In this post:
- 1. Alaskan Huskies are a mixed bag
- 2. ...which means their looks can vary!
- 3. They can really go - and for miles
- 4. Love exercising? So does she!
- 5. They prefer cooler climates
- 6. They're chilled (excuse the pun)
- 7. They are true pack animals
- 8. They're highly trainable (if you’re game)
- 9. They are usually healthy dogs
- Conclusion
The Alaskan Husky is not a purebred dog like the Siberian Husky, it’s a designed dog breed, containing the Siberia Husky in its genes, and it’s bigger at about 20 to 23.5 inches tall, weighing between 35 to 60 pounds. The lifespan of the Alaskan Husky is around 12 to 15 years.
In this article, I will provide you with 9 facts on the Alaskan Husky and give you an idea of what you can expect from her as a companion dog.
Alaskan Husky Photos
1. Alaskan Huskies are a mixed bag
The Alaskan Husky is not a purebred, nor is she actually a breed of dog at all. She is defined by her purpose: for use as a sled dog.
She was originally bred in Alaskan villages from a mix of various Northern breeds, including the Siberian Husky, Greyhound, and the German Shorthaired-Pointer. She is still bred today for use as a sled dog in dog sled racing, a winter dog sport that takes place in Alaska.
She is not recognized by any breed clubs or kennel clubs and is classed as a working dog; unlike the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, who are both purebreds, registered with the AKC and CKC and used as a show dog as well as a working dog.
2. …which means their looks can vary!
As mentioned above she is usually medium to large in size, weighing up to 60 lb (27.2 kg) and measuring up to 23.5 inches (60cm).
The Alaskan Husky often looks similar to the Siberian Husky, with pointed ears and a fluffy tail that curls over her back, but there are some differences:
- She comes in any color or mix of colors (most commonly gray, black and white) and any pattern of markings.
- She has a larger and leaner body than the Siberian Husky.
- Her coat can be short to medium length, with a very heavy undercoat, while the Siberian’s is always medium length.
- She usually has brown eyes, while the Siberian has blue eyes.
- She has a more pronounced tuck-up than the Siberian Husky (the tuck-up is the part of the dog’s body where the rib cage and hind legs join when viewed from the side).
3. They can really go – and for miles
There’s a reason these dogs are chosen for taking part in sled racing: they can go fast. Vet Street lists the Alaskan Husky as the 7th fastest dog in the world; she has been recorded as traveling at 28 mph (45 kph).
The article also names her the ‘marathoner of dogs,’ which is another quality of the Alaskan Husky: extreme endurance. There are particular strains of Alaskan Husky that are bred to race for very long distances – of up to 1,000 miles!
4. Love exercising? So does she!
Given her working background, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Alaskan Husky is a great companion for hikers, runners, and mountaineers. This dog craves exercise – and lots of it. If she does not get it, she is likely to dig, howl or chew anything she can find.
A high-energy dog needs a high-energy owner, so think twice about getting an Alaskan Husky if your idea of exercise is a quick stroll around the block.
She will also do well if you give her a job while you’re exercising together. Try out a doggie backpack on her – she can carry essentials like your cell phone and much-needed bottles of water.
By fitting her with this pack, you will be fulfilling a need in her, as carrying weight is what she was born to do – plus you will help her burn up more energy. The pack should hold no more than 10-12% of your dog’s body weight.
Alaskan Huskies also tend to do very well in agility classes, where they can burn off energy while you train her, show her who’s boss, and strengthen your bond with her.
Check out these Alaskan Husky puppies, who seem to have tons of energy and stamina!
5. They prefer cooler climates
The Alaskan Husky cannot live in very hot climates. This is perhaps another unsurprising point, given that she hails from Alaska, where temperatures can drop as low as 80 degrees below freezing (-62.2°C).
She will suffer terribly, as she has very thick fur and a thermal underlayer – just imagine wearing a wool sweater in the blistering heat!
You shouldn’t exercise your Alaskan Husky in temperatures above 70 degrees (20°C).
In summer months, it is a good idea to take out your Alaskan Husky in the mornings or the evenings when the sun is lower, and the temperature has dropped. Make sure you provide her with lots of water and don’t go at too fast a pace if you notice her struggling.
Another important point: do NOT shave your Alaskan Husky. It might seem like you will be alleviating her when it hots up, but actually, you will only put her at risk of sunburn and take away her ability to regulate her body temperature (a task her under layer is in charge of).
6. They’re chilled (excuse the pun)
Alaskan Huskies are known to be calmer than the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. Providing they get the exercise needs met, they are generally mellow dogs who will be happy to settle down with you at home. For this reason, they are good with children.
If you want a guard dog, she isn’t the dog of choice, as they are usually incredibly friendly with strangers. She is more likely to sniff and wag her tail than be suspicious or bark.
7. They are true pack animals
Alaskan Huskies have a strong pack instinct, having been bred to work closely with people and other dogs. They are gentle with people and need lots of contact with you, which makes them excellent companion dogs.
They are also incredibly sociable with other dogs, so they fit in well with a family who already has a dog or who would like more than one dog.
8. They’re highly trainable (if you’re game)
You should begin training your Alaskan straight away. She is incredibly intelligent and very trainable; even at 8 weeks of age, she can learn many basic commands.
That being said, Alaskan Huskies can have a stubborn streak. If you tell her to do something she doesn’t really feel like doing at that very moment, she may well not obey. For this reason, it is important you show strong leadership with your Alaskan Husky from the word go.
9. They are usually healthy dogs
Perhaps due to their hybridization, these dogs tend to be healthy and can live for up to 15 years.
Certain strains are at risk of some health problems that affect the purebred, however, and it is good to be aware of these so that you can treat your dog if need be. These health concerns can include:
- Lysosomal storage disease
- Eye problems (including progressive retinal atrophy)
- Hypothyroidism
- Malformation of the larynx, causing wheezing sound when breathing
Conclusion
So, what have we learned about the Alaskan Husky? Here’s the breakdown:
- She is not a breed in herself, but a type defined by her purpose as a sled dog
- Her physical traits vary
- She’s calmer in comparison to the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute
- She needs lots of exercise
- She can’t live in very hot climates
- She’s highly trainable
- She’s a sociable dog
- She’s usually healthy
