Husky Price – How Much Does It Cost To Buy And Raise A Husky?

The Husky is known for being beautiful, energetic and incredibly playful. While he is a highly sought after breed, it’s been found that the Siberian Husky is, in general, best suited for more experienced dog owners.

This is due to a number of reasons, from training and exercise requirements to potential medical expenses when it comes to the Husky price overall.

And that’s what brings us to today’s topic. If you’re considering buying a Husky, you’ve come to the right place. We are going to break down the average Husky price beginning from buying your Husky from a rescue or breeder to raising your Husky all the way up into his senior years.

Let’s get started.

First, Let’s Cover The Basics Of The Husky Price

The Husky is an athletic Spitz dog hailing from Siberia.

While some Husky dogs are sold for around $700, others are sold for much, much more.

What gives?

According to experts, the average Husky price in the United States is estimated to be between $750 – $1,300.

That said, this price can vary and is based on the breeder or shelter you go through. The Husky’s gender may also play a role in your Husky price, as can other factors like pedigree, the quality of your Husky’s parent breeds, and whether or not you are looking for a working Husky, a show Husky, or simply a companion dog.

According to the American Kennel Club, Huskies are some of the United States’ most popular dog breeds. In fact, they sit proudly at number 14 out of 197 on the AKC’s list of top dogs.

Their popularity could play a role in their overall price, say some breed experts, but it’s also important to remember that Huskies are bred working dogs. If you choose to buy a Husky for show purposes or other working purposes, the price for that Husky is going to be much higher.

With that in mind, let’s brush up on our Husky knowledge with a quick breed overview, and then move on to breaking down the overall Husky price in more detail.

The Siberian Husky – A Breed Overview

Height: 20 – 23.5 Inches

Weight: 35 – 60 Pounds

Coat Type: Double coated, dense, shedding

Coat Colors: Black, white, black and tan, sable and white, grey, grey and white, black and white, red and white, silver and gray

Hypoallergenic: No

Temperament: High energy, playful, outgoing, devoted

Lifespan: 12 – 15 Years

Health Issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Corneal Dystrophy, Uveodermatologic Syndrome, Cataracts, Follicular Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism and Zinc Deficiency

A Few Clubs That Recognize The Siberian Husky:

• The American Kennel Club
• The Husky Club of America
• The United Kennel Club

Behind The Scenes Of Husky Breeding – What You Should Know

There is quite a bit that goes into breeding a healthy Husky puppy, and this is translated in the Husky price.

Before we talk about Husky price, it’s important to first discuss the process of Husky breeding. That’s because breeding quality directly impacts the price you pay for your Husky, regardless of if you go through a breeder or shelter.

This is especially true when it comes to health costs down the road if you should wind up with an unhealthy Husky from an irresponsible source.

So, how much should you expect to pay for a Husky puppy through a quality breeder? That’s going to depend on how much the breeder spent on breeding in the first place.

Reputable breeders who want to breed Huskies typically spend between $1,608 to $8,245 from start to finish.

This price often includes costs that are incurred long before your Husky puppy is even born and goes into ensuring the litter from which he comes is bred and raised responsibly.

Some of the most common fees associated with breeding a Husky, or any dog for that matter, include:

• Raising A Healthy and Breedable Female Husky – $2,000 – $3,000 Per Year
• Paying For A Healthy Stud (AKA A Stud Fee) – $2,000
• Costs For Ultrasounds And Other Vet Needs – $90 – $200 Per Visit
• Puppy Whelping Supplies – $500 to $1,000
• Raising A Healthy Litter of Husky Puppies From 0 to 8 Weeks – $250 to $550

These are average or median costs most Husky breeders must fork over. These costs can fluctuate depending on if the breeder is brand new and just starting out, or if the breeder is fairly experienced and has a close group of contacts and a support system who can help them cut costs.

And this brings us to Husky price vs Husky health.

Most people think that you get what you pay for when it comes to going through an expensive breeder to obtain a quality dog. While this is true, in a sense, you should also keep in mind that not every breeder selling their dogs for top dollar is reputable.

Furthermore, not all reputable breeders are able to guarantee that your Husky puppy will be healthy throughout his entire life.

Still, it’s super important that you try and go through the most reputable sources you can find when looking for a Husky through a breeder. This likely means you should avoid trying to cut costs up front and steer clear of backyard breeders, unqualified online sellers, or breeders who cannot offer paperwork or certificates of health.

Although this may mean you might spend a little more money upfront, it could also mean you will save a lot more money in the long run.

So, what should you expect to pay for a Husky price when going through a breeder? That’s what we’re about to find out! Keep reading.

What Is The Average Husky Price When Buying From A Breeder?

The average Husky breeder charges between $600 – $1,300, but this price can vary.

On average, you should expect to pay between $600 and $1,300 from a reputable breeder selling Huskies as companion dogs.

However, if you’re looking for top of the line working Huskies, prepare to fork over much more. Huskies bred for show or working purposes often go for a price tag of around $1,400 to $6,000.

What To Look For In A Reputable Breeder When Considering Husky Price

As we mentioned above, it’s best to try and avoid going through “breeders” promising Huskies for deals that are way too good to be true. At the same time, you should also avoid going through breeders selling Huskies at a Husky price that is outrageous without proper paperwork.

Of course, you can’t always use the Husky price as a viable resource for the quality of Husky you’re buying. This is where patience, research, and good old gumshoe detective work on your part will come in handy.

When deciding to buy your Husky puppy from a breeder, look for breeders with a clear understanding of responsible breeding practices and who have a history of breeding this particular dog.

Remember, quality breeders will be able to provide you with health certificates proving their puppies have been health screened and cleared of any serious issues. Reputable Husky breeders will also be able to provide you with paperwork proving your puppy’s pedigree.

Avoid breeders who don’t offer any paperwork, and don’t be shy about asking questions. It’s always okay to request to see your puppy’s parent dogs or at least the mother. You can also request references so that you may speak with past clients to ensure this breeder is all they claim to be.

Doing this work up front may not only save you money in the long run, but also years of heartache and stress if your Husky develops medical or behavioral issues due to irresponsible breeding before you bought him.

Of course, going through a breeder to obtain your Husky is not your only option. You also have the opportunity to rescue a Husky from a shelter, which not only saves you when it comes to Husky price, but may also save a Husky in need.

Let’s learn more.

What Is The Average Husky Price When Going Through A Rescue?

While rescuing is less expensive, you should still expect to pay between $250 to $750 for a Husky.

Sadly, the Husky breed is one of the most common to be turned over to shelters by overwhelmed owners. This is so prevalent, in fact, that there are many shelters throughout the United States that specialize in rehabilitating Huskies in an effort to get them placed in forever homes.

Remember, we did mention that Husky dogs are best suited for experienced dog owners. This is primarily because these dogs are working breeds and they have an incredible amount of energy.

Without proper exercise, routine mental stimulation and lots of time and attention from their owners, Huskies can grow up to be very problematic dogs.

The good news is that this breed is highly trainable and can make the perfect companion for the right owner. If you’re looking for a Husky but are worried about Husky price through a breeder, we encourage you to consider rescuing a Husky from a shelter.

Rescuing a dog from a shelter is generally a fraction of the cost of going through a breeder. Better still, there are a number of unforeseen savings that come along with adopting a Husky that you’ll be thankful for down the road.

If you plan to rescue, prepare for the average Husky price to be between $250 and $500.

This price generally includes the cost incurred by the shelter who cared for the Husky, but it can also include other fees like vaccinations, an initial vet exam, and even behavioral screening.

You can also save on your Husky price when going through a rescue if you adopt a Husky over the age of two. This way, you are skipping the sometimes expensive Husky puppy phase and all that it entails. You are also more likely to get a Husky that has already been spayed or neutered, and sometimes even microchipped.

Of course, once you obtain your Husky, there are other factors and fees that should be considered when you’re calculating your Husky price.

And with that, it’s time to discuss the overall lifetime costs of owning and raising a Husky dog.

Average Lifetime Husky Price – How Much Does It Cost To Raise A Husky?

Huskies have a decent lifespan of between 12 – 15 years, and owners should calculate this into their overall budget for raising the breed.

According to a study published by the University of Pennsylvania and reported on by the American Kennel Club, the average cost of raising any dog is around $23,410. That said, it’s usually the first year of dog ownership that is the most costly for owners.

This is likely because you will need to stock up on puppy supplies like food, leashes, bedding, toys and more.

For large breed dogs, the first year of puppy ownership is usually around $3,239. Luckily, the price drops after that first year and averages around $1,080 annually or $90 per month.

These numbers are for all dogs, not just Huskies, and they are also calculated without the added price of what you first pay to obtain your Husky through a breeder or shelter. This is important for you to keep that in mind when calculating costs.

So what exactly are you spending all this money on annually, and how should you budget accordingly for your Husky price each year?

We’ve broken it down just for you.

Buying Basic Husky Supplies Will Cost You About $500 Per Year

It’s no surprise that you’ll need to load up on dog supplies when you choose to invest in a dog, but who knew those supplies could be so costly? On average, Americans spend around $500 a year just on basic dog supplies alone.

These supplies include but are not limited to:

• Dog Bowls
• Leashes
• Harnesses
• Bedding
• Toys
• ID Tags
• And Dog Collars

When you’re calculating the above supplies into your Husky price, remember to add it annually. While many of the items on the list can last for more than a year, most will need to be repurchased over time due to basic wear and tear.

And when it comes to a Husky, prepare for a lot of wear and tear.

Buying Quality Dog Food and Training Treats Will Cost About $250 to $700 Per Year

Next on the list of things you’ll need to add to your Husky price each year is going to be dog food. And it can’t just be any old dog food. The Husky is a high-energy, large dog breed who requires a high-quality dog food specified for his age, weight and activity level.

Most experts recommend you look for a dog food that contains real animal proteins like beef, chicken or salmon. This food should also be rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and it should even contain a good source of water.

Avoid the cheaper dog foods that contain by-products, fillers, additives, corn, soy, wheat and gluten. While these dog foods may save you money initially, they can cost you in the long run when it comes to medical expenses and other issues your dog may incur due to a poor diet.

And speaking of your dog’s diet, you should also calculate your Husky’s training treats into your overall Husky price. Treats are so much more than just tasty snacks for your dog to enjoy; they are actually essential to your Husky’s training, socialization, mental health, and bonding.

Buying quality dog treats means you can ensure your Husky is healthy, even while he is learning to be the best version of himself he can be.

Grooming Your Husky Is Another $50 to $330 Per Year

Husky’s are known for their lush coats, so you may be surprised to learn that grooming a Husky really isn’t all that costly. In fact, like many double-coated and shedding dog breeds, Huskies are relatively self-cleaning and only need occasional baths.

Still, it’s important to consider grooming costs when adding up your overall Husky price. This is because your Husky will still need routine grooming maintenance in order to stay happy and healthy.

If you choose to take your Husky to a professional groomer, prepare to spend between $50 and $330 a year.

Otherwise, you can learn to groom your Husky at home. Of course, there will still be costs associated with this, especially when it comes to investing in the proper grooming tools for a Husky specifically.

To properly groom a Husky at home, you will need to buy:

• Deshedding Tools
• Grooming Brushes
• Ear Cleaners
• Healthy Dog Shampoo
• A Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• And Nail Clippers or Nail Grinders

One Time Husky Medical Expenses In That First Year Can Run You Between $500 to $600

Medical expenses are some of the most costly expenses you’ll run into after you initially buy your Husky from a breeder or shelter. Luckily, the initial high price for that first 12 months of medical care is only temporary.

These prices include but may not be limited to:

• Your Husky’s First Puppy Wellness Exam
• Routine Puppy Vaccinations
• Microchipping
• And Neutering or Spaying

Other Yearly Medical Expenses Can Cost You Between $50 and $300 A Year

Once you pass the first year of Husky ownership, the medical costs for keeping your pup in ship shape will drop. On average, Husky owners can prepare for medical prices to land around $50 to $300 a year and include:

• Routine Vaccinations
• Parasite Prevention Treatments
• Professional Dental Care Treatments
• Yearly Wellness Exams For Husky Adults Under The Age of Seve
• Twice Yearly Wellness Exams For Husky Seniors Over The Age of Seven

Outside of these routine and basic costs that should be calculated and considered when going over your Husky price, there are also unexpected costs that come with owning a dog you should be aware of.

Preparing For The Hidden Expenses Of Raising A Husky

Like all dogs, Huskies can be prone to unforeseen medical issues.

Like all dogs, Huskies can be prone to medical issues that can lead to unexpected costs. Some of the most common medical issues Huskies can face include but are not limited to:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Corneal Dystrophy
• Uveodermatologic Syndrome
• Cataracts
• Follicular Dysplasia
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• And Zinc Deficiency

Some of the above issues can be compounded if you obtain your Husky through an irresponsible source like a backyard breeder, online seller or puppy mill. However, even if you go through reputable sources to buy your Husky, it’s still important to calculate unforeseen medical expenses into the overall Husky price.

We recommend that you consider purchasing pet insurance, which can cost between $10 and $100 a month, or $120 to $1,200 a year.

If you choose not to buy pet insurance, it’s a good idea to keep a pet emergency fund of at least $1,000 on hand just in case.

But medical expenses are not the only unexpected expenses owners should prepare for when it comes to Husky price.

You should also consider expenses related to pet care, trainers, travel and living. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common unexpected costs you should prepare for when it comes to calculating Husky price.

• Travel – $50 to $500 per Trip
• Pet Rent – $10 to $50 per Month
• Dog Trainers – $30 to $120 per Session
• Dog Walkers – $10 – $50 per Walk
• Doggy Daycare Expenses – $240 to $550 per Month

The above expenses are often overlooked by owners until they come up, and when this happens it can put you in a difficult position.

Before you buy your Husky, give yourself some added cushion for unexpected costs that may be associated with Husky price. Try and think outside of the box and consider any and all expenses you might incur with your Husky that are also unique to your specific lifestyle.

Doing this early will help you better budget and lead to a happier, healthier relationship with your Husky and your wallet.

Is The Husky Worth It? Let’s Ask The Experts!

Huskies are sweet, goofy and family oriented. But they do come with their pros and cons.

Huskies make wonderful companions to the right owner. They are friendly, outgoing, and never know a stranger. These qualities make them ideal family dogs, so long as that family is prepared for the training, socialization, and rigorous exercise most Huskies require.

But even if you know you have what it takes to raise a Husky, it’s important to be realistic about price and whether or not you can afford one.

Here’s the deal – Huskies are, in general, no more or less expensive than other large breed dogs. Furthermore, many of the Husky price lists above are “what if” expenses. What if my Husky gets sick? What if he gets injured? What if I have to hire a dog walker for my Husky?

Yes, these are all important aspects to consider when considering buying a Husky, but there are also safe and appropriate ways to cut costs when you’re looking to raise a Husky on a budget without neglecting the overall needs and wants of your Husky in the long run.

Furthermore, being prepared and reading articles like this one before obtaining your Husky can help you get a better grasp on what it is going to take financially to properly raise this breed of dog.

So you’re already on the right track!

With that being said, let’s go over the Husky price timeline so you can see it all at once.

 

• The Average Cost of A Husky Through A Rescue or Breeder: $250 and $1,300

• The Average First Year Husky Price – $3,239

• The Average Monthly Husky Price – $90

• The Average Yearly Husky Price – $1,080

• The Total Average Lifetime Husky Price – Between $18,359 – $23,410

Should you do it? If you’re ready and committed, we think you totally should. Huskies are fabulous dogs and, while they may not be cheap to raise, they give back so much more than you can ever imagine.

We hope this has been a helpful guide on Husky price. Were you able to make a decision about whether or not a Husky is right for you now that you’ve crunched the numbers?

We would love to hear your thoughts. Let us know what you think about Huskies and the price of buying and raising one in the comment section below.

Best of luck with your Husky endeavours and thanks for reading!