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Why Are Huskies So Vocal? (Talking Huskies Explained!)

Why do huskies talk? Husky owners ask me this a lot. So let’s figure out this special thing that really makes huskies different from other dog breeds.

Communicating to their pack and owners would have been essential for survival while huskies lived and worked in the wild for thousands of years. Being vocal is an ingrained behavior and is why huskies are so talkative still to this day.

You may be thinking that dogs just bark, right? Well, actually, huskies don’t really even bark… Instead, their preferred method of communication is through howling, whining, crying, talking, and even screaming. To the shock of most owners…


Talking Huskies Explained

Huskies are considered one of the more “talkative” breeds. This essentially means they vocalize their thoughts and emotions through what seems like to us, “dog talk”

Although, needless to say, that huskies or any other dog, can’t technically talk as we do.

Regardless of the technicalities, huskies do seem to speak words and short phrases, or at least try to anyway.

So what creates this amazing ability to imitate sounds? The way they are able to do this is through noticing and recognizing differences in our tonal patterns.

This skill has been developed because dogs themselves convey emotions to each other, and the different tonal sounds distinguish meaning behind what they want to “say” source.

5 Reasons Why Huskies Talk

So, why is it that huskies talk back to us when they’re trying to communicate, why don’t they just bark like other dogs?

Let’s cover all the reasons why huskies talk back to their owners.

1) Communication

The No.1 reason that your husky is staring you in the face yapping away, is to tell you something.

This is their way of getting your attention to tell you they need something. Dogs are simpler than us. Your husky won’t chat about what went on at the cafe. They’re telling you they need to go to the bathroom! Or that it’s time to eat and you’re a bit late!

The list can be endless, but 90% of the time, your husky will be trying to tell you something specific. It’s normal to have no idea what they’re trying to say, but usually, the situation, time of day and events leading up to the talking can often give you an idea of what they’re asking for.

2) Reacting to external sounds

The second most common reason for husky talk is reacting to external sounds and noises. The list is long, but the common sounds include sirens, baby cries, and the TV.

There are two reasons for this. Within these sounds are some very high frequencies that we can’t even hear, but your husky can. It’s natural to communicate back to sounds that trigger certain instinctual responses.

Sirens and baby cries are distress sounds, a siren could be a lost pack mate trying to find their way back, to which your husky is letting out a huge howl, in order to give away their position and help the other “dog” (a.k.a the police car!). With baby cries, huskies often talk back or howl in order to pacify the baby, this behavior is seen in wolf packs.

3) Ancestral behavior

Huskies are said to be one of the world’s oldest breeds and are originally pack dogs. Pack instincts come with many particular traits, and communication is something very important.

When pack dogs were living in the wild, communication would be an essential part of survival so howling, whining, crying, and talking are all part of a wide range of vocalizations that mean specific things.

Domestication is a spec of time compared to how long dogs existed in the wild beforehand, so these pack instincts are still deeply rooted in huskies and won’t be going anywhere soon.

4) Reacting to confrontation and stressful moments

Any husky owner knows just how stubborn and defiant a husky can be! When you ask your husky to do something they don’t really want to do it, a whole range of spectacles may be about to happen…

In moments of defiance, huskies become incredibly vocal, this is a natural reaction to something they’re finding stressful. It’s their way of letting you know they aren’t comfortable or happy with doing something.

Other than not doing what you want, they will let you know through “talking” as well. It’s almost as if they’re justifying or verbalizing their reasons not to do something! This issue is similar to why huskies are so dramatic.

5) Huskies don’t bark, so they talk or howl instead

Siberian huskies, despite their fierce looks, are not fierce at all. In fact, huskies make terrible guard dogs as most don’t have a bad bone in their body.

Huskies are not naturally aggressive, protective, or suspicious and barking is closely linked to these types of behavior. As Huskies couldn’t really care less if someone breaks into your home, they’re more likely to look the intruder in the eyes and say “I wwuuh wuu” (“I love you” in classic husky language).

So, as huskies don’t often find themselves in situations where they feel like they should bark, it’s essentially become unnatural to them.

A cute clip of a husky saying “I Love You”

Talking Husky Puppies

Husky puppies are no exception either.

It’s hard to describe how husky puppies sound and it’s best to watch a clip for yourself (take a look below).

Although a puppy’s ability to talk isn’t as clear as a mature husky, their attempts are so cute and warming (and they start young!)

As communicating is mostly instinctual, it comes easily and naturally for husky puppies to howl and talk, even from a few weeks of age.

Here’s an awesome viral clip of a husky puppy talking

I don’t know about you, but this video makes my heart melt! A husky puppy certainly isn’t short of personality! It’s like having never-ending entertainment.

Psst. Need to fill a frame or choose the perfect gift? My Happy Husky’s Latest on Etsy (Printable Instantly)

Is Your Husky Too Vocal?

Despite how cute and entertaining huskies are with their outbursts, it may become excessive.

You may not be too bothered by it, but your neighbors might!

This is particularly relevant to howling, more so than talking. A husky’s howl can be so loud and piercing, it can be heard ten miles away. Talking, of course, doesn’t produce the same results but if you live in a semi-detached or terrace house, even talking can go through the walls.

It’s up to you to be a responsible owner and consider your neighbors too, maybe the vocals are excessive and need a remedy…

The best ways to tackle this issue:

  • Does your husky howl at the same time every day? It may be your wake up call, meal time call or letting you know they need to be let out. Instead of letting them howl, write down the time, and beat them to it.
  • Is your husky bored? Ensure you are giving your husky enough attention, take them in the yard play with them, carry out training exercises and ensure you have a lot of puzzle toys available for them to engage with.
  • Are you able to increase their exercise? Exercise is a proven problem solver for everything husky-related. It’s a good idea to increase your husky’s exercise, this will lower their energy and excitement levels, making them less inclined to howl and shout at the TV
  • Are you leaving them home alone? Seperation anxiety is no joke and it just so happens that Siberian huskies develop this quickly when left alone too long and too often. One of the most popular articles on My Happy Husky is whether or not you can leave your husky home alone. It’s worth checking out.

FAQs About Vocal Huskies

Do Huskies Understand Talking

Technically speaking, no. Despite their ability to imitate short phrases we say to them, they can’t actually understand words or language. You can effectively communicate with dogs through your tone of voice, rather than what words you’re actually saying.

Why Do Huskies Scream?

When your husky’s vocals get intense, it can oftentimes sound like screaming. “Screaming” typically happens when you ask a husky to do something they don’t want to. This creates confrontational tension, and screaming is their way to let you know exactly how they feel.

Why Are Huskies So Vocal?

Huskies are pack dogs with strong “pack instincts” howling and talking is their preferred method of communication to you and other dogs. Huskies also have a lot of energy, excitement and attention requirements which could also add to their vocal tendencies.

My Husky Doesn’t Talk, Is There Something Wrong?

Likely not. Some huskies are naturally more vocal than others and if your husky doesn’t do a whole bunch of talking, it’s usually nothing to be worried about. Although, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to visit your local veterinarian to rule out any health problems contributing to their quietness.

Can Huskies Learn To Talk?

Although huskies can do a pretty good job of imitating a word or two, of course, they cannot learn to actually talk as we can. Huskies prefer to howl, whine, “talk” in their own way, and of course… scream. Not all huskies are as talkative or vocal as others.

Are Huskies The Most Vocal Breed?

So far we haven’t come across a breed that’s more vocal and expressive than a husky. Australian shepherds and Pomeranians come close, but Siberian Huskies still remain at the top.

Summary

If you have any experience or are lucky enough to have a talking husky yourself! Drop a comment below and share your story, we would love to hear it 🙂

Most Recommended For Huskies

Best Harness For a Husky 

The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness remains to be the best harness I’ve seen for a husky. It’s affordable and reliable.

Best Online Training Program For Huskies

The Dunbar Training Academy has been rated as one of the best online training programs for all dogs. This is perfect for huskies of all ages.

Best Husky Puppy Book 

If you would like an easy to read guide for training your husky puppy, check out my book The Husky Puppy Handbook on Amazon. All purchases are greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer

The advice given in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice in any context. Before making any decisions that may affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. For the FULL disclaimer Visit Here


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