Huskies are a boisterous, loud but lovable dog that have become very popular in the past decade. It is no surprise that the American Kennel Club ranks the Siberian Husky the 14th most popular dog breed in America. People love Huskies!
While these dogs make a loveable friend, they are not exactly budget-friendly.
Buying and keeping a Siberian Husky is not cheap. A lot of time and money is required to buy and raise a healthy one. Unfortunately, due to their cost and training difficulty, many are surrendered at shelters.
Keep reading to learn how much a Husky is…
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How Much Does A Husky Cost?
The price of a Husky depends on its age, appearance, history, pedigree and purpose. In general, the Siberian Husky’s price has increased in the last ten years as their popularity has also increased.
A show-quality purebred Siberian Husky puppy can cost anywhere between $975 to $2,500. Puppies purchased to be house pets will be a bit cheaper, closer to $600 to $1,300.
Puppies aged between eight to twelve weeks of age will be the most expensive, and then their price decreases with age.
If you are planning on buying a Husky puppy through a reputable breeder then you can safely assume it will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. There is typically not a price difference between males and females, but males do grow larger so expect a higher monthly food cost.
Purebreds without pedigree certification will cost less than those that do have it.
Having a puppy be certified and registered by the American Kennel Club can easily increase the Siberian Husky cost by an extra $500. Certification proves that the puppy comes from a purebred bloodline, so those are typically the most sought after by people looking for their next show dog.
Widespread or uncommon traits can also increase the Siberian Husky price.
For example, miniature Huskies are very popular and so are more expensive. It is common for a miniature Husky to cost $2,500. The same rule applies for one with different colored eyes or a pure white coat.
A puppy with an Agouti coat can cost up to $3,000 and a white coat will sell for $2,500.
On the other hand, this means that puppies born with less desired traits tend to be cheaper. Puppies with a wooly coat are more affordable. Puppies born with abnormalities or health issues are also cheaper, so they will cost less than $700.
A Siberian Husky with a wooly coat is considered to have a fault since it takes longer for snow to dry in that hair type, so they would be sold at a lower price.
Location and popularity are other significant factors that can affect the price.
On an international scale, a Siberian Husky can cost about $2,600 in the UK and $1,800 in Germany.
Different states in America can also have vastly different prices.
The most expensive states to buy a Siberian Husky include Texas, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Delaware, with averages between $1500 and $1800. Cheaper states include Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri where they can be sold for $750.
Siberian Husky Price Table
| Seller | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Kennel Club Registered Breeder | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Amateur Breeder | $600 to $1,300 |
| Pet Store | $750 to $2,000 |
| Backyard Breeder | $500 to $1,500 |
| Shelter/Adoption | $100 to $350 |
Siberian Husky Puppy Price (Breeder)
A puppy from an American Kennel Club registered breeder with health certified parents will cost more than a puppy from a backyard breeder, pet store or puppy farm.
Backyard breeders might charge $500, where a reputable certified breeder is likely to sell a Siberian Husky puppy for $1,000 to $2,500. Price differences are driven by purebred status, puppy welfare and registration charges.
Different breeders will have different prices for their puppies depending on the colors and size of their dogs. This means puppies from the same litter can also be priced differently.
A pure white is very desirable, very rare and is also the most expensive. If you have your heart set on one of these puppies expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 upwards.
Huskies can also have different types of coats; for instance, some puppies have wooly coats instead of the traditional double-layered coat. Wooly coated Huskies are cheaper.
Buying a Husky puppy from a pet store is also an option, although it is not recommended. You cannot assure the quality of the dog or the care and have no option to meet the parents. You also cannot assure the puppy was bred from a reputable breeder.
Another cheap option is buying through classified ads. Buying from classified ads is not recommended for the same reasons as pet stores. They generally do not ethically breed their dogs or screen them for health problems. This results in many Siberian Husky puppies being born with lifelong health issues.
It is the most responsible option to purchase from a professional breeder.
Reputable breeders put a lot of work, time, and care into raising puppies so the price goes mostly into the puppies’ expenses rather than profit.
Husky Price (Adoption)
Unfortunately, due to their cost and training difficulty, the number of Huskies surrendered at shelters has increased drastically in the last few years. These reasons include behavioral issues, difficulty training and high energy personalities.
Adoption is much cheaper than purchasing a purebred puppy from a breeder.
Generally, senior dogs are the cheapest to adopt, and they get more expensive as they get younger.
Many rescues will charge on average around $350 for a purebred Husky puppy. This price is normally based on the cost it took to care for the puppy until its adoption. This care includes food, housing, and veterinary bills.
If you are not interested in adopting a puppy, senior dogs will cost less. Some run as low as $125. Older Siberian Husky dogs come with the benefit of being more mellow and more likely to be housebroken.
Not only is rescuing cheaper, but it also means you are giving a dog in need a new home!
Just remember to research potential rescue groups before adopting to ensure they take proper care of their dogs. Reputable rescues are more expensive, ensure the dog is healthy, and will arrange a home visit before adoption.
Finally, waiting for re-homing is another possibility.
Some people buy a Siberian Husky and due to unforeseen circumstances they can no longer take care of them. Most people charge anywhere from $100 to $400 as a re-homing fee to ensure a good home for their dog. While this initially might seem like a great deal, keep in mind you may not know the true reasons for the dog being re-homed and you could end up buying a Husky with severe behavior issues.
Fun Facts About Siberian Husky Price
Most Expensive
The most expensive coat color is Agouti. This is because it is one of the rarest colors for the breed. An agouti has a dark brown to black coat with grey to tan highlights.
This color makes a Siberian Husky look like a wolf; though they should not be confused for a Malamute.
The reason why agouti is so rare is that breeders rarely breed specifically for it. If someone is looking for an agouti, their best chance at finding one is through sled dog breeders, where the color is more common. Be prepared to save up, though, because the most expensive agouti Siberian Husky will cost over $3000.
A Siberian Husky dog with a heterochromia will also be pricier than their littermates.
Heterochromia is when each eye is a different color. A heterochromatic Husky typically has one brown and one blue eye. Some Native American cultures consider the blue Husky eye to be a “ghost eye”, allowing the dog to see the heavens. This, coupled with heterochromia, is why a Siberian Husky with mismatched eyes can sell for over $2,000.
Rarest
The rarest breed is the Sakhalin Husky, which is nearly extinct. They originated in Japan and were bred to be sled dogs. In 2012, the sole breeder of these dogs in Japan passed away and stated they are not enough individuals to promote the genetic diversity needed for the breed to continue.
Only seven of these dogs are now alive, all living on their native island, Sakhalin.
This breed rose into international fame after a Japanese research expedition to Antarctica went awry in 1958. The team left fifteen Sakhalin Huskies behind following an emergency evacuation.
The dogs were left with only a few days’ worth of food, and the researchers intended for a rescue team to retrieve the dogs. Poor weather prevented this, though, and the dogs were never recovered.
One year later, a new expedition arrived, and they were shocked to discover that two, Taro and Jiro, were alive. Scientists believe they managed to survive on the icy continent by hunting penguins and seals.
Taro and Jiro became a symbol of survival and fortitude in Japan, with monuments built in their honor.
Most Popular
It is no secret that Siberian Husky dogs are popular. A Husky won best in show at the 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show. Nick beat out hundreds of different dogs from over 165 breeds to win best in show.
Did you know there are a number of Siberian Husky dogs that are actually Hollywood famous?
- Rita Ora owns an all white named Bowie and has been photographed walking him on numerous occasions.
- Ben Stiller has a best friend in his Husky, Alley.
- Miley Cyrus is a self-proclaimed fan of the breed.
- Professional basketball player Quincy Pondexter enjoys his daily exercise with his named Buckets.
Is It Expensive To Keep A Siberian Husky?
Many expenses come with owning a Siberian Husky. An owner must be prepared for a financial commitment that can last as long as fifteen years.
Food
The monthly cost of Siberian Husky food will depend on their age, size and activity levels. Typically they will need about three cups of kibble per day. A good quality dog kibble should cost about $45 to $65 per month. If you decide to feed a raw diet, the food bill will be more expensive at $90 to 130 per month.
Some owners prefer feeding canned food instead of dry food, the average price of a can of dog food is $1.25/can. You can expect your dog to eat two cans a day, 60 or so cans a month, totaling about $75 per month.
Remember to consider the cost of treats and supplements when making your food budget. Those can easily add an extra $10-$30 to your monthly bill.
If you thought the only thing your Siberian Husky would need to eat was their food, think again!
Do not forget about the bones and chews you will need to purchase to keep their teeth cleaned. Dog treats and dental chews can run anywhere from $15 to $20 a bag.
After feeding, it will need rest and toys to play with to burn off its energy and be mentally stimulating.
Equipment and Toys
Buying first-time supplies for a puppy such as a crate, dog bed, food bowls, poop bags, nail clippers, shampoo, brushes, ID tags, collars, and leashes can easily cost several hundred dollars.
As for the toys, expect to spend about $20 per month, especially in the beginning when a Siberian Husky puppy is constantly growing out of their toys or destroying them.
Be sure to invest in durable, high-quality chew toys that can last through hours of rough play.
Grooming
Many may look at a Siberian Husky and assume that grooming costs will be expensive due to its long double coat.
In reality, its coat is relatively easy to manage.
Huskies are clean dogs, and you will not need to spend a lot on grooming or bathing products. Owners should brush them once a week to prevent painful mats.
Neglecting to brush their coat can result in an expensive grooming appointment where they will have to bathe, dry, shave the mats off. This average visit costs $50, so diligent grooming can prevent those expensive bills!
Vet
Another significant expense that comes with owning a Siberian Husky is the veterinary visits and bills. This can range from the cost of vaccinations to major surgeries later in the dog’s life.
Your dog will need to see the vet at least twice yearly for regular checkups and vaccinations.
Vaccinations for the core diseases during your puppy’s first visit to the doctor will cost about $100 to $120. However, many veterinarians do charge a good bit more than this. Many states also require your puppy to be licensed, which costs about $15. You may also want to get your puppy microchipped if it goes missing that typically costs about $25 to $50.
Yearly flea and tick prevention is an absolute necessity, and you can expect to spend $15 per month.
All of the costs above break down to approximately $35 a month spent on veterinary care.
The average monthly cost of pet insurance for a Siberian Husky is a $50 monthly premium to cover accidents and illness. Depending on the pet insurance company, this premium can go as low as $25 or as high as $100.
Thankfully, this is a pretty healthy breed, but they are still predisposed to some health conditions that are expensive to treat. Hip dysplasia, entropion, corneal dystrophy, and uveodermatolgic syndrome can cost up to $3,000 to treat.
There’s also a recognized genetic predisposition for zinc-responsive dermatoses, a skin condition that causes itchy, bald patches on the face.
Monthly Costs
While this is a comprehensive breakdown of the Siberian Husky costs, keep in mind accidents and emergencies happen. Dogs get sick and dogs get injured. They destroy the brand new toy you bought them within minutes, and break into the cabinet and eat all of their treats while you are napping.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Dog Food (Kibble) | $45-$65 |
| Dog Food (Raw) | $90-$130 |
| Dog Treats and Chews | $25-$50 |
| Toys | $20 |
| Grooming | $50 per visit |
| Vet | $35 |
| Health Insurance | $50 |
Keeping and providing proper care for a Siberian Husky is not cheap. You will be spending anywhere from $270 per month on expenses.
Summary
The Siberian Husky is an expensive dog breed with purebred puppies costing from $1,000 to $2,500. If you are buying from a breeder, be sure to research them to ensure they are breeding ethically.
Miniature, agouti, white and working Siberian Husky dogs are the most expensive and can cost up to $3,000.
Owners can reduce a Siberian Husky price by adopting, but that will not change the price of ownership. You can spend anywhere upwards of $270 in monthly costs to keep a Siberian Husky.
Huskies are a lovable breed, but their owner will need to be prepared for all of the expenses that come with them. So do the research and save up if you are genuinely committed to owning this breed! If you do adopt one, don’t forget to check out our 400 most popular Husky names.
