Are Huskies Good Guard Dogs? Find Out Here!
Are Huskies Good Guard Dogs? Huskies are often unsuspicious and friendly to strangers, including intruders or burglars. Huskies tend to love everybody, which makes them great family dogs, but sometimes not so great guard dogs.
Having a canine on your property is a great way to deter burglars and safeguard your family and home.
If you are looking for the right dog for protection, you must know that some breeds are born with instincts to act as guard dogs.
Well, it sounds a little surprising that Huskies are not great guard dogs.
This guide helps you understand why Siberian Huskies are not good guard dogs, how to make them more protective when they calm down, and whether are they more dangerous than Pitbulls.
Related Reading: How Much Does A Husky Cost? [ANSWERED]
Why Huskies Are Not Good Guard Dogs
The usual Huskies are very affectionate, playful, and curious. Although they have a fierce wolf-like appearance but never go on looks.
Remember… looks can be deceiving! Despite the natural drive for prey, they are not aggressive at all.
Let’s have a look at the characteristics that make them unsuitable to be guard dogs.
Friendly and non-aggressive
Huskies do not make good guard dogs because they become friends with everyone.
They are among the most friendly dog breeds and have a non-aggressive and loving nature.
They tend not to be territorial and usually do not bark at other people. They will very rarely see intruders as a threat.
They are stranger-friendly dogs and won’t bother your guests with continuous bark.
Difficult to train
Huskies should be trained gently, but with determination. They sometimes tend to be stubborn and independent which makes training difficult.
Hitting or yelling at them will only have negative effects. In most cases, Huskies don’t have a desire for training.
With a moderate intelligence and concentration level, they have a hard time focusing on training lessons. Siberian Huskies are known as escape artists which makes them easily distractible.
They can jump fences, break tie-out chains, or slip collars just to chase a cat or a streaking squirrel.
They can be destructive
Husky is a highly energetic and athletic dog with high endurance and an eagerness to work.
When bored or not given adequate exercise or left alone, they can be destructive and mischievous.
Most Husky parents are unable to meet their exercise requirements and let these dogs earn the label of “mischievous dogs.” These owners usually opt to keep their Huskies in a pen.
So, they stay in a specific area and don’t make good guard dogs!
How Do I Make My Husky More Protective
The suitability of Huskies as guard dogs is debatable. They are mostly too friendly to be guard dogs and would most probably welcome an intruder.
They are moderately intelligent and can somewhat understand your commands.
You need to have a lot of patience as Huskies are difficult to train.
You need to teach your Husky to make him more protective. Here are a few things that you can teach your Husky:
Teach a Husky to Quieten Down
First, give your Husky basic obedience training. Once they have learned the basic obedience commands, you will need to teach them the commands to bark and to be silent.
Once he understands these commands, you will need to train him to bark when someone knocks and to stop when you tell him to be quiet.
Teaching Huskies to be Alert of Intruders
You can train them to bark or howl in case they sense a potential threat. Huskies are smart enough to distinguish between possible threats and harmless visitors.
Their alertness and vocalness will make them good watchdogs.
Huskies are pack dogs and learn through positive reinforcement techniques. Give your Husky a treat or praise him for learning new commands.
This is a sensitive breed, so punishments and harsh words will make them stubborn and damage their temperament.
Will a Husky Attack an Intruder
There are bright chances that Huskies will probably not attack an intruder but will more likely welcome them. They have a friendly and non-aggressive temperament not overly suspicious of dogs or strangers.
Huskies are affectionate dogs but are not suspicious enough to guard the territory against intruders.
They can’t be left in your backyard as a deterrent to intruders.
They can still make good watchdogs with minimal training. Their wolf-like appearance is enough to scare an intruder.
What Age Do Huskies Calm Down
The age of your furry pal can have an influence on how he behaves. All puppies have a lot of energy in their beginning stages of life and calm down as Huskies grow up.
Huskies are high-energy dogs and need regular physical activities. Their intense energy tends to stretch longer in their puppyhood than in other breeds.
Usually, you will see a slight decrease in your Husky’s energy around the 6-to-12 month mark. However, they remain highly energetic for well into their 2-year mark.
The best way to calm your Husky is to provide proper behavioral training.
If your Husky pup is showing destructive and hyperactive behaviour, here is what you can do:
- Provide high-intensity activities to burn their pent-up energy.
- Enroll your Husky for an agility course.
- Train your Husky for the patient sitting.
- Enroll in a training class for basic obedience and calmness.
Are Huskies More Dangerous Than Pitbulls
Huskies are considered affectionate, playful, and social dogs that love human company. Remember… they have another side!
The breed is highly energetic and has a vivacious and mischievous personality.
Are Huskies dangerous? Although they have wolf ancestry, they do not hold the typical characteristics of a dangerous breed.
However, according to the CDC’s list, they are responsible for 15 dog bite-related fatalities from 1979-1988
In a real fight, the Pitbull might be the winner. They are natural fighters and can fight until death. There is a likely chance that Husky may easily be defeated as:
- They are less aggressive than Pitbulls
- They are less muscular than Pitbulls
- They are more difficult to train than Pitbulls
- They are less vigorous than Pitbulls
Huskies were bred as working dogs in a harsh climate. If you train your Husky as a fighter from its puppyhood, he can be a beast.
- They have a stronger bite force than Pitbulls
- They have greater stamina and a higher energy level than Pitbulls
Husky Breed Information
Let’s have a look at some vital stats about Huskies:
Stats | Description |
Dog Breed Group/Purpose | Working, Northern |
Grooming Needs | Moderate |
Average Height | Males: 53 – 60 cmFemales: 51 – 56 cm |
Weight Range | Males: 20 – 27 kg Females: 16 – 22½ kg |
Energy Level | High |
Exercise requirements | More than 40 minutes per day |
Tendency to Bark | Moderate |
Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Litter Size | Average 4 – 8 puppies |
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it! All dog breeds are not the same. Hence, what goes best for one dog may not work for the other.
Husky is a friendly and amazing breed but it simply can’t be for everyone.
Huskies crave companionship and make great pets for families with children, due to their playful and loving nature.
They are not suspicious enough to become “good” guard dogs.
To put it simply: Huskies are better off being family dogs rather than watchdogs or guard dogs.
However, if trained properly, a Husky can become a good watchdog.
Family Dog Expert Author
Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.