Whether you want to add another dog to your household, or provide companionship for your Husky, choosing a companion dog is not an easy decision.
Before adopting a dog, learn about the best breeds to pair with Huskies and take your dog’s individual personality into account.
Some of the best breeds to pair with Huskies include the following:
- Other Huskies
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Boxer
- Dalmatian
- English Pointer
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Standard Poodle.
Although each dog is unique, breeds do carry some inherent attributes.
Just because a dog comes from a recommended breed doesn’t mean it will be the best companion dog for your Husky.
Why did we select these dog breeds?
Keep reading to find out.
Plus, learn more about your Husky’s personality and how you can choose the best companion dog for your pet.
Why You Can Trust Me
I’m a lifelong dog owner and the current owner of a Husky. I also have over 10 years of experience researching and writing content for veterinarians. I’ve scoured resources and learned what veterinarians and canine behavior specialists say about the best companion dogs for Huskies.
Through my experience, I can attest to the breed’s outgoing and friendly nature, boundless energy, and penchant for mischief.
My Husky, Bogie, loves most people and playing with other dogs.
He especially enjoys spending time with his two favorite dog friends, a Goldendoodle named Sophie and a Maltipoo called Lelu.
At times, his exuberance can be a bit overwhelming to pups he’s only just met.
When meeting new puppy pals, I’ve found that it’s necessary to rein in Bogie’s excitement until it’s clear how the other dog will respond to his energy.
Huskies Are Happier With Companions
Siberian Huskies are bred to pull dog sleds in a team of dogs.
As natural lovers of the pack dynamic, they tend to be happiest and most comfortable when they’re busy with other dogs.
In other words, Huskies don’t enjoy spending a lot of time alone.
As a result, Huskies tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone or for too long.
Signs of separation anxiety include:
- Excessive barking and howling
- Destructive behavior (chewing, scratching, and digging)
- Tantrums
- Escaping
- Breaking potty training rules.
How do you address separation anxiety in your Husky?
View the video below and start 4 minutes into the video to pass the introduction.
If work demands or lifestyle results in long periods away from home, then the right companion dog could do wonders for your Husky’s well-being.
If you’re home most of the time, your Husky probably isn’t lonely.
However, introducing a companion dog will help you tame some of your Husky’s wild energy.
More About The Siberian Husky’s Personality
Before you can begin to consider which breeds to pair with Huskies, you must first understand the nature of Huskies themselves.
Everybody’s best friend
Innately friendly, Huskies enjoy companionship, making them the best of friends, but not the best watchdogs.
Thanks to their friendly nature, Huskies are open to mixing with almost any other dog.
The real challenge comes in selecting a companion dog that also enjoys your Husky.
Endless energy
Huskies are working dogs with an incredible amount of energy.
Most dogs like to run, but Huskies possess a surprising level of stamina.
They can sprint for hundreds of miles without stopping.
This energy can be difficult for a dog from a less energetic breed to match and/or tolerate.
Prey drive
In addition to pulling sleds, Huskies were also used as hunting dogs, giving them a strong prey drive.
Huskies instinctively chase any small creature (including little dogs) that catches their attention.
Serious playtime
The Husky’s exuberant personality will leak into its playful nature.
They love to play with other dogs but tend to get a little rough.
They might jump up, jump on the other dog, use their mouths, and even tackle.
As a result, Huskies need to be paired with dogs that also engage in energetic play or dogs big enough to hold their own at the dog park.
Mischievous
Huskies can be challenging to train.
They have a stubborn streak that leads them to test their human’s commands.
This stubbornness can make it tricky to control a Husky around other dogs.
Within the social dynamic of a pack, mischievous behavior can spread.
This means you could wind up with two dogs who resist training.
Conversely, pairing your Husky with an obedient breed might improve your pet’s obedience.
A breed’s tendencies can be helpful when selecting dogs to introduce to your household.
Every dog is different and has a slightly different disposition.
Before adopting, consider the breed, personality, behavior, and history of the dogs to ensure you create a balanced dynamic.
10 Best Breeds To Pair with Huskies
Other Huskies
If you don’t mind having mischievous dogs, then Huskies make the perfect companions for other Huskies.
With another Husky, yours will be matched in terms of temperament, friendliness, playfulness, and energy.
Siberian Huskies enjoy each other’s company.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are larger, fuzzier, and better guard dogs than Siberian Huskies, but they’re also playful and friendly.
The two breeds are considered cousins.
Malamutes can hold their own in rough play against a Husky. When it comes to stamina, however, Malamutes don’t have as much energy as Huskies.
These two make a great pair – as long as you don’t mind dealing with two equally stubborn breeds.
Keep them on a leash or in a secured play area because their recall abilities aren’t fantastic.
Australian Shepherd Dogs
Australian Shepherd dogs (Aussies) make perfect companions for Huskies.
The two breeds have similar dispositions, and the Aussie’s high energy will rival your Husky’s.
Plus, Australian Shepherds are eager to learn and work, which will help your Siberian Husky follow commands.
Border Collie
Another herding, working dog, the Border Collie, is bursting with energy.
I’ve written about how to manage the Border Collies’ energy levels. And here is the link to that blog post.
They’re playful, friendly, and love humans almost as much as Huskies do!
These dogs are considered the most intelligent breed, making them a go-to choice for Husky households seeking a second dog.
Boxer
Boxers and Huskies have more fun together than any other dog pairing.
They’re both energetic and playful, and they love human companionship.
The only drawback of this match is that neither breed enjoys being left alone for long periods.
When left, both Boxers and Huskies can exhibit destructive behaviors.
So, while these two dogs have a ball playing together, they can be a bit of a challenge if you often need to be away.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians and Huskies make a natural pair.
They’re about the same size and intelligence, playful, and affectionate.
The Dalmatian has as much, if not more, energy than the Siberian Husky, which means they might out-play your energetic pup.
Dalmations were initially bred to guard coaches and horses. They still possess some of these protective instincts, which means they can fill in for your overly friendly Husky.
Pointer
Huskies and pointers seem to make another great pair.
Pointers are considered affectionate, intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, and loyal. Plus, they have enough energy to match any Husky.
Golden Retriever
These devoted dogs have no problem getting along with other breeds, and Huskies are no exception. Golden Retrievers and Huskies make great friends.
Although retrievers are a little bigger than Huskies and have less energy, they love to play!
Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and loyal to their humans, which gives them a propensity to please.
Paired with a Husky, a Retriever could become more stubborn, or the Husky might become more obedient. When Huskies are paired with obedient dogs, their obedience often improves. For example, they’ll come when called – or at least when their obedient companion is called.
Labrador
This breed is one of the best to pair with Huskies.
They share similar personality traits, size, and energy levels.
Although they can be playful and exuberant, Labradors are very intelligent.
With the right training, a Labrador can have a positive influence on your stubborn Husky.
Standard Poodle
Poodles are full of energy, making them great exercise partners for Huskies.
Don’t let a poodle’s fancy haircut deceive you: they aren’t afraid of a little rough-housing, which makes them perfectly paired to play with a Husky.
Like Huskies, Poodles are also a bit mischievous and disobedient.
With enough exercise, these two won’t have a problem following directions.
Left with pent-up energy, however, they might be trouble times two.
Companion Dog Personality Characteristics That Best Suit a Husky
With over 300 dog breeds around the world, there are certainly more than 10 breeds that get along with Huskies.
Any mix of the above-listed breeds make good choices.
So, don’t be afraid to pair other dog breeds with your Husky.
When you want to add a new dog to your household, it’s most important to consider both dogs’ personalities.
For the standard Husky with predictable personality traits, dogs with the following traits will work best:
- Affectionate
- Friendly and outgoing
- Energetic
- Not territorial
- Plays rough
- Obedient
- Moderately to highly intelligent.
Dogs with these traits make the best pack-mates for Huskies.
They will get along well and will set a good example, balancing some of your pet’s less desirable traits (stubbornness).
A Note on Age and Size of Companion Dogs for Huskies
No matter which breed you decide to pair with your Husky, it’s best to choose a dog that’s around the same size and age as your Husky.
Senior dogs generally won’t tolerate the energy of a puppy.
With a puppy in the house, an older dog can become territorial and aggressive.
They might even withdraw from the new dog and the rest of the family.
Choose a companion dog that’s about the same size as your Husky. This will help balance your miniature pack’s power dynamic, keeping you firmly in the pack leader position.
Huskies can learn to put their prey drive aside and get along with much smaller dogs. However, most of the time, it’s better to pair Huskies with dogs that can match their stamina and strength.
Introducing a New Dog to Your Husky
First impressions matter.
Whichever dog you choose, planning a proper, stress-free introduction is imperative.
Be sure your dogs first meet in neutral territory.
Pay attention to their posture throughout the meeting, and stay calm.
It’s best to allow the dogs to meet each other at their own pace.
Once they are both home, monitor them closely – especially at mealtimes and around toys.
Related Questions
Siberian Husky and German Shepherd compatibility – do they get along?
German Shepherd dogs are considered herding dogs, and Siberian Huskies are working dogs. This gives both breeds a lot of energy. Other than that, they are two very different breeds.
Huskies tend to be sociable, friendly, outgoing, and a little bit stubborn.
The German Shepherd’s dominant characteristics include loyalty, intelligence, courage, and confidence.
Unlike Huskies, German Shepherds have a tendency to be possessive and territorial. They’re protective of their homes and families, which makes them excellent guard dogs.
Despite their differences, these two breeds can get along. They can coexist in the same home without aggression, territorial disputes, or feeling neglected nor lonely.
Consider the dogs’ personalities and upbringing when pairing a Siberian Husky and German Shepherd.
Huskies are friendly and can generally get along with any dog that’s large enough to handle its exuberance.
It’s imperative that the German Shepherd you select for adoption, be socialized with lots of different people and dogs.
A German Shepherd that hasn’t been properly socialized will have a difficult time coexisting with any other dogs in a home.
Mad About Huskies??
Because Huskies are great as outdoor dogs, we’ve spent time writing about them here at Outdoor Dog Fun.
- The Husky: one of the best dogs to take ice fishing
- Into bikejoring? We cover how to get your Husky to pull a bike.
- How do Huskies get blue eyes?
- Marathons, trail running and Canicross: why Huskies make great runners
- Into backpacking? Is a Husky a suitable dog?
- How to manage your Husky’s weight
- How to help your hot Husky in the summer?
- Wolves vs. Huskies – related or not?
- Read our 6 tips on bringing up a Husky
- Cope with Husky shedding – read our detailed guide
- How can you tell the difference between a Husky and a Malamute?
- Indoor vs. outdoor: where’s the best place to keep your Husky