This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer policy
It’s no secret that most dogs know how to swim, whether that’s with wild dogs or domesticated pups. However, not all like swimming that much, and not all of them will have swimming as a basic instinct and will need to learn. Huskies are a very active breed and you’d expect them to be happy with learning to swim.
We’ve broken it down so we can find if and why huskies enjoy swimming.
Contents
The History of the Husky Breed
The husky breed originates from Siberia, which is a vast region of Russia and northern Kazakhstan. The dog breed was originally used as a sled dog due to the mountainous terrain and thick snow throughout the Russian countryside.
On top of this, the husky was used as a guard dog and as a general companion. It’s believed that the breed was brought to Alaska in 1909 for sled-dog racing, which was a huge sport at the time. The husky dominated and soon became controlling winners over the sport.
Because of their ancestral environment, the husky has thick fur that allows them to live in sub-zero conditions, making them great working dogs during the older Russian times. With their double coat, pointy ears, and distinctive fur patterns, they look very similar to the Alaskan Malamute. The husky was initially bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia to help with transportation via sled.
Over the decades, the husky has become more and more domesticated and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. From working in the mining fields, the breed has now become a reliable house pet, especially good for families with an active lifestyle.
However, the husky is still used frequently as a sled dog in by competitive and recreational mushers.
Husky Fur Makes Them Great Swimmers
To a puppy, everything is new. So when a pool of water is presented to them, they may be confused and not know what to do at first.
As a puppy, the husky’s fur coat is a lot thinner than when they reach a more mature age. However, when they get older the fur coat gets a lot thicker and develops what’s known as a double coat. The outer layer of fur is found to be very waterproof, which helps to keep the husky’s body dry and warm in snow or water.
Like many other species of animal out there, the husky has adapted and evolved to become the perfect dog for tackling a range of different environments.
Their double coat is more complex than it may appear on the outside. To us, the husky’s coat just looks like a big clump of fluff, making them soft and warm. However, the coat actually consists of a short, thick undercoat to keep them warm, and a long overcoat that’s designed to act as a water-resistant layer to keep them dry.
On top of this, their eyes are almond-shaped to give the dog protection from the sun’s reflection off of surfaces such as water and snow.
Can Huskies Swim?
The short answer is yes. A lot of huskies will find learning to swim quite easy in their early life because of their ancestry and their heritage. Unlike some other dogs, the average husky tends to love swimming and will often find themselves in a nearby body of water when on walks or exercising.
However, just because huskies have lived in cold conditions and can thrive in the snowy terrain, doesn’t mean that they’ll love water straight away.
Like with other breeds, huskies need to be introduced to water early in their life so they can get used to it.
They may be a bit cautious when first learning to swim but after they get used to it they can learn to love it. It can also help when it comes to bathing your dog, making your life easier and stress-free.
Bathing Your Husky
If your dog loves swimming then it’s more likely that they won’t hate bath time as much as other dogs. Huskies are up there with some of the most active breeds so it’s no surprise that they tend to get dirtier than a lot of other dogs. The longer fur and their thick double coat ensure that bits of debris and dirt can get stuck to them quite easily, which requires more love and care when bathing.
It’s recommended that huskies are bathed once every 6 weeks, however, that can change if your dog gets dirty in the meantime, which is likely.
Because of their size, a fully-grown husky may not appreciate being handled and placed into a bathtub or wherever you decide to clean your four-legged friend. However, a lot of them will enjoy it after getting used to it, with the cleaning process strengthening the bond between canine and human.
It can be a tough task bathing your husky considering their fur is so thick and your dog can get so excited, however, with a bit of patience and a bit of love and care, you can make the bathing process a fun experience for both of you. Making sure you have the right tools and the right shampoos can make or break a good bath time session.
Fun Facts About Huskies
Sometimes huskies have what’s known as ‘snow nose’. This is when their nose seems to develop different colors, usually pink, in extremely cold temperatures. When the weather starts to get warmer, the color fades back to normal after a while. It’s fairly common in the breed and nothing to worry about.
When huskies were initially used as sled-race dogs, nobody took them seriously. However, they learned very quickly that huskies weren’t to be messed with in a foot race. According to Wikipedia, they were first referred to as ‘Siberian rats.’ This was because the husky was only a fraction of the size of the Alaskan malamute.
Heterochromia is a condition in which a being’s eyes are different colors from each other. This is fairly common amongst huskies. Scientists have claimed that husky eyes must be either brown or blue, or a bit of both. However, when it comes to huskies, it’s part of the reason we find them so unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Take a Husky to the Beach?
Huskies love the beach, it’s the perfect playground for them. The long stretches of sand are great for them to be able to stretch their legs and have some space. Alternatively, the water is a good space for your dog to practice their swimming and embrace their inner sea!
Are Huskies’ Fur Waterproof?
The outer coat of a husky’s fur is significantly waterproof and helps to keep the dog’s body dry during harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow. The coat also acts to repel dirt and debris.
Can Siberian Huskies Talk?
Although it sounds crazy, Siberian huskies love to talk. Of course, they can’t speak any human language with their owners, but they’re very vocal and will try their best to replicate their owners. Clever!
Final Thoughts
In summary, huskies make great swimmers down to their adaptation and their primal instincts. Certain features such as their fur, their eyesight, and their hearing make them incredible dogs for traversing different environments and different terrains. Their long tails can also be used to help keep their face warm when they sleep!
If introduced to water at a young age, the husky is likely to love swimming and spending time in the water. This can help with exercise, playing, and even bath time!
