I have to admit, I never considered this issue until recently. Do huskies really look angry? I was surprised because I’ve never equated these adorable pooches with an angry sneer.
After a little thought and research, it turns out there are a lot of people who think huskies look angry. I realized that there are several reasons why a husky may appear angry, including their facial markings and wolf-like appearance.
Contents
Why Do Huskies Look Angry? (Common Misconceptions)
There are a few reasons why people can think huskies look angry.
These reasons include:
- Perception
- Intimidating or wolf-like appearance
- Expressive Faces and Big Feelings
- Markings
- Striking Eyes
- Large and Energetic
Perception
You’ll notice that nearly everyone who thinks a husky looks mad aren’t husky owners. In fact, few of them are even dog owners. This is ok. Perhaps they are cat people.
However, their lack of experience with huskies, or canines in general, colors their perceptions.
If they’ve never shared a conversation or a hug with a husky, they simply don’t know what we know.
They don’t know that huskies are gentle, charming, and rarely genuinely angry. They only know what they can observe.
Their observations are heavily influenced by their perceptions. This is natural, and it happens to everyone.
Intimidating or Wolf-Like Appearance
Huskies share a close resemblance to their ancestors, the Taimyr wolves. In fact, Huskies are more closely related to wolves than most breeds, based on their DNA.
Even if we aren’t consciously thinking about it, we are aware of this resemblance subconsciously. Our ancestors had to live in the wild, with wolves.
We don’t need to compete with wolves to survive today, but the instinct to fear them isn’t completely gone. When we see a predator that can harm us, we are naturally a bit scared or intimidated.
Huskies do share several characteristics with wolves, including their focus on living as part of a pack. However, unlike wolves, huskies develop a very close relationship with their humans.
Expressive Faces And Big Feelings
Huskies are well known for being dramatic. They have very expressive faces.
When you combine these two factors, you have a pooch with a big personality, no shyness about expressing themselves, and the ability to express themselves through their expressions and body language.
Huskies are normally happy and friendly. However, if they do get mad, frustrated, or stressed, you’ll know about it. They won’t hesitate to communicate their feelings, positive or negative.
Markings
Huskies can come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, including masks. A mask means that the coat pattern on the face gives the appearance of having a mask.
They can have a white face with a black mask around the eyes and nose, or a black face with a white mask. Other potential colors include gray, brown, red or sable, typically combined with white or black around the face.
These markings can make a husky look angry. Markings around the mouth can give the appearance of a frown. Markings around the eyes can also give a stern or frowning appearance.
Eyes
Blue eyes are rare in most breeds, but they are very common in huskies. In fact, 40% of huskies have blue eyes.
Because they are unique and expressive, a husky’s eyes can make them appear angry. Bi-colored eyes are also fairly common, which means they have one blue eye and one brown one. This unique feature can also make them appear angry.
Large and Energetic
Huskies are large, energetic, and outgoing. This can also make them seem angry, even though they aren’t.
This is particularly true if they are playing or excited.
Are Huskies Actually Angry All The Time?
No, huskies aren’t angry all the time. In fact, they are usually happy and not dangerous to anybody, including strangers.
They love to play and live for attention from their owner.
Can Dogs Feel Anger?
Anger is a secondary emotion. Experts don’t believe that dogs have the complexity to feel secondary emotions, but many owners disagree.
According to this theory, humans use anger as a way of dealing with or covering up primary emotions, like fear or sadness. The theory states that dogs can’t feel secondary emotions, but they do feel primary emotions.
Of course, this theory also states that dogs can’t feel emotions like spite, and are unable to want or seek revenge.
However, many husky owners have experienced their huskies taking revenge, so maybe the experts are off base in this case.
In my experience, dogs can get mad, and they can even hold a grudge. Despite this, it’s rare for a husky to be aggressive.
Signs Your Husky Is Angry
If your husky does get mad at you, they will let you know. A very angry or aggressive dog will typically flatten their ears and have a very stiff body posture. They may also snarl or lick their lips. They can bark or growl as well.
In most cases, a husky won’t act aggressively. However, they can get annoyed or feel hurt at times.
They may bark or whine to express their displeasure. They may ignore you, give you a sideways stare, or give you a hard straight-on stare.
They can be spiteful as well. If they suddenly begin peeing on your things, chewing your favorite shoes, or other destructive behavior, there’s a good chance they are mad at you.
What to do if Your Husky is Angry
If your husky is angry, there are a few things you can do. First, stay calm. If you are doing something that is making them angry, stop.
Talk to them softly and gently. If you are in their space, back away slowly. Your pooch may need time to calm down before interacting with you, so be patient.
If your husky seems to be annoyed or spiteful, rather than angry, you may need to work on your bond.
You may pet or cuddle them if they are willing. A treat or a play session can resolve a lot of negative feelings.
Follow your instincts. You know your dog better than anyone else. Consider what they are feeling, and what they may need from you in the moment. Then, do your best to provide this.
FAQs
Why Do Huskies scream?
Huskies don’t scream when they are angry, but they will vocalize if they are upset.
Separation anxiety is the most common cause, but anything that causes strong anxiety can trigger their signature yell.
Do Huskies Like Strangers?
Despite many people being intimidated by a husky’s appearance, they are actually very friendly, even with strangers.
They are highly social. Most will enjoy meeting new people. It’s highly unlikely for a husky to be aggressive just because someone is a stranger.
