Huskies are very friendly, so it might surprise you to know that there are some types of dogs that they might not get along with.
Male huskies can have friction with alpha male-type dogs, for example, while small dogs are difficult to keep with huskies due to the husky’s prey drive.
It’s pretty rare for huskies to not get along with other dogs, and in this guide, I’ll explain a few scenarios where problems can arise and what you can do about it in each case.
Let’s get straight into it.
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Huskies And Other Dogs
Before I get into the types of dogs that huskies might not get along well with, I’d like to point out that huskies are an incredibly social and friendly breed.
They have a pack mentality by nature, which means they are used to living and working with other dogs.
In most cases, your husky will get along just fine with other dogs.
There are still some cases where there can be friction. For example, the pack mentality also means that male huskies are prone to fighting for the alpha position, which can cause problems with other male dogs with this same tendency.
Another problem arises from the high prey drive that huskies have, which can lead to problems with other small dogs.
3 Types Of Dog Huskies Might Not Get Along With
Here are three types of dogs that huskies might not get along with – emphasis on might, as huskies are usually super friendly.
1. Small Dogs
Keeping huskies and small dogs is a controversial topic.
While there are many stories of huskies and small dogs like pomeranians living together fine, there is always a risk because of the husky’s prey drive.
Huskies have a high prey drive, which means they can be prone to chasing other small animals without a second thought.
This can cause issues with small dogs, especially if your husky hasn’t been raised with them from a young age and hasn’t spent much time around other small dogs.
The same applies to cats, too, and in terms of dogs that huskies don’t get along with, small dogs are very high up on the list.
2. Alpha Males
The husky pack mentality means that huskies prefer a pack order, with their owner typically being the alpha and the remaining dogs left to figure out the hierarchy.
Male huskies have a stronger tendency to ‘fight’ for the alpha position, which can create friction with other dogs who also have this tendency.
Territorial dogs like pit bulls are examples of dogs that can sometimes have friction with male huskies if they try to figure out who the alpha is.
3. Rescue Dogs
This case is a little different to the others.
Huskies can get along with rescue dogs, and the previous two cases still apply, but sometimes rescue dogs themselves are better suited for houses with no dogs or no dogs like huskies that can be pretty full-on and very friendly.
Huskies tend to bond closely with other dogs and have little respect for their personal space, which sometimes doesn’t mix well with a rescue dog.
Before you get a rescue, consider how they would handle a full-on dog like a husky – the rescue center will be able to advise you.
Early Socialization Is Key
With each of the three cases above, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Huskies can live their whole lives with small dogs, cats, rescues, and even other dogs that like to be the alpha.
The secret in the vast majority of these cases is that the husky has been raised with them from a young age.
Early socialization can help huskies get used to living with other pets that would cause issues if they were introduced at an older age.
In the remaining cases, sometimes huskies don’t act or exhibit behaviors that you would expect. For example, I’ve known huskies that have very little prey drive compared to what you could expect, and these types of huskies are much more suited for living with small animals.
Do Huskies Get Jealous Of Other Dogs?
Huskies are not prone to jealousy, but they require a lot of attention, which can lead to some issues.
If your time is split between your husky and other dogs, meeting their exercise and mental stimulation requirements can be challenging.
Huskies that don’t receive enough of these can become agitated and prone to destructive tendencies like excessive howling or chewing.
How To Introduce Your Husky To Another Dog
Introducing your husky to another dog can be very easy, or it can be challenging; it all depends on the dog that is being introduced.
The four steps below outline the safest way to introduce your husky to another dog to prevent any problems or conflicts.
If you know that your husky is fine with other dogs and the dog that is being introduced is not prone to aggression, you can probably skip a few of these steps.
Step One
The first step is super easy: walk both dogs near each other on leads.
You don’t have to let them meet properly; by walking them close to each other, they can get an idea of what the other dog looks and smells like from a distance.
You’ll get a good idea of how the two dogs react to each other just from this step alone.
Step Two
If both dogs feel comfortable, let them walk up to each other while they are still on leash.
Depending on how well this goes, you can move to a more secure area and let them off-leash.
Step Three
It’s time to take things to a more personal location, like your backyard or inside the home.
Some huskies can get protective over their territory, so start with leashes again and let them spend some time together. Drop the leashes and let them play around if they are being friendly.
Step Four
For the first few months, keeping your husky and any new dog separated while unsupervised is a good idea.
It can take up to a year for them to adjust to a new dog in the house, so give it time for them to bond.
In Summary
There aren’t many types of dogs that huskies can’t get along with at all, especially when considering early socialization.
If you are introducing a new dog to your husky, you need to ask yourself whether your husky is suitable for living with another dog or not.
Most huskies are, but huskies who have lived alone and not socialized can find it difficult to adjust to other dogs, especially smaller dogs or alpha males.