Huskies are well-known as working sled dogs but can also be great companions. Bred to run and pull a load all day long, they have practically unlimited energy. So you should be ready to exercise your dog a lot if you have a Husky or plan to get one. Now you might just wonder how much this breed really needs?
In general, a healthy adult Husky requires around 2 hours of exercise per day. It should include walks, vigorous physical activity, and mental stimulation. For example, running and urban mushing sports are great ways to exercise a Husky. But how much exercise a dog needs doesn’t only depend on the breed.
What Can Influence The Exercise Needs Of A Husky?
You must consider many factors to know how much exercise you should provide to your dog. The breed is just one of them. Your Husky’s age, health, energy level, and several other elements can also influence the amount and type of exercise he needs.
Breed (Type Of Husky)
As you probably already know, Huskies are very active dogs. That’s why they need so much exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, there are two different types of Huskies. There’s the Siberian and Alaskan Husky. Although they are very similar, their exercise needs are slightly different.
How Much Exercise Does A Siberian Husky Need?
A Siberian Husky will generally require at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. But you should ideally aim for around 2 hours if possible. Bred as working sled dogs, Siberian Huskies are now popular high-energy pets. So they will need a lot of exercise to stay fit and happy in your home.
How Much Exercise Does An Alaskan Husky Need?
Alaskan Huskies are even faster and more energetic than Siberian Huskies. Therefore, they will need more exercise. As a rule of thumb, a minimum of 2 hours per day should be enough. The Alaskan Husky will also prefer exercise more focused on work than play.
So your dog’s breed is an essential factor to consider. Nonetheless, both Siberian and Alaskan Huskies require a lot of exercise. The Alaskan lineage might only need a little more because they have higher stamina and energy levels.
Age
How old your Husky is can also impact how much exercise he needs. The general recommendation of 2 hours per day refers to adults. If your dog is young or old, his exercise requirements won’t be the same.
How Much Exercise Does A Puppy Husky Need?
In general, a puppy needs around 5 minutes of daily exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. It can include gentle walks, free playtime, and moderate physical activity. For example, a 4-months-old Husky should get between 20 and 40 minutes of exercise per day. Too much exercise can be bad for puppies.
Even if young dogs usually have a lot of energy, they don’t have much stamina. That’s why Husky puppies require less exercise. Besides that, their structure is also fragile because they are still growing. So too intense physical activity might hurt them or cause joint and bone problems later on.
| Puppy Age | Exercise Needs |
|---|---|
| 3 Months Old | 15-30 Minutes |
| 4 Months Old | 20-40 Minutes |
| 5 Months Old | 25-45 Minutes |
| 6 Months Old | 30-60 Minutes |
How Much Exercise Does A Senior Husky Need?
An older dog will gradually have less energy and reduced stamina. But a senior Husky still needs at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. It should include walking, low-impact physical activity, and mental stimulation. Keep in mind that an elderly dog is fragile and requires more relaxation.
Health
Another factor you have to consider is the health of the Husky. Dogs with specific conditions or problems might need less exercise than the average of their breed. The recommendation of 2 hours per day was referring to a healthy Husky.
But if your dog is very active and in good shape he might require more than that. So how much exercise you should provide to a Husky will depend on his health. If your dog is overweight, sick, or has any other problem, you have to know it.
And it’s not always obvious. That’s why visiting your vet for a health check is highly recommended. It will give you a better idea of your Husky’s conditions and issues if he has any. With that information, it should be much easier to figure out how much exercise your dog needs.
Energy Level
Some Huskies are more active and energetic than others. Thus, that’s another thing you should factor in. The more energy a dog has, the more exercise he will need. If your Husky never seems tired and always asks for more, just provide him with as much as you possibly can.
Other Things To Consider When Exercising A Husky!
Many other details can influence how much exercise a Husky needs. For example, the intensity of the physical activity will affect the amount of energy burned. More vigorous exercise can tire out your dog more quickly than moderate physical activity.
Besides that, the temperature will also impact the amount and type of exercise needed. With a double and thick coat, a Husky can’t last very long or do intense physical activity when it’s very hot outside. Therefore, you should also keep that in mind.
So, How Much Exercise Does Your Husky Really Need?
Finally, the amount and type of exercise a Husky should get can vary a lot from one dog to another. It will depend on the breed type, age, health, energy, and many other elements. So you must consider all those factors to know how much exercise your Husky needs.
If you’re not sure, you can always consult a veterinarian. Talking with a professional will help you understand your dog’s requirements. But around 2 hours of exercise per day should be enough for most Huskies to stay fit, healthy, and happy.
What Type Of Exercise Does A Husky Need?
Once you know how much exercise your dog needs, it’s time to determine what it should include. I already mentioned the three main types of exercise a Husky should get. Walking, Vigorous Physical Activity, and Mental Stimulation. Now let’s see how you divide those 2 hours or so into those categories.
Walking
Walking is an excellent source of moderate exercise for dogs. It allows them to spend some pent-up energy, improve their cardiovascular system, go outside, be mentally stimulated, and sometimes socialize. Now you simply need to know how much a Husky should walk per day.
How Long Should A Husky Be Walked?
A Husky should generally be walked for at least 30 to 60 minutes per day. Depending on how fast you and your dog walk, it can result in anywhere between 1.5 and 4 miles of daily walking. But most Huskies have enough energy and stamina to walk for much longer periods and distances. So you can walk as much as you want.
How Many Walks Should A Husky Get Per Day?
Ideally, a Husky should walk 2 or 3 times per day. Multiple shorter walks spread throughout the day is usually better than just a long one. It will allow your dog to exercise, burn energy, and go outside several times a day. Therefore, a Husky should get 2 or 3 daily walks between 15 and 30 minutes each.
Is Walking Enough Exercise For A Husky?
Walking is a good moderate physical activity for dogs, but it’s not enough exercise for active breeds such as the Husky. They will need more than a couple of walks per day to stay healthy, fit, and happy. A Husky also requires more vigorous exercise that walking won’t provide.
Vigorous Physical Activity
Huskies were bred to run and pull a load over relatively long distances. So they are very active, strong, and energetic dogs. That’s why a Husky needs exercise that involves physical strength and cardiovascular effort.
High-intensity exercise can lead to an increase in heart rate and heavy breathing. It will also allow your dog to burn more calories, strengthen muscles, and improve his overall health and fitness. Therefore, daily vigorous physical activity is essential for a Husky.
How Much Vigorous Physical Activity Does A Husky Need Per Day?
In general, a Husky will need around one hour of vigorous exercise per day. But it may vary between 30 and 90 minutes depending on how much you walk and the dog itself. Huskies have enough energy and endurance to stay active all day long. So the more high-intensity physical activity, the better.
Mental Stimulation
Exercise isn’t all about physical activity. Dogs also need to be stimulated mentally. The Husky is an intelligent working breed that should be busy and has a mind to satisfy. So mental stimulation is another thing you must consider.
How Much Daily Mental Stimulation Does A Husky Need?
A dog will be stimulated mentally several times during the day without you noticing it. For example, sniffing around on walks and analyzing the scents can be stimulating. But a Husky should get at least 15 minutes of purposeful mental exercise. It can include brain games, training, nose work, etc.
Best Ways To Exercise A Husky!
Now that you know what type of exercise a Husky needs, it’s time to find concrete things you can do together. There are many ways to keep your dog active and healthy, but some are more appropriate for this breed. So here are the best activities to exercise a Husky!
Running
Huskies were bred to run very long distances daily. That’s why running should be a major part of their exercise regimen. It’s an excellent source of vigorous physical activity and accessible to practically anyone.
How Far Can A Husky Run In A Day?
A Husky has the energy and stamina to run relatively fast over long periods. Dogs trained for sled races can run over 100 miles a day and reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour. But most Huskies bred as pets won’t be able to run that far. So you should aim for around 10 miles or one hour of running per day.
Learn How To Run With Your Dog Safely!
Urban Mushing
Another way to exercise a Husky that involves running is urban mushing. It includes all sports in which the dog pulls the handler on dryland: Canicross, bikejoring, scootering, dog skateboard pulling, skijoring, etc.
Those sports are ideal for Huskies because they are closely related to mushing. The concept is the same, but instead of pulling a sled on snow, the dog has to run and pull you during the summer. So it’s an excellent way to exercise a Husky while having fun together.
Hiking
Long walks in the country or woods can be great to exercise and explore the outdoors with your dog. With their endurance and resilience, Huskies can be excellent hiking partners. It may not be as vigorous as running, but it’s definitely more physically demanding and stimulating than walking around the block.
Playtime
Another way to exercise a Husky physically and mentally is to play together. There are many games and toys you can enjoy with your dog. Playing fetch, tug-of-war, solving puzzles, chewing things, or anything else that can keep a Husky busy and stimulated is a good idea.
Here are some accessories that might help you exercise your dog!
What Happens If A Husky Doesn’t Get Enough Exercise?
If a Husky doesn’t get enough exercise, it can lead to several problems. Lack of physical activity and mental stimulation might cause obesity and boredom. Then, your dog will find other undesirable ways to spend his energy and stay busy, such as barking, chewing, jumping, and digging.
Last Thoughts About The Husky Exercise Needs!
Finally, there are many things you should know about how much exercise a Husky needs. The answer will vary for each dog, but around 2 hours is generally enough for this breed. It should include moderate physical activity, vigorous exercise, and mental stimulation.
For example, 45 minutes of walking, 1 hour of running, and playing puzzle games with your Husky for 15 minutes, should be enough. But some dogs might need more or less exercise depending on their age, breed, health, and other conditions.
Let’s Exercise That Husky!