Canine behaviorist Will Atherton has a soft spot for most dogs, but there’s one popular breed he just can’t seem to connect with.
With over 908,000 followers on TikTok, Will shares his training tips and breed insights regularly, but his recent comments on Siberian Huskies sparked an interesting debate among his fans.
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“Why do you hate Siberian Huskies?”
Will’s followers were surprised when he was asked, “Why do you hate Siberian Huskies so much?” He quickly clarified that he doesn’t actually “hate” them at all. In fact, he once owned a Husky himself — a rescue dog that became a beloved member of his family for 12 years.
Will fondly recalls how this particular Husky, originally intended for rehoming, charmed his parents so thoroughly that she stayed with them for over a decade.
“I just think that certain breeds have certain requirements and meet certain lifestyles better than others.”
Will explained that huskies are “drama queens” with independent streaks, and they don’t always mesh with his training philosophy. His methods focus on building a bond where the dog looks to its owner for guidance and leadership.
“And Siberian Huskies don’t like to look up to people for guidance and direction; they’re very independent, and I can find that they’re often aloof,” he continues.
Will’s recent video, which received over 300,000 views, ignited a lively discussion.
Many of his followers shared their own Husky experiences. One person admitted, “I have one, would never get one again,” while another added, “I love her, but wouldn’t get another one.” The comments kept coming, with many users chiming in with stories of their own “drama queen” Huskies.
This clearly struck a chord with many dog owners who have had their patience tested by this willful breed.
“Dog hardware, cat operating system,” one commenter joked, summing up Huskies’ stubbornness, escapism, and tendency to “sing the song of their people” at any given moment.
The phrase painted a vivid picture of a dog that seems to embody the independent, sometimes aloof personality of a feline, with a high-energy canine body. These qualities, while charming to some, can make Huskies challenging for those who prefer a more obedient, predictable companion.
Some Husky owners embraced their breed’s quirks with humor.
One wrote, “Me sat here with my first ever dog, who is a Husky. She’s a pain in the butt, but overall a wonderful dog.”
Another shared, “I’ve got a 4-month-old Husky, and she’s hard work.” These owners seem to love their dogs, quirks and all, and find the humor in the daily challenges that come with owning a breed known for its intelligence, stubbornness, and unique vocalizations.
Several commenters echoed the challenges of owning a Husky.
One person noted, “Huskies don’t have owners. Absolutely not for the inexperienced owner.” Many people shared their own struggles with keeping their Huskies entertained and under control.
Without enough exercise, mental stimulation, and proper training, Huskies can become unruly and even destructive, leading to a higher rate of rehoming for the breed. This reality is a stark contrast to the breed’s beautiful appearance and lovable reputation.
However, not everyone agreed with Will’s views.
“I have a Husky, and he is the most loving, loyal, smart dog you can ever meet,” wrote one commenter, who added that their Husky is even a service dog, proving they aren’t all “drama queens.”
Several fans of the breed were quick to point out the qualities they adore in their Huskies, from their loyalty to their cleverness and even their mischievous charm.
For some, Huskies are the only breed they’d ever choose.
“I don’t think I will ever have another breed,” shared one fan. “Yes, they are very independent, but they are also very loyal and a great addition to any family.”
These fans find that the breed’s unique personality, energy, and vocal nature make them the perfect companion, despite — or perhaps because of — their drama queen tendencies.
It’s all about finding the right fit for your furry friend.
Will Atherton’s candid opinions on Siberian Huskies may have sparked debate, but they also highlight the importance of finding a breed that suits your lifestyle. Whether you see Huskies as high-maintenance “drama queens” or loving, loyal companions, it’s clear that they aren’t the right fit for everyone.
As Will’s followers showed, it’s all about perspective — and maybe just a little bit of patience when it comes to these striking dogs.
