Why Are Huskies So Dramatic?

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Learn why huskies are one of the most dramatic and vocal dog breeds, and how to manage them

Co-authored by Rendy Schuchat and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: June 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Why are huskies so dramatic?
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• Why are huskies loud?
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• Why do huskies throw tantrums?
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• How to Manage a Husky’s Drama
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• Other Dramatic Dog Breeds
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• Expert Interview

|Show more |Show less

With their bright eyes and fluffy mane, Siberian Huskies are hands down one of the most handsome dog breeds. But their good looks are only one part of the package—they also have a vibrant personality. And with that personality comes drama. Huskies are known for their dramatic outbursts and vocalizations, and it all has to do with their wolf ancestry. In this article, we’ll break down the whys and hows of a husky’s dramatic nature so you can learn the best way to manage your howling pup.

Things You Should Know

• Huskies are naturally vocal and expressive. Because of this, they can come across as dramatic or loud.
• Huskies are also extremely sensitive and intelligent and may react dramatically to things that make them uncomfortable.
• Managing a husky’s energy with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help curb dramatic outbursts.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Why are huskies so dramatic?

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1. 1
   They're energetic. Siberian Huskies are a bundle of energy! They’re a high-energy breed and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Their dramatic nature may simply have to do with all their pent-up energy—they just want to play, run, and jump!
2. 2
   They're very vocal. Huskies are one of the most vocal dog breeds. They love to bark, howl, and “talk back.” They’re not trying to sass you—they’re just expressing themselves! This need to express themselves and communicate is an instinct. Huskies are close relatives of wolves. To a husky, howling and barking is how they communicate with their pack or loved ones.
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3. 3
   They're intelligent. Huskies are naturally smart and extremely clever. Because of this, they may not fall for the typical human-dog tricks. They know how to read you (and potentially outsmart you), which can give them a slight attitude and stubbornness.
4. 4
   They're joyful and friendly. Believe it or not, a husky’s lovable and huggable personality may cause their dramatic mood swings. Huskies love to be around other people and animals. When they’re with others, they can be adorably dramatic as a way to get attention. Similarly, when they’re lonely, they may be extra loud or expressive to say, “Hey! Play with me!”
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Section 2 of 5:

Why are huskies loud?

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1. Huskies are so loud because they’re trying to communicate with their pack. Huskies are very vocal dogs. They may bark at faraway sounds, howl along with a siren, or even sing along to music. This is because they have the natural instinct to communicate. Like their wolf cousins, huskies need to communicate with their pack or family. Huskies express their emotions and concerns through various sounds to get their packmates’ attention.

   • For instance, say you’re trying to get your husky to come inside. They may let out an intense scream-like vocalization. This is just them saying, “No! I don’t want to come inside!”
   • As another example, your husky might whimper, squeak, or cry when you come home to say, “I’m so excited to see you!”

Section 3 of 5:

Why do huskies throw tantrums?

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1. Huskies throw tantrums when they’re uncomfortable. If a husky is being extremely stubborn or vocal, it may be because they’re upset. Huskies are very expressive; if they don’t like something, they’ll say so. While the behavior may seem dramatic, it’s their way of communicating their needs and wants.

   • Signs of a tantrum include:
     • Excessive howling
     • Whining or crying
     • Erratic or unusual behavior
     • Ignoring commands
     • Destructive or aggressive behavior
   • While a husky’s tantrum might seem funny, it should be taken seriously. Think about what started the behavior and see what you can do to make your pup more comfortable.
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Manage a Husky’s Drama

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1. 1
   Focus dramatic energy with obedience exercises. Help a husky manage their energy by teaching them basic commands. Have them enrolled in obedience training classes or teach them how to “come,” “sit,” and “drop it.”

   • Find obedience classes near you by searching “obedience training classes near me” online.
2. 2
   Redirect dramatic behavior with playtime. Playing with a hyper husky can help them regulate their emotions. If you have a husky, make sure to schedule in playtime throughout the day. Play fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek to give them a chance to run around and let off some steam.
3. 3
   Reinforce positive behavior with treats and praise. When a husky does something good, reward them! If you have a husky, “pay” them to make good choices. Use a praising word or training treat to let them know what behaviors they should repeat in the future.
4. 4
   Offer mentally stimulating toys and games. Huskies are incredibly smart dogs, and they can get bored easily. If you have a husky, keep them entertained with plenty of mental stimulation. Choose toys and activities that make them think, like:

   • The muffin tin shell game. Fill the cups of a muffin tin with treats and cover them with tennis balls.
   • A doggy ball pit. Fill a plastic kiddie pool with plastic balls and sprinkle treats on top.
   • A tea towel snuffle mat. Place some treats in the center of a tea towel and fold and tie the towel over the treats.
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Section 5 of 5:

Other Dramatic Dog Breeds

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1. Huskies aren’t the only dramatic dogs out there. While every dog demands attention, some breeds just happen to be a bit more needy than others. But this isn’t entirely their fault—they just have big personalities! Other than the husky, the most dramatic dog breeds are:

   • Border Collie
   • Yorkshire Terrier
   • Jack Russell Terrier
   • Australian Shepherd
   • German Shorthaired Pointer
   • Labrador Retriever
   • Cocker Spaniel
   • English Bulldog
   • Akita
   • Dachshund
   • Pug
   • Chihuahua
   • Basset Hound

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