Huskies in Apartments: Dream or Disaster? What You Need to Know!

Huskies are a breed with lots of energy and that makes you wonder can Huskies live in apartments. We’ll share the benefits and conflicts of having this breed in an apartment.

Can Huskies live in apartments?

Being a medium-sized dog breed with a welcoming temperament and an easy-going nature, Huskies can live in apartments. If you have one in an apartment you’ll need to make sure you give them enough daily exercise and attention.

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However, saying that these cute animals can make good apartment dogs is not enough. There are some other things that you need to consider before you bring a Husky into your apartment complex. 

Husky in an apartment

As mentioned, these beautiful creatures are very energetic. This is not a bad trait, it simply means that they require daily exercise – the key to a happy Husky. You must ensure that they get all their energy out or they can develop destructive behaviors.

So to raise a happy and bouncing Husky in your apartment, here are some things you need to ask yourself:

1. Are dogs allowed in your apartment complex?

Whether dogs are allowed in your apartment or not is the first thing any aspiring Husky parent should find out before getting one. 

There are cases where some residences don’t allow pets in their compounds.

Sounds harsh right?

Well, it is always important to ask the front desk, or if possible the owners about this issue because every apartment has a different set of rules regarding pet ownership. Some apartments may allow cats and other small pets, some may allow all pets except dogs, and there are those that allow any pet.

Long ago, I lived in an apartment that allowed all pets except certain dog breeds due to their size, temperament, and behavioral habits. For that, check if a Husky is whitelisted if you are living in such apartments.

Note: I can advise that if your apartment complex does not allow dogs, write a letter of appeal to the authority explaining how friendly and warm-tempered Huskies are and that you’ll account for any mischievous behavior thereafter.

2. Is your apartment big enough for you and your Husky?

Huskies are not giant dogs who will eat up all the house space but it still remains a concern if your apartment is spacious enough for both of you. Kids are not a problem and so are guests. But, are you in an environment where you and your dog are going to be tripping over each other?

You need to ensure that your apartment is spacious enough to fit your lifestyle.

Besides, you also need to make sure that everything is well arranged. Having a tidy apartment will help give you extra space for your dog to play around.

Note: Every dog parent (whether in an apartment or your home) should puppy-proof one room so that your dog can have a safe and secure resting space.

3. Are your neighbors ok with barking?

If you’re an apartment dweller, one thing that you need to know is that Huskies are noisy dog breeds.

With that in mind, you need to understand that they can hear your dog bark too. That said, you need to make sure that you are not surrounded by neighbors who get irritated by dog barking or at least make them aware that you have a dog.

Note: Having lived with a dog in an apartment, I found it very crucial to introduce my dog to my fellow tenants (even to newcomers who found me there). It is very important because your dog will get familiar with their scents and it will make them bark less when they meet them. Go the extra mile to train them to behave well when left alone.

4. Is your apartment complex dog friendly?

First, you need to be sure that your apartment is in a good location to own a dog. Is there a dog park in the neighborhood or does your apartment have one?

Dog parks whether for the apartment or for public dog owners are very crucial for every Husky owner. Because they have high energy levels, which need to be burned out, a dog park will be a great place to play frisbee or fetch and exercise them.

Husky in Apartment: Advantages

While some Husky owners might say that a house with a backyard is the best place to raise a Husky, raising them in an apartment has its advantages.

Here is what I learned:

• You start working out: Huskies force you to go outside to walk your dog. This is different with those living in their homes with a yard. They can simply let their dog loose to go and run in the backyard.
• You’ll bond with your Husky: I realized that raising a dog in a house with a backyard will keep the dog busy all day but living with him in an apartment will force you to interact with him often – which is good as it builds on your bond.
• Helps to combat loneliness: If you’ve lived alone in an apartment, you know how lonely and ideal you can get. Having this adorable Husky running around and licking your face makes the loneliness fade away.

Disadvantages of owning a Husky in an apartment?

Well, I must admit that there were some disadvantages too.

• There was no backyard: Yes, it helped me work out every day but for a Husky, having a backyard is a plus. They love to play around and since most apartments don’t have backyards or dog parks, the only time my dog could play freely was when we went to the nearby dog park. He did not get enough physical and mental stimulation as needed.
• Increase chances of contracting Hip Dysplasia: This is mostly for those Husky owners who have to climb up and down the stairs every day. It just makes it worse because Huskies are prone to hip dysplasia.

Tips for raising a Husky in an apartment

Now that you know the basics or what’s needed of you to live with a Husky in an apartment, let me briefly take you through a few tips I learned in my two years’ stay in an apartment with my Huskies: Laika, Nova, and Leki.

• Huskies need about 60 minutes of exercise every day to keep them happy and healthy.
• Teach them to pee at a specific place. I taught Laika, Nova, and Leki to pee in my toilet. If I didn’t do that, then he could pee anywhere when he feels when his bladder is full.
• Socialize them as soon as possible. I used to take Laika, Nova, and Leki to different dog parks in my neighborhood and introduce them to other dogs and pets, and new people. Even my neighbors at the apartment.
• Potty training should be done as soon as you bring him home else your apartment will smell like hell. Your neighbors could even report you to the apartment owners.
• Husky proof one room just for him or her. Every dog needs a place to rest without being disturbed.
• The other thing I learned from parenting a Husky in an apartment is that lots of entertainment materials should be at their disposal. Despite feeding them with quality Husky dog food, having the best Husky bed in his Husky-proofed room, and lots of toys are very important to keep him entertained.

Can you keep a Husky in an apartment?

Huskies are small-sized dog breeds (males having a height of 36-41 cm with a weight of  10-11 kg while female Huskies measuring 33-38 cm in height and a total body weight of 9-10 kg). They are not rambunctious and are suitable for apartment or small-house lifestyles. However, they need enough playtime and exercise to remain happy and healthy.