The Siberian Husky makes a fine family pet as long as the buyer is patient, has the time to devote to training and excercise, and can deal with a dog that has a mind of its own. All breed obedience classes can be a real treat if a Siberian Husky is present: a simple "down" command can bring howls of protest even under the most gentle guidance, and a mild correction for nipping can cause torturous shrieks. This is not a breed for a first-time dog owner who is shy or easily embarrassed. They do bond easily and tightly to their human families. Few are successful in obedience competition, particularly at the higher levels, because they are easily bored with repetition and lack precision in their work. They are happy to obey, but always on their own terms. Rather than gaze lovingly into their master's eyes, the Siberian Husky will most likely be content to heel approximately in place, to sit almost straight, and to come when called unless there's something else more interesting nearby.

Reputable breeders will insist on supervision or a controlled fenced area at all times. Siberian Huskies as well as any other dog will wander and could be stolen, get lost, or hit by cars. They can also contribute to the mixed breed dog population, for wandering males will find females in heat, and wandering females in heat will be a target for any male. Owners should seriously consider spaying or neutering to prevent unwanted litters, to somewhat curb the wanderlust, and to prevent reproductive tract cancers from developing.

The Siberian Husky is an easy care breed. He does shed profusely at least once a year, and daily or twice-daily combing sessions are necessary if there is any hope of keeping the fine undercoat hair off furniture and clothes and out of food. The hair comes out in tufts, usually beginning on the legs and continuing upward on the body. Shedding takes place about two or three weeks; a warm bath may help loosen the hair so it can be combed out quicker. A Siberian Husky kept in the house all the time, especially in dry heat, will probably drop hair all year. But with their double coats they do not carry the "doggy smell" that other breeds do.

Although generally healthy, the Siberian Husky is subject to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy(PRA a genetic eye disease), juvenile cataracts, corneal disorders, thyroid deficiency, and zinc deficiency disease. Buyer should therefore beware of backyard breeders and pet stores whose breeding stock has not been found free of hip dysplasia and tested for PRA and thyroid diseases. A health guarentee means nothing if the breeding stock has not been tested.

Poor breeding also has caused temperament problems in Siberian Huskies; in addition to being poor physical examples, pet store puppies may be high-strung and hyperactive, difficult to housetrain, and very tough to obedience train.