Are Siberian Huskies Dangerous?

Siberian Huskies often have a wolf-like appearance and are best known for their energetic personalities. Their instinct is to hunt, which stays with them even once domesticated. They are an intelligent breed that was made to be a working dog. It can withstand and thrive in freezing temperatures. These winter dogs would likely be in Alaska and other cold regions. However, they are quickly becoming a widely owned pet. Their popularity does not take away from their danger. You can be left with a severe injury after a husky bite. Call The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer immediately. 

Siberian Husky Reputation

By their appearance, they might look like a wolf. However, as they become more domesticated, they are getting a reputation as an excellent family pet. Their looks and playful nature win many people over. It is not all roses and cuddles with these dogs. They are incredibly active dogs, which can often manifest as destruction. Their temperament can also be unpredictable. They are very moody and can attack and bite strangers. It would be best if you always approached with caution. 

Husky History

The first husky originated in Asia. However, they are descendants of sledding dogs. They can pull loaded sleds long distances in freezing temperatures. This makes them an ideal working dog. They are used for arctic expeditions. These dogs were often exported to colder climates like Alaska. 

They became popular in 1925 when they became vital to the Nome Serum Run in Alaska. They were crucial in delivering critical vaccines to Nome after an outbreak. Through their work, they were able to prevent an epidemic. They traveled over 650 miles through harsh terrain and arctic blizzards. This was such a monumental event that there is a statue of the lead dog in New York Central Park. 

In 1930, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Siberian husky. It was initially branded as the Arctic Husky by the United Kennel Club and later changed in 1991. They are currently known as household pets, as well as for polar expeditions and as arctic search and rescue teams. 

Specific Characteristics of Siberian Huskies

Siberian huskies have many distinct features. They are large dogs but not the biggest dogs around. Male heights range from 21 to 24 inches, and females from 18 to 20 inches. Males can weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, with females weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. They have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. 

The breed is agile and athletic with large and expressive tails. Huskies have thick furs in different colors, such as gray, brown, white, black, and red. They also have an extra undercoat if their coat isn’t already thick. Their coats are meant to help them withstand -60 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. The owner should also keep this in mind as they are heavy shedders. Their ears are pointy and upright. 

A trait that often stands out is their eyes. Huskies can have blue, brown, or black eyes. Heterochromia is also possible in these breeds. This is when each eye is a different color. Most often, they are known for having piercing blue eyes. You can usually tell when you are around a Siberian husky. Their looks are distinct and set them apart from other breeds. 

Temperament

Not only are huskies large in size, but they also have big personalities. Some of their behavioral traits include:

• Intelligent 
• High prey drive 
• Playful 
• Strong-will 
• Rowdy or overactive 
• Good-natured 
• Being escape artists 
• When bored, they become highly destructive 
• Mood swings that lead to sudden snapping 

Huskies require training and exercise to stay calm. When they do, they are good-natured and playful. These dogs have a pack mentality and can be social and friendly towards other dogs. While they have a well-mannered temperament, huskies are also prone to becoming aggressive in certain situations. 

The worst thing is for a Siberian to be bored. They have excessive energy they need to let out. They will begin to howl, jump, dig, or chew when they do not. This can cause severe damage to household items. These dogs also have a high prey drive, which causes them to chase anything. Walking can quickly become a marathon when a husky sees a cat or other animal. They want to grab their prey at all costs. 

Another concern for owners is that these dogs are professional escape artists. They’re adventurers, and their curiosity gets the best of them. You might think the fence is secure, and they suddenly get through. If they get out, they can attack a small animal or bite a stranger unprovoked. 

Huskies are becoming popular

Over recent years, their popularity has continued to rise. They are currently the 21st most-owned dog in the United States. They have become so popular they are in various Hollywood projects. They have been in several animated TV shows. The animated movie Balto, released in 1995, portrays the event of the 1925 serum run in Alaska. 

Siberian Huskies are also used in live-action shows like Z Nation. The most notable live-action action featuring a husky is the 2006 movie starring the late Pual Walker. The movie also features Burce Greenwood and a pack of huskies. It is based on real-life events and follows researchers into Antarctica. The researchers must leave their dogs behind and abandon their base. They survive five months until a rescue mission arrives. 

Husky Ownership

While Siberian huskies are becoming a popular pet, They are not for everyone. These dogs require a lot of training to avoid getting aggressive and biting. The biggest challenge is their behavior and personality. These are very strong-willed dogs. They are good-natured, but their attitude can lead to issues if you do not know how to regulate them. It takes a strong-willed and confident owner to keep these dogs in line. 

When huskies do not have firm handling and proper training, that can lead to issues. They also need attention or they become destructive. When they get into these moods, they can bite or attack others. Huskies are usually safe to have around children. They are good with people in general. However, owners should never leave children and huskies unattended. Like other dogs, Siberian huskies can bite or attack with little to no warning. This can happen if they get scared or uncomfortable. 

Siberian Huskies and owner attacks

Huskies rarely attack their owners. They are very protective of their pack. Their owner is the pack leader, and they must protect them at all costs. They might nip when they are puppies, thinking it is playtime. The owner quickly corrects this. While they are not known for attacking their owners, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Dogs can attack anyone at any time, family or strangers alike. 

Training out aggression

It is ideal for training huskies from puppies. It is common for husky puppies to nip. It is usually not a sign of aggression. Sometimes, they nip to show excitement and enthusiasm. However, they need training so they do not continue these habits into adulthood. A puppy nip is very different from an adult nip. Here are some tips for training puppies out of biting:

• Please do not take a puppy away from its mother before they are eight weeks old. 
• Do not use force when training, as that can worsen the issue. 
• Socialize the puppy from an early age. That means introducing them to people and dogs.
• Stay consistent with training. Ensure people who come around the dog know how to deal with them. 
• If a pup bites during playtime, say “Ouch” and move away from them. Then you can give them a toy to play with. This might sound strange, but it shows the dog their behavior is not for humans and only for toys. 
• Come up with a phrase to stop the biting. Train them by rewarding them when they take the proper corrective action. 
• If biting is becoming a problem in the puppy, you should hold their muzzle after a biting incident. This can show them dominance and that biting is unacceptable behavior. 

If their biting continues after taking these and other steps, you must seek professional help. Work with a dog trainer. Remember, we are not dog trainers; these are only general training tips. If an untrained Siberian husky bites you, you must call The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer. 

Aggression and biting

Siberian huskies are the fifth most dangerous dog breed in the United States and Canada. In one study, they were responsible for 83 attacks. Among those attacks, 27 were mauls, and 25 were fatal. They have a higher percentage of deaths than Presa Canarios and German Shepherds. Most of these attacks were on children. There were eight adults and 51 children attacked. So, while they are typically good with children, they can also cause fatal attacks. 

Huskies can be dangerous for several reasons. Dog owners report the most common reasons this breed is dangerous includes:

• Size matters: As we mentioned, these are a bigger breed. They are considered medium build and can weigh upwards of 60 pounds. This means they can knock over children and seniors. They can knock over adults, too. This is not an aggressive trait but an aggressive behavior. It can be an accidental mishap. But it can still cause serious injuries.  
• Energy: These are high-energy dogs. They also have a mischievous side. They are known to be an ultra-hyper dog breed. These dogs can pull sleds for hundreds of miles daily. They have unlimited energy at all times. This isn’t good because they can release this energy at inopportune times. They may run and jump when they see a person come home. 
• Independent and stubborn personalities: this may or may not contribute to their aggressive behaviors. They have a strong stance on doing what they want when they want to. Their stubborn attitude often leads to difficulty in training. It may make it difficult to control and predict the dog’s actions. 

Husky owners should not ignore these aggressive behaviors or allow them to go on. This often happens when the dogs are puppies, and the owner doesn’t think they will cause severe damage. However, as they grow and age, their habits as pups can become very destructive. Owners should address these issues through obedience training.  

Types of Aggression in Siberian Husky

These dogs will become aggressive in certain situations. They are very moody and sometimes territorial. That can lead to issues for owners and strangers alike. Socialization from an early age can often quell some of these habits. The main reasons that huskies can become aggressive include:

• Food: They may become aggressive if they try to protect their food from people or other dogs. Siberian Huskies can get wild when someone or another animal approaches the food. Their survival instinct takes over, and they only want to protect their resources. 
• Toys: Similar to food aggression, they may also have the same reaction towards toys. They will defend their toys from others. It is their favorite toy, and they do not want anyone to touch it. Recall training can often help with these habits. 
• Dog bed: They may not want anyone near their bed. They refuse to move or share the bed. Owners can train their husky to sleep on different beds. This aggression also makes it difficult to clean the bed.
• Leash: Sometimes, a leash can be a trigger for aggression. The leash can make them feel trapped or in pain. It can prevent them from achieving their goals of catching prey. They may try to bite when you are putting on the leash. It can make it challenging to walk them as they might try to attack people or animals they run into. 

Training can help circumvent these actions. Owners should work with professionals if they cannot tame their dogs. If you suffer an injury from an aggressive husky, you must call The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer. 

Protecting yourself when a Husky attacks

No one wants to be the victim of a husky attack. Sadly, there are many cases of fatal attacks. The best way to avoid being attacked is to adhere to the owners’ rules. You can also take the following advice so you do not become a husky bite injury victim:

• Stay away from unfamiliar dogs: While these dogs are generally friendly, you should be wary of new dogs. They have quick tempers and can change their minds in a snap. If you are unsure or the dog is displaying aggression, stay away.  
• Do not run if a Siberian husky is charging at you: huskies love to chase because of their high prey drive. If you see a husky running towards you, do not run. This can trigger them into thinking you are prey. Instead, stay calm and keep as still as you can. Avoid making eye contact with the dog.  
• Do not let a husky bite you: this one seems obvious. No one goes out of their way to get bitten. If possible, you should keep the dog at a distance. If you can grab a bag or other time to keep the dog away, use it to divert the dog’s bite strength.  
• Protect yourself: Protect yourself as best you can from the husky attack. These dogs are agile and powerful. Stay on your feet the best you can to protect your arteries. You should try to protect your neck and thighs. Bites here can lead to bleeding out.  
• Find an escape route: You will want to escape when a dog attacks. If you can get indoors or outdoors, depending on where you are. Climb a wall or fence to get away. Do not attack a dog except as a last resort. Attacking a dog can make it worse. 

Huskies do not typically make the top dangerous dog lists. That does not mean they cannot cause injuries. While they are not inherently aggressive, they are hazardous if they get excited or are untrained. 

Liability for dog bite injuries in New Jersey

States and specific areas have different dog bite laws. Depending on the laws in your area, the legal consequences will vary. Essentially, when it comes to liability, it will fall on the dog owner. New Jersey does not have any one-bite laws. That means the owner is strictly liable if their dog bites someone. The owner is responsible for their dog’s training and handling their temperament. If they know the dog is prone to aggression, they must take steps to mitigate risks. 

Husky owners are responsible for their dogs on their property and in public places. Even if they take their dog onto someone else’s private property, they are still accountable for its actions. So, if a Siberian husky bites you, you must take legal action against the dog’s owner. This often results in an insurance claim with their renters or homeowner’s policies. 

Potential homeowner’s insurance issues

Insurance companies will often blacklist certain breeds. This means they will not cover any injuries or damage that the dog causes. The owner would be liable for all of these losses. Insurance companies will base this list on bite frequency and other factors. This might not be the most accurate assessment. While few studies show Siberian Huskies having the propensity to bite people, they have still made it on some insurance company’s blacklists. The 11 breeds that insurance companies often blacklist include:

• Akita
• Alaskan malamute 
• Chow chow
• Doberman pinscher 
• German shepherd
• Pitbull terrier and other mixes
• Presa Canario 
• Rottweiler 
• Wolf hybrid 
• Staffordshire bull terrier 
• Siberian Husky 

Another issue with these lists is identification. Some breeds or types of dogs look similar. That can lead to getting on a blacklist accidentally. These lists change periodically as more data becomes available. They can also vary by location and insurance company. Some insurance companies do not blacklist any breeds. This is crucial to your case. You might have different legal options if the owner does not have insurance coverage for their husky. The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer will review insurance policies to determine policy limits. 

Injuries from Siberian husky attacks

Huskies have strong bites, which can cause severe wounds when they attack. You may suffer life-altering injuries and changes. Often, dog bite victims suffer injuries such as:

• Ligament damage 
• Puncture wounds 
• Broken bones 
• Tendon 
• Muscle injuries 

Victims will also often suffer psychological injuries. These invisible injuries are harder to detect and treat. It can lead to lifelong fear and avoidance of dogs. All damages will require medical treatment and rehabilitation. You will also suffer lost wages and benefits. The mental toll is often the most challenging part because you know another person is the reason for your struggles. Talk to The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, who can guide you on recovering compensation for your losses. 

Evidence to prove your case

No dog bite injury should be trivialized. You must get justice. This can require that you collect evidence and build a solid case for financial reimbursement. Some evidence that can be crucial to your case includes:

• Photographic evidence: videos and pictures of the incident, your injuries and the scene 
• Police and medical reports: These are unbiased accounts of what happened and what caused your injuries.  
• Witness statements, if available: comments about the situation and contact information from witnesses. This might not be available in every incident. 
• A personal account: When you can, write down a personal statement of the events.  
• Bills and expenses: You will also want to collect your related bills and expenses to include in your demand. This shows the financial impact of the attack. 

The best way to gather and present this evidence is to work with The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer.  

Speak to The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites from any breed must be taken seriously. You can suffer severe injury and psychological trauma after a dog bite. While insurance may cover some losses, it is challenging to access. You must take legal action to ensure you get the compensation you need for your injuries and losses. The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer can guide you through the legal process. Call us at 866-259-4377 for a free legal consultation or reach out via our web contact form.