any length of time.
During the cold nights, the Chukchi people used to allow huskies into their homes where they would snuggle up with each other and the people. So they did not typically spend much rest time outside in the harshest weather.
In the summer months, the husky was allowed to wander free and it would only return to its people when the cold winter set in once more and food became more difficult for it to find.
These summer months were significantly warmer than the winter and the husky developed skills to help protect it from the elements, such as building a shelter from the biting wind.
If temperatures in your location drop to these levels and your husky lives outside, you should provide a decent shelter. But the recommendation is to treat them as a pet and keep them indoors if at all possible.
A husky can sleep outside in winter but it must have a well-insulated shelter raised off the ground.
It should be large enough for your dog to move around but small enough to be heated by body heat. Straw is an ideal insulator as it absorbs any snow the dog may trek in.
How to tell if your husky is too cold
There are actually a few different ways to determine if your husky is too cold but bear in mind that there are more variables than just the temperature.
How old your dog is, whether they are in peak fitness and not suffering from any health problems as well as the condition of their coat all play a factor in whether they will feel the cold or not.
With dogs, like us, when hypothermia sets in it can sometimes already be too late. Frostbite can also be a problem and this happens when blood is transferred to critical organs to keep them functioning leaving extremities to freeze.
Shivering – perhaps the most obvious way that a husky will show that it is cold is by shivering. This is an uncontrollable reaction in dogs (as well as us) that is designed to help warm up the body when too cold.
Curled up – when a husky is feeling the cold, it will curl up with its tail wrapped around its face for warmth. The tail traps its breath and heats its face and nose.
They feel cold to the touch – If the extremities such as ears are cold then blood is being directed elsewhere. Although the husky has two rather thick layers of fur, to the touch, they will be noticeably cold.
Obvious signs of distress – it’s not hard to ascertain that there is something wrong with the husky. If they are not curled up and are moving around, they might be moving a lot slower than usual or in obvious signs of distress.
Trying to get your attention – another sign that something isn’t quite right is your husky, who may be quite quiet for a lot of the time, may whine or howl, trying to get your attention. This is all they can do, they won’t be able to tell you what is wrong, just that something is wrong.
Ice on its coat – If your husky has a layer of snow on its coat that’s not showing signs of melting then it isn’t losing body heat.
However, if it has ice on its coat this is a sign it is losing enough body heat to melt snow. Ice build-up is dangerous as a wet, heavy coat is not insulating. Get your dog inside and warm it up.
Your dog won’t come out of its kennel – If your husky is feeling far too cold it won’t want to come out of its kennel at all. If it is curled up and shivering, make it come out and take it indoors. You don’t want to risk your dog freezing to death!
Or, you could not worry about having to look out for any of the above and just get them in when it gets too cold?
How can we safely warm a Siberian Husky up?
If for whatever reason, your husky has become too cold then there are some things you can do to keep their temperature from dropping below critical levels.
The first, and perhaps most obvious one, is to bring them inside. No pet should be kept in conditions that could endanger his or her life.
However, if the temperature outside isn’t cold enough to be life-threatening but could be cold enough to cause discomfort, how can you ensure they are kept comfortable?
One of the best ways is to get them an outdoor heated bed. These things are great and, combined with a dog house may be all that you need.
I recommend a heated pad from K&H Pet Products. Its curved shape is perfect for round, igloo-style dog houses. It’s available on Amazon and you can see the current price and reviews at this link.
If you need an outdoor dog house, check out this one on Amazon. It’s been around for a while, is fully waterproof and has some great reviews. Before you decide on any other, take a look at this one first.
Your best bet if you believe your dog has been subjected to cold temperatures is to get them inside.
Can a Siberian Husky overheat?
Yes, a Siberian Husky can overheat. In fact, a husky can start to overheat at temperatures as low as 0°F – which is ridiculous when you think about it but then it was designed for the very cold Siberian climate.
The two, thick layers of fur it has on its body
These days, the Siberian Husky is found in all kinds of climates, including those that have vastly higher temperatures than that found in its natural environment. The husky can happily survive in the cold but the owner needs to be careful.
A husky will still want to run for hours, despite the heat but running at high speeds in direct sunlight is a very bad idea. Try and find areas that are covered or get out very early or very late in the day when temperatures are cooler.
A lot of fluids should be taken (not just for the husky but for you as well) and regular stops should be factored into any exercise so the husky can recoup and cool down in some shade.
One thing you should never do is cut a husky’s hair thinking this will cool it down.
Why Do Huskies Love Snow?
Huskies are a breed of dog that has a natural love of snowy environments for several reasons:
1. They were bred in snowy regions
Huskies are descended from sled dogs bred in Arctic regions. They were specifically developed to thrive in cold climates and excel at tasks like pulling sleds through snowy terrain.
2. Their double coat protects them from it
Huskies have a unique double coat with a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser outer coat that helps protect them from snow. This coat not only keeps them warm but also repels moisture, allowing them to stay dry in snowy conditions.
3. They have snow-friendly adaptions
Huskies have physical adaptations that make them well-suited for loving snow. Their large, furry paws act like snowshoes, helping them navigate through deep snow without sinking. Their keen sense of smell and strong sense of direction also make them excellent working dogs in snowy landscapes.
4. Loving snow is a natural instinct
Huskies often display behaviors that are consistent with their cold-weather adaptation. They might roll in the snow, dig in it, and even lie down in it to regulate their body temperature. These behaviors help them cool down when they’re feeling warm.
5. Snow helps them expend energy
Huskies are known for their high energy levels and need for exercise. Snowy environments provide a stimulating and engaging atmosphere for them to run, play, and explore. Their love of snow could also be tied to the mental and physical stimulation they receive in such conditions.
6. Snow invokes their love of social interaction
Huskies are social animals that enjoy being around people and other dogs. Snowy settings can provide opportunities for social interactions, group activities, and play, which contributes to their enjoyment of the snow.
Does a Siberian Husky Need Cold Weather?
Whilst Siberian Huskies tolerate cold weather much better than many other dog breeds, it’s important to note that they adapt well to warmer climates with proper care. Therefore cold weather is not something a Husky needs to thrive.
If you live in an area with warmer temperatures, make sure your Husky has a cool and shaded area to rest, and consider using fans or air conditioning to help keep them comfortable. Regular grooming and brushing can also help manage their coat and prevent excessive shedding, which can aid in temperature regulation.
Overall, whilst Siberian Huskies are more naturally suited to colder climates, they can adapt to different environments as long as their needs for temperature regulation and comfort are met.
Do Husky Puppies Get Cold?
Very young husky puppies, especially those that are just a few weeks old, are more susceptible to cold temperatures due to their smaller size and undeveloped coats.
It’s essential to provide them with a warm and sheltered environment, especially in extremely cold conditions. Just like any other breed of puppy, they are more vulnerable to temperature changes when they are very young.
Conclusion. Can Huskies get cold?
Hopefully, this post has made it obvious that yes, the Siberian Husky certainly can become too cold. The common rule of thumb is that if you find it cold, then your dog will find it cold also.
However, the husky is no ordinary dog and can tolerate much lower temperatures than us, especially if it’s doing a fair amount of exercise.
So, although they can handle colder temperatures than us, anything lower than about 10°F (-12°C) should be considered extremely dangerous to the husky and they should be brought into a warmer area
If you’d like to find out more about this fantastic breed of dog, please take a look at my Complete Guide to the Siberian Husky where you will find everything you ever wanted to know!