The Malamute, Alaskan Husky, Samoyed and Akita, what do these dogs all have in common? The ability to be wrongly identified, time and time again.
You will hear a comment about an Alaskan Husky, and someone will eagerly point out that it’s an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky.
Well, to confuse matters even further, Alaskan Huskies do exist, they are just not considered a pure-breed.
What this means is they aren’t yet registered with a Kennel Club.
We have put together the ultimate guide to the Alaskan Husky which should have you well versed in this incredible, efficient sled dog.
Intelligent by nature, with an impeccable prey drive, this cheeky chap is a great addition for active households who love to keep busy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Alaskan Husky Dog Breed Guide
- Alaskan Husky Puppies
- Alaskan Husky Temperament
- Husky Care Guide
- Summary
Alaskan Husky Dog Breed Guide
Arriving in America some thousands of years ago, sled dogs were hardy workers for the Paleo-Eskimo people.
Coming from Siberia, it stands to reason why the Alaskan Husky is so similar in appearance to the Siberian Husky.
Breed Origin
The history is somewhat unclear of this breed, but studies have shown that Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Huskies and Malamutes all share a close genetic relationship.
It is believed that the Alaskan is now a result of decades of crossbreeding Shepherds, Pointers and Salukis to increase genetic diversity and improve overall performance of the breed.
Kennel Club Recognition
As the Alaskan Husky is not a purebred canine, they are not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club, including our very own American Kennel Club.
If you are tempted with one of these canines, it is essential to do your research and source a reputable breeder.
Equally, you may consider adopting an Alaskan Husky rescue, they do have their own specialist shelters across the States.
| Weight | 35-80 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Breed Type | Mixes and more |
| Suitable For | Active Families |
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Affectionate, Energetic and Friendly |
| Other Names | Alaskan Dog |
Alaskan Husky Puppies
If you are thinking of bringing home a puppy, it is essential to do your research.
The Alaskan Husky is not suitable for first time dog-owners.
They need a lot of time and patience when growing and maturing. Not only that, they are super-energetic and need plenty of exercise (they were sled dogs remember)!
Interesting Fact
You may notice the piercing blue eyes of an Alaskan puppy. However, after the first 12 weeks their eyes may change color to a darker hazel. Sled guys are some of the only dogs who have blue eyes.
An Alaskan litter is typically around 4-6 puppies.
Alaskan Husky puppies can cost anywhere between $3,000 – $10,000 USD for a dog with racing line heritage.
This goes someway to showing how incredibly good they are at their sport.
An Alaskan Husky puppy can be bred using two different dogs:
- Alaskan Husky x Alaskan Husky
- Alaskan Malamute x Siberian Husky
This is why researching your breeder and potential puppy is essential.
Classed as a medium-to-large breed, your furry friend will be fully matured anywhere between 12-18 months of age.
Alaskan Husky Temperament
Not known for barking, these canines will howl to let you know their feelings. Endearing for most, you’ll even have a chorus when the ice cream truck passes by.
Like their Siberian Husky cousin, they can be diggers and are brilliant escape artists.
This behavior is usually a result of boredom, so in an active home, where they are mentally stimulated, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Tip
You can always use a sandpit in the yard to focus any digging behaviors. They often like to dig to get a cool spot to sleep in those warmer climates!
Not known for aggressive tendencies, the Alaskan Husky is usually a super sociable pooch.
For that reason, they generally cope well in multi-pet homes, when raised with them, but they can have an instinct to chase small furries, so careful socialization is essential.
Not great guard dog material, they were bred to run, not protect.
Personality
These furry friends are super-high energy dogs.
They were bred to run, efficiently over long distances. For that reason, they don’t bode well being left alone.
Another reason why the Alaskan Husky isn’t suited to being left alone for long periods is because of their stamina, make this mistake and despair and destruction awaits.
Affectionate and tactile, they adore their humans and thrive in active homes, with owners who like being out and about, exploring.
Compatibility with Families
Due to their sociability, they can fit in incredibly well into a family environment.
They are best suited to those families who have experience of larger, energetic dogs.
Kids also need to have a solid understanding of their personality and how to keep their attention.
They are very strong and made for pulling heavy sleds, so keep your small kids off the end of the leash.
Alaskan Husky Size & Appearance
The Alaskan Husky is medium-to-large in size.
Working lines can produce dogs anywhere between 50-80 pounds whereas racing lines tend to be more petite; ranging anywhere between 35-60 pounds.
Females are always smaller than the males, but it is difficult to pinpoint specific sizes due to the range of diversity in the lines.
Analyzing your Alaskan Husky puppies parents will give the best indication of the full grown size of your dog.
Appearance
The Alaskan Husky looks like a typical sled dog.
They are often confused with the Malamute and Siberian Husky.
When comparing an Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky the former should be leaner and muscular. They are usually larger in size than the Siberian Husky but do have a leaner build and look just like a wolf!
Color
Alaskan Huskies can really come in any color.
As they are not a purebred dog, there is no breed standard.
Whilst they can have blue eyes like their cousin sled dogs, it isn’t that common in the Alaskan as they tend to have brown-hazel eyes.
Coat
This breed has a medium-short dense double coat which functioned to protect them from the elements during snow runs.
They will shed year round, but have two major blow outs each year.
Their double coat has a downy undercoat, with more smooth guard hairs. These guard hairs are what protect from snow and rain and the undercoat keeps heat in.
Grooming
Daily brushing is a must if you want to prevent an impacted undercoat; a rake will be the tool of choice.
This will keep the undercoat impact free which aids temperature regulation of your dog’s body.
Avoid over-bathing your Alaskan Husky, a few baths a year will be ample to keep his coat in tip-top condition. Too many can dry out his coat which can lead to all sorts of skin issues.
Check their ears and eyes regularly, along with their nails (clip them if necessary).
Toothbrushing is a task you want to introduce as early as possible; to make it as less stressful for everyone involved.
Husky Care Guide
Suited for active owners, who like to keep busy, the Alaskan Husky is high on grooming, exercise and food needs; you must be absolutely sure you know what you’re taking on.
Food and Dietary Requirements
| Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 1,600 calories |
| Cups of Kibble |  |
The best food to feed your canine is the highest quality your budget will allow. Whether this is dry, wet, dehydrated or raw.
A quality diet is one that meets all your dog’s nutritional needs; specifically, protein and fat.
Whilst there are no requirements for carbohydrates in a dog’s diet, they can be utilized for energy in their cooked form.
When looking at dog food labels, seek out the protein and fat content. Protein should make up a minimum of 18% of dry matter when fully grown (look for an actual meat source as the first ingredient in any food).
Be mindful that dogs who are fed kibble will drink more water than wet or raw fed pooches, so keep an eye on that water bowl and always ensure clean, fresh water is available.
Avoid excessive calorie intake as a puppy, being overweight can cause a range of skeletal issues, especially during those months of rapid growth.
Exercise Requirements
| Daily Exercise Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 60+ minutes |
| Activity Level |  |
The Alaskan Husky was bred to be a sled dog; their purpose was to run, long distances, regularly.
For that reason, they have an innate endurance and stamina (their physiology is different to other dogs).
Breeds like Greyhounds have more fast-twitch (anaerobic) fibers in their legs, whereas the Alaskan Husky has more slow-twitch (aerobic) fibers.
This is because the Greyhound was bred to be fast, in short bursts and the Alaskan Husky needed to be steady and fatigue-proof.
They need their daily walks, upwards of 60 minutes per day.
Failure to meet their activity needs results in boredom and distress. If you are going to be out of the house for 6-8 hours a day and then need to run errands all weekend, these aren’t the guys for you.
Daycare is an option if you need to work or you can recruit a knowledgeable dog walker to take them out for a few hours in the middle of the day.
Just remember to tell your walker to keep them on leash. Recall training can be a challenge; Huskies are renowned for their inattention to their owner when out hunting squirrels!
Training
As discussed in the exercise section, this breed has an inherent stamina, which can sometimes make them a little stubborn. Here are some puppy training tips to help.
Like all dogs, they respond best to reward based trainingand positive reinforcement.
They are intelligent and super-trainable; you only have to watch sled dogs in action (you can even teach them directional signals and commands).
They respond when you have built a solid relationship.
They are sensitive souls, so aversive techniques shouldn’t ever be used.
Start whilst your Alaskan Husky puppy is still young and set them up to succeed. Have short training sessions, enough to keep their interest, but not long enough that they get bored.
Brain games are a perfect way to keep their mind stimulated; most Alaskans are toy driven, so opt for any games with toys.
Health Problems
Generally a healthy breed, their lineage is genetically diverse.
That said, the Alaskan Husky does suffer with some eye conditions including Progressive Retinal Atrophy which can result in blindness.
Hypothyroidism is also common in this breed but can often be well managed with medication.
Like with any large breed dogs, they are at risk of developing dysplastic elbows and hips, so parental screening is essential along with management of their environment and nutrition during those developing months.
Summary
The Alaskan Husky is the perfect addition for active families who have experience of medium-large breeds with tons of energy!
They don’t deal well being left for long periods of time or in homes where there is little time for interaction.
Always sociable and friendly, which makes them the perfect companion for exploring new places, they are high in energy, and need upwards of 60 minutes exercise per day (i.e. walks, runs, brain games or play time).
This wolf-like canine, stands slightly larger than their cousin Siberian Husky and is super-easy to confuse with the rest of the sled-dogs.
All you need to know is they are extremely good-natured and affectionate – if you can give them what they need, they will give you so much more, let us know if you have this breed!
FAQs
What does a full bred Husky look like? ›
The Siberian husky is a medium-sized dog, slightly longer than tall. Height ranges from 20 to 23 1/2 inches and weight from 35 to 60 pounds. The Siberian husky has erect ears and eyes of brown to blue or maybe even one of each color. The neck is carried straight and the topline is level.
What's the difference between a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Husky? ›Alaskan huskies are not purebred dogs according to the AKC, while Siberian huskies are. Siberian Huskies are usually larger than Alaskan huskies, with longer coats and more variety of both coat and eye colors. Alaskan huskies and Siberian huskies are bred for different lifestyles over time.
What two dogs make an Alaskan Husky? ›Alaskan Huskies have no breed standards since people often breed these dogs for specific purposes and jobs. That said, most of these dogs have a mix of Siberian Husky, Greyhound, German Shorthair Pointer, and Eskimo dog in their genes.
How many types of Alaskan Huskies are there? ›How many type of Huskies are there? The only breed recognized by the American Kennel Club that is called Husky is the Siberian Husky. However, many other types of Northern breeds are colloquially referred to as “Husky”. There are 22 different types of Husky-like dogs.
What is the rarest husky color? ›Pure white is perhaps the rarest coat color of Siberians. This color, or lack thereof, is a result of the complete restriction of pigment and extension of white over the dog's entire body. A white Siberian can have liver-colored or black points (the color of the nose and the skin around the eyes).
How can you tell a good quality husky? ›Check the length of the coat.
Siberian Huskies have double coats of medium length, giving the dog a well-furred appearance. The undercoat is dense and soft, though it may be hidden during shedding season. The outer coat is straight and somewhat smooth lying.
Siberian Huskies
Their bravery and ability to cover huge distances in harsh conditions is part of the Siberian Husky DNA, along with their friendliness and love of family.
The largest breed of Husky is the Alaskan Malamute.
Females can weigh up to 83 pounds, while males 94 pounds. They're known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, but need to be consistently trained if you're thinking about welcoming one of these fluff balls into your home.
- White. White Huskies are some of the rarest Huskies you'll see. ...
- Isabella. Isabella Huskies are white with shades of fawn, or dilute red, in their coats. ...
- Agouti and white. Agouti and white Huskies look rather wolf-like! ...
- Sable. ...
- Piebald. ...
- Red tint. ...
- Splash. ...
- Black, tan, and white.
The husky life expectancy is 12-15 years old. They're a healthy breed for their size — most medium to large dogs live closer to 10-12 years.
How smart is a Husky? ›
Many dog species excel in certain areas of intelligence over other dog breeds. But what about Siberian Huskies? According to Stanley Coren, a leading canine psychologist, huskies ranked 74th out of 138 dog breeds making them, according to Dr. Coren of average intelligence.
Can Alaskan Husky live in hot weather? ›However, just because your dog can adapt to a hotter temperature doesn't mean that you have nothing to worry about. Because Huskies are built for cooler weather, their owners have to look out for signs of dehydration, overheating, and overexertion.
Do all Huskies have blue eyes? ›Though it's one of their most distinguishing and celebrated features, not all huskies have blue eyes. They have just as much chance of being brown-eyed and a smaller chance of having bi-colored eyes (also called heterochromia) or parti-colored (blue mixed with brown) eyes. Very rarely, they can even have green irises.
Are Huskies protective dogs? ›Huskies, by their very nature, are quite protective of their owners. Your job will be to reinforce that you are part of his territory to defend.
What is the average size of an Alaskan Husky? ›Generally Alaskan huskies are taller than Siberian Huskies and are lighter in build than Alaskan Malamutes, both of whom they share lineage with and are descended from. On average they stand between 20 and 26 inches (51 and 66 cm) and weigh between 35 and 75 pounds (16 and 34 kg).
Which is the most beautiful Husky? ›Samoyed. The king of the fluffy double coat inherent to the Husky breeds is the Samoyed.
What are the rare eyes of Husky? ›Huskies Can Have 1 or 2 Blue Eyes
Having eyes of two different colors is known as heterochromia. It is extremely rare in humans but occurs frequently in certain dog breeds, such as Huskies – but also Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.
Happy Husky Signs
A happy husky will look relaxed in their face and body. Their tail may or may not be wagging, but their tail and ears are both neutral. Usually their mouth will be open with their tongue showing. And they will have “soft” eyes looking at you.
Huskies are so friendly that they don't often make good guard dogs. They are usually comfortable with strangers and more likely to greet a stranger with a wagging tail than to bark at them. Due to their history as pack animals, they may not do well if they're left on their own for too long or too often.
How do I know if my husky is aggressive? ›Signs of aggression in huskies may include growling, barking, biting, snarling, and snapping. Many triggers can lead to husky aggression. Common triggers include fear or anxiety, territorial disputes, resource guarding, lack of socialisation, and improper training.
What is the weakness of Siberian Husky? ›
Degenerative Myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic condition, similar to ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease in people, that causes weakness and poor nerve function in the hind legs. It affects Huskies more frequently than other breeds.
Which Husky is closest to wolf? ›Siberian Huskies are clearly physically similar to wolves. This breed traces back to ancient Siberian Wolves. Additionally, these Huskies originate from Siberia where they were working sled dogs. Today, they make fantastic companion dogs.
Which Husky is the most vocal? ›Siberian Husky
A lot of howling and vocal expression.
One can easily purchase Siberian Husky puppy in between the range of Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 50,000 across India.
Is A Husky bigger than a wolf? ›Siberian Husky vs Wolf: Size
The average Siberian Husky only reaches 20 to 24 inches tall, while the wolf starts at 24 inches and grows as tall as 32 inches. One of the first things you would notice when comparing a wolf side by side with a Siberian Husky is the fact that it is much smaller than the wolf overall.
Huskies eat various meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables because they're omnivores, not carnivores like their wolf relatives. Domestic dog diets have evolved alongside our own, so they are more able to digest various foods.
Who is the most famous Husky? ›Though Balto often gets the credit for saving the town of Nome, it was Togo, a Siberian Husky, who led his team across the most dangerous leg of the journey. Named after Heihachiro Togo, a Japanese Admiral who fought in the war between Russia and Japan (1904-05), Togo was the lead sled dog of Leonhard Seppala.
What makes Huskies so special? ›Siberian huskies are probably best-known for their incredible sled-pulling skills, but these doggies aren't all business! Indeed, they make excellent working dogs, as they were bred originally to help the Chukchi people of Siberia hunt more efficiently. But they're sweet, friendly, and loyal cuddle bugs, too.
What is special about a Husky? ›Siberian Husky, a thickly coated, compact sled dog of medium size and great endurance, was developed to work in packs, pulling light loads at moderate speeds over vast frozen expanses. Sibes are friendly, fastidious, and dignified.
Are Alaskan huskies good house dogs? ›A Husky is very sociable and loves to be around all people. A Husky is very loyal and pack-oriented, so he loves being a member of a family. A Husky is even-keeled when it comes to his temperament, and is not known for being aggressive, which makes him a great fit for homes with kids.
What is the behavior of an Alaskan Husky? ›
Alaskan Husky Temperament and Personality. The Alaskan Husky is a good friend to have on a three-dog night. He's typically affectionate and has an instinct for snuggling since that's how he keeps warm out on the trail with his sled mates. He's a team player and gets along well with people and other dogs.
How much exercise does a Alaskan Husky need? ›How much exercise does a Husky need? Huskies are extremely active dogs that need more than 2 hours of exercise a day, according to The Kennel Club. Due to their hunting nature and exceptional endurance, you may sometimes find it hard to get a Husky back once they have been let off the lead.
Do Husky dogs talk to you? ›Huskies have a tendency to “talk” to their owners. Every Husky owner has experienced their Husky looking straight at them and chatting away. This is a natural form of communication and doesn't necessarily mean that your Husky wants or needs anything from you – he simply is sharing his love and affection!
Do huskies really talk a lot? ›However, Huskies don't speak just like we do; they're considered a "talkative" breed for their wide range of vocalization. Huskies are much like parrots; they mimic sounds they hear around them.
Are huskies hard to train? ›Huskies are not easy to train and will challenge first-time dog owners. The reason for this is in the breed history – Huskies were bred to pull sleds in harnesses over long distances. The breed was not developed to work closely with their owner. Instead, they were bred for endurance and athletic ability.
Do huskies like to be hugged? ›Huskies love to cuddle with their owners and be petted. They are a very happy and social breed of dog and enjoy human interaction.
Should you trim husky paw fur? ›You should also trim the hair under the paws to keep it neat and clean, and to improve the Husky's grip on various surfaces. You should never shave a Husky.
How do I keep my husky cool at night? ›Provide your Husky with shade. Provide them with plenty of water. Keep your dog cool using air conditioning, Cooling Vest, or Cooling Mat. Never shave your Huskies coat in the summer, it will make them susceptible to sunburn.
Why do Huskies talk? ›Huskies are known for making a variety of vocalizations, including talking. This is thought to be a result of their breeding as working dogs, where communication with their human handlers was important. Additionally, they may make these sounds as a form of self-expression or to communicate with other dogs.
How many times should you walk a Husky? ›This breed is also very adaptable, and for those who live in a more urban setting, daily walks or doggie play groups can provide great exercise. These high energy dogs need a lot of exercise. Healthy huskies need the equivalent of three to five miles of exercise four days a week.
What colors can Huskies see? ›
Dogs can only see blue, yellow, and some shades of gray. See the color chart below for an approximate idea of what colors dogs see best. Dogs would see a rainbow as dark yellow (sort of brownish), light yellow, gray, light blue, and dark blue. Dogs don't see red, purple (violet), or orange like we do.
Do Huskies get jealous? ›They can be jealous and demand your undivided attention if they feel that they do not have it or no longer have it.
How aggressive can a Husky be? ›Huskies are not an aggressive breed. They don't get aggressive toward other dogs unless cornered. Huskies can get aggressive when protecting their favorite toy or food from other dogs. They can also be aggressive if they feel intimidated by the other dogs.
Will my Husky protect me from an intruder? ›Without being suspicious, huskies generally do not feel the need to be protective. Contrary to what many people think, Huskies make terrible guard dogs as they are more likely to lick and befriend an intruder, than stop or deter them.
Do Alaskan Huskies bark? ›While some huskies may bark when excited to see their owner or when in distress, it is not a common behavior. It's more common for them to express their emotions through other means such as running around or whining. Therefore, if you're looking for a dog that barks less, a husky can be a great option.
How much is a purebred Alaskan Husky? ›If you plan to buy a purebred Husky puppy through a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $650 to $1,400. The exact cost of these Husky puppies depends on several factors, including: Level of vet care and testing the dog has received. The puppy's age, sex, and coloration.
What is the pure breed of husky? ›About the Breed
Quick and nimble-footed, Siberians are known for their powerful but seemingly effortless gait. Tipping the scales at no more than 60 pounds, they are noticeably smaller and lighter than their burly cousin, the Alaskan Malamute. As born pack dogs, they enjoy family life and get on well with other dogs.
The average cost of a Siberian husky in the USA is $800 – $1500. Prices vary depending on location, blood lineage, the breeder, markings & colors, availability, and registration status. What is this? The breeder and the dog's pedigree will also affect the cost of the husky.
What color eyes does a pure husky have? ›Puppy Eye Color
All Husky pups are born with blue eyes. They stay blue until the pups are 1-2 months old. Only then you can start to tell which ones will become completely brown and which will stay lighter.
Potential Husky dog owners should expect to pay around $800 to $1500 give or take, with the average cost range of a quality puppy being from $800 to $1200 in most states. Of course, Husky puppy costs will largely depend on whether you go through a reputable breeder, a backyard breeder, or your local pet store.
What is the strongest type of husky? ›
Siberian Huskies
Their bravery and ability to cover huge distances in harsh conditions is part of the Siberian Husky DNA, along with their friendliness and love of family.
- White. White Huskies are some of the rarest Huskies you'll see. ...
- Isabella. Isabella Huskies are white with shades of fawn, or dilute red, in their coats. ...
- Agouti and white. Agouti and white Huskies look rather wolf-like! ...
- Sable. ...
- Piebald. ...
- Red tint. ...
- Splash. ...
- Black, tan, and white.
The Alaskan Malamute (/ˈmæləˌmjuːt/) is a large breed of dog that was originally bred for its strength and endurance to haul heavy freight as a sled dog and hound.
How long do Huskies live? › How much is a Husky with blue eyes? ›Siberian Huskies usually cost between $600 to $1300. However, the price can differ depending on the eye color and coat color. White Siberian Huskies with blue eyes are one of the rarer varieties of the breed so you can expect to pay in excess of $1300 for one.
Are Huskies easy to train? ›Huskies are not easy to train and will challenge first-time dog owners. The reason for this is in the breed history – Huskies were bred to pull sleds in harnesses over long distances. The breed was not developed to work closely with their owner. Instead, they were bred for endurance and athletic ability.
What is the difference between Husky and Alaskan Malamute? ›“The Siberian Husky was bred to pull light loads over long distances,” says Demmin. “The Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull heavy loads over short distances. I like to compare the Siberian to a marathon runner – light and nimble. The Malamute is the weightlifter – big and strong.”
Are Huskies high maintenance? ›Huskies are best suited to people with active lifestyles and who spend a lot of time outdoors. As a pretty high maintenance breed – both from a behaviour and exercise point of view as well as in terms of grooming – Huskies are probably not the best choice for first-time owners.
Are huskies protective? ›Huskies, by their very nature, are quite protective of their owners. Your job will be to reinforce that you are part of his territory to defend. You will also need to use obedience commands to train Ice to react in the correct manner to protect you.
What's the most expensive dog? ›- Portuguese Water Dog $2,200.
- Chow Chow $2,250.
- Afghan Hound $2,250.
- Brussels Griffon $2,300.
- Saluki $2,400.
- Leonberger $2,400.
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog $2,500.
- English Bulldog $2,500.