Yup, prey drive. A 10 week old Chi is a snack to a husky. A full grown Chi would be viewed as prey by most huskies. For my own huskies, anything under 20 pounds is likely to be seen as prey. They are never allowed near small dogs and don't get a second unsupervised around my cats.

Prey drive and aggression are two completely different things. A husky is not dog aggressive because it wants to chase smaller critters....it's a husky with an instinctual drive to hunt. Prey drive can in general be controlled, but not eliminated. Most of my dogs have learned the difference between indoor and outdoor cats...indoor cats are off-limits, outdoor cats are dead. Some can't make that distinction as their prey drive is way too strong. If it's small and moves, it's prey. I simply never give them the opportunity to inappropriately exercise their prey drive. They can hunt all the squirrels they want, but are tightly controlled indoors, at the vet, on walks ect.

Huskies generally are not dog aggressive, although many have issues with same sex dogs. Being approached as you described(running at her) is rude dog behavior and Xena's reaction sounds pretty normal. I don't like it when someone charges into my personal space, why would a dog like it?

Huskies often have their own version of dog language. My dogs react very differently to other breeds. There is often an instant connection with other huskies, not so much with other breeds. I'd be curious to know how your girl reacts to another husky, especially a male.

Given that she's a rescue and you haven't had her long, some of her behavior may just be from not having a clue what is going on in her world! Once she's settled and secure, you may well see a more relaxed dog emerge. The prey drive is likely permanent! Most of my dogs are rescues and I've found for many of them that it took a full year for them to feel fully secure and let their true personalities shine! After a month, you are about to hit the end of her honeymoon period. Xena may start to test you for a while. She needs to figure out her limits and learn that you aren't going to hurt or dump her.

Xena is a beauty! Have fun with her!