Alaskan Husky Breed Description

An Owner's Alaskan Husky Description
FerlinMako is one of the best sled dogs I've ever owned, even though I have retired him from work. His influence on the other dogs has been unquestionably the most valuable thing he's done. Of course, all Huskies are bred for sledding, which make them the number one choice for this sport. Like FerlinMako, most are tough dogs with extreme will-power, ideal for endurance and sprint racing. Being sport dogs, a well bred Husky is worth his weight in gold, and the price tag can reflect that. But it's not always about the money or the prize.

Exceptionally alert and well behaved dogs, even retired working dogs make great pets. FerlinMako can be very shy at times. He's not aggressive at all and takes his time warming up to strangers. But he likes to stay active and gets bored if he's alone too long. I've watched him run circles in the house just to give himself something to do. A good play session in the yard usually works the hyperactivity out, although he prefers a routine of daily running and actively working.

FerlinMako was a challenge to obedience train. He has a single-minded goal and that is to run,; or, to be more accurate, to mush. The training became easier once we decided to get another Husky. He's just not comfortable being the lone dog. This is something to consider if you want to own this breed. It also took some time for FerlinMako to bond with us. We discovered that he seemed to associate the need to bond by the amount of time we spent running and actively working him. The more we did, the more he bonded with us.

 

 

Introduction

The Alaskan Husky breed is very young. Initially, the term referred to any of a number of different dogs common in Alaska's villages. Because of the different lineages, it is difficult to characterize these dogs into a standard breed. They stand 28" to 30" at the shoulder and can weigh 60 lbs. or more. They have a deep chest, long legs and big thigh muscles. Huskies have a heavy undercoat that can be one color or multicolor. Their eyes are blue or brown and sometimes they are 'odd-eyed', having one of each color. They are very friendly and curious towards people and bark very rarely; they usually howl or release a short "ohhh" sound instead. These dogs need lots of exercise.

History

The Alaskan Husky is not an official breed. These animals are hybrids, developed to produce the best possible sled dog. Their ancestors were the major arctic dogs, notably Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, crossed with other breeds, like Dobermans and Hounds. This selective breeding quickly made the Alaskan Husky the predominant choice for sledders, notably in the Iditarod, the world's best-known dog sled race.

Description

Alaskan Huskies, viewed as an overall type of dog, have some general distinguishing traits. They are usually larger than Siberian Huskies, and don't have the Siberian blue eyes. Alaskans are also double coated, but doesn't often feature the long hairs of the Malamute or Siberian. Brown eyes predominate. These dogs were bred for speed and do not share the endurance of their ancestors. While they do more quickly dissipate the body heat generated in racing, their lower tolerance for the cold leads many owners to boot their feet.

Temperament

These dogs are alert, eager and interested, requiring regular challenges and new situations to thrive. They are highly energetic and very loyal to their families. Do not expect them to be guardians or watch dogs; they like everyone they meet, strangers or not. Like most of the artic breeds, they prefer to live in packs of their own kind; even with early socialization, they do not tend to fully accept any other animal aside from other Alaskan Huskies.

Alaskan Huskies do not tolerate high temperatures well and are a poor choice for life in a warm climate. They can only be happy as house pets if their owner is capable of meeting their substantial exercise requirements.

They will regularly challenge their owners and require early socialization; after puppyhood, owners must remain consistent and reinforce desired behaviors regularly.

Health and Care

Despite their dense coats, Alaskan Huskies require little in the way of grooming. In most climates, they will shed their undercoat twice a year. During that time, regular combing can mitigate the duration of the process.

Alaskan Huskies require well-fenced yards and will use their considerable intellects to escape any enclosure if they can. Check your property frequently to ensure there are no breaches they can capitalize on!

Colors

black, grey and white but also red or brown.

Living Area

They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised.

Recognized By

DRA

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