Huskies aren’t as expensive as most large breeds, but they can still run up quite a tab. Most huskies cost between $800 to $1,500. However, there are also upkeep and initial costs to consider.
Monthly ongoing costs average around $100-$150 and initial costs range (outside of purchasing the dog itself) from $500 to $1,000.
Husky Cost Initially
The biggest costs of owning a husky are the initial costs. These costs include purchasing the pooch, initial equipment needed, and initial veterinary care.
Husky Initial Costs include:
- Purchasing a husky: $800-$3000 or Adoption $300 average
- Equipment and Supplies: $250 to $550
- Initial Veterinary Care: $200-$500
Purchasing A Husky
When purchasing a husky, you have two options. The first is to purchase them from a breeder. The second option is to adopt a husky from a shelter.
Purchasing
The average price for a registered husky puppy is $800 to $1,500. However, they can cost significantly more.
Huskies who are classified as “show quality” or come from prestigious bloodlines typically cost $2,500 to $3,000 or more. Rare or highly desired colors, including agouti and solid white, typically cost around $3,000.
The most expensive huskies can cost $6,000, but this is very rare. These huskies are from very prestigious bloodlines with a long history of show wins.
Adopting
Adopting a husky is typically less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder. The average price range is $50 to $500, with $300 being the average adoption fee.
The Animal Humane Society charges between $150 to $770, depending on the breed and age of the pooch.
Huskies are unfortunately common in shelters because owners don’t understand what’s required to care for them before bringing them home. They are currently the 3rd most common breed in shelters.
Adult dogs are more common than puppies in shelters and typically cost less as well.
Adoption typically covers important items like veterinary care and spay or neuter surgery and helps to cover the costs of a husky’s upkeep.
Equipment Needed To Care For Huskies
- Dog crate: $50-$125
- Dog bed: $50-$90
- Toys: $60-$100
- Grooming Tools: $30-$90
- Collar or Harness and Leash: $10-$75
- Food and Water Bowls: $3-$15 for two bowls
- Food: $20-$40
The next cost you’ll encounter is the cost of equipment for your husky. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend $250 to $550 on initial supplies.
One of the biggest costs is a dog crate. These aren’t a requirement, but they are recommended, particularly if your husky is spending a lot of time indoors. Dog crates typically cost $50-$125.
Huskies love a comfortable bed. You may choose a bed or a crate, or both items. This ranges from $50-$90, with some premium beds being over $100.
Huskies are active and playful, so they need plenty of toys. Most owners spend $60 to $100 on toys for their husky, particularly puppies.
Grooming tools are also a bit pricey. Brushes and combs for your husky’s coat can cost between $20 to $60. You’ll also need toothpaste and dog shampoo, which can cost $10 to $20, so the overall costs range from $30 to $90.
A collar and leash can range from $10 to $30. If you opt for a harness and leash, be prepared to pay between $40 to $75.
Food bowls are the least expensive item. They range from $1.25 to $7 per bowl on average.
The initial food cost is around $20 for puppies to $40 for adults for a month’s worth of quality food.
Initial Veterinary Care
Initial veterinary care can be fairly expensive. When you purchase a puppy, they should have some of their initial vet visits completed.
Routine veterinary checkups, including vaccines, usually range from $200 to $350. If you choose to spay or neuter your puppy, this can cost $150 to $300.
You can also consider pet insurance, which can cost $10 to $50 per month. Some policies cover wellness care, which includes vaccinations and routine vet visits, as well as major veterinary expenses due to accidents or illness.
Ongoing Costs
In addition to initial costs, you’ll encounter some monthly or yearly costs. It’s important to note that unexpected veterinary costs can quickly add up to thousands in bills if you don’t have pet insurance.
However, we’ll stick to the expected ongoing costs.
Ongoing costs include:
- Pet insurance $10-$50 month
- Food and treats: $30-$60 monthly for standard diet
- Regular Vet visits: $300-$600 yearly
- Preventative Medications: $75-$100 yearly
- Toys: $50-$150 yearly
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a smart investment, particularly if you don’t have the cash to cover expensive vet bills. Some policies cover major accidents and illnesses, while others cover routine and preventative care.
Food And Treats
You can expect food and treats to cost $30-$60 a month for decent commercial dog food. If you choose to feed them a speciality or prescription diet, the price can rise to $100 or more a month.
Regular Vet Visits
Once the puppy stage is over, your husky will still require regular veterinary care. Adult huskies typically need one wellness exam each year.
A basic wellness exam can cost about $50. However, an in-depth physical will cost $100-$300.
Preventative Medications
Preventative medications include flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. You can get flea and tick products over the counter, or purchase them from your vet. You need a prescription from your vet for heartworm medication.
These medications typically cost $75 to $100 over the course of a year.
Toys
Owners spend an average of $50 to $150 a year on toys. Huskies need lots of mental and physical stimulation, which means they need toys as well.
They are energetic and heavy chewers, so you may find yourself having to replace toys on a regular basis.
Is A Husky The Right Dog For You?
Huskies are incredible pets, but they aren’t right for everyone. They are highly intelligent and affectionate, which makes them a great choice.
However, if you are dreaming of a husky, you’ll need to carefully consider the time, energy, space, and finances you have to devote to them.
It all comes down to two simple questions.
Do You Want A Husky?
Huskies are very friendly, which makes them great for families. They can be protective of their owners, but don’t count on it.
They are not guard dogs. If you want a dog that gets along with strangers and other dogs, a husky may be right for you.
Huskies are also highly affectionate. They need lots of time with their owners. In fact, owning a husky can feel like owning a young child who is constantly seeking your attention.
If you want a close companion who enjoys the attention of the entire family, a husky can be a great choice.
The last question you should ask yourself is are you active?
Huskies require about 2 hours of exercise a day. If you or other members of the family live an active lifestyle, a husky makes an excellent companion.
Can You Care for A Husky?
The next consideration is whether or not you can care for a husky properly. We’ve already discussed the financial resources you’ll need to own a husky, but there are other requirements as well.
Huskies are very active. Because they have a high need for exercise, they do best when they have plenty of space to run and play. It’s not impossible to raise a husky in an apartment, but it’s much easier if they have a large fenced-in yard that allows them to run and play.
In addition to providing them with about 2 hours of exercise daily, you’ll also need to give them mental stimulation. This can include teaching them tricks or commands, playing games with them, and providing puzzle toys.
The last factor that can affect your ability to care for a husky is your previous dog ownership experience. Huskies are strong-willed and require plenty of training.
If you are a first-time dog owner, the learning curve can be very steep. You’ll need to carefully consider whether you possess the training skills and patience that this breed requires.
Final Thoughts
Owning a husky is a big investment. This includes money, but also time, attention, and love. Those who are willing and able to welcome a husky into their home find that they are well worth the cost.
FAQs
Is It Better To Adopt A Husky Or Purchase From A Breeder?
The most obvious difference between purchasing or adopting a husky is price. Adoption is less expensive than buying a husky from a breeder, but this shouldn’t be your deciding factor. Puppies are difficult to find in shelters.
However, there are some advantages to choosing an older husky. Huskies from shelters are more likely to have bad habits or behavioral issues due to mistakes from their previous owner, but these can be worked through with love and patience.
Are Huskies Good For Families?
Huskies are great dogs for families. They are loyal and loving to everyone in their “pack” or household. Their desire for attention and exercise means it’s easier to meet their needs with a few people in the home caring for them, rather than one individual.
