What is an Alaskan husky?
The Alaskan Husky is a wonderful example of what selective breeding for function over form can produce, in that it produces a world-class dog athlete. The Alaskan Husky is not a traditional breed, such as the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute — purebred with recognized standing — but a dog breed bred many generations to serve one overarching purpose: a dog that serves as a sled dog.
Alaskan Husky Types
Alaskan Huskies are typically divided according to the type of sled racing they’re bred to perform: sprint or distance.
- Sprint Alaskan Huskies are designed to run short distances. Further, they’re lean and athletic and have pointer or greyhound genes to add speed and reaction.
- Distance Alaskan Huskies, by contrast, are bred for distance and perform in long-distance racing such as the Iditarod. They are thicker-coated, more sturdy-built, and have amazing endurance.
All Alaskan Huskies have one thing in common: unbeatable drive and energy. So, their varying origins make them general-purpose, high-performance sled dogs first and foremost.
Alaskan Husky Origins and History
The Alaskan Husky’s ancestry is firmly established in the sub-Arctic and Arctic sled dog lineage. Alaskans and northern Canadian mushers bred them to be long-distance sled pullers in cold, harsh climates. The plan was straightforward: create a dog that was rugged, fast-footed, and had unlimited endurance.
Early mushers bred Inuit native sled dogs with working dogs brought in from abroad, including Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and later Greyhounds, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Salukis, to develop a dog superior to any purebred. Since the Alaskan Husky was bred for function, never for appearance, no one look characterizes the type. Speed, endurance, and work ethic are paramount.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Appearance
Alaskan Huskies have a more mixed, more skeletal appearance through intermixing breeding, whereas Siberian Huskies have a standard, wolf-like setup with thick double coats and authoritative blue or multicolored eyes. Other as:
- Coat: Double-coated, weather-resistant, and of medium length. Coat color and marking range from entirely white to multicolor to somewhere in between.
- Eyes: Brown as a rule, but blue or even heterochromatic (two differently colored eyes) might be present.
- Ears: Usually erect and pointed.
Their blended heritage allows them to be versatile: racing Alaskan Huskies can be lighter and quicker, freight pulling dogs can be stronger and larger.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Differences
Alaskan Huskies and Siberian Huskies are quite different in purpose and heritage. The Alaskan Husky is not a purebred but a type, selectively bred for potential on a sled. They look rather different based on bloodlines and usage. Siberian Huskies are an established pure breed with a regular physical characteristic, originally bred by the Chukchi to pull sleds across long distances. Alaskans are quicker and more agile, well-suited to race, while Siberians are strong, endurance-based, and have a good temper. Siberians are more friendly and independent, while Alaskans are more task- and work-oriented.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Size
Alaskan Huskies are thinner and a bit taller, weighing 35 to 60 pounds and measuring 20 to 26 inches. Siberian Huskies are more muscular and shorter, weighing 35 to 60 pounds but measuring 20 to 24 inches tall. The build of the Alaskans is different because they are a mix breed, being bred for endurance and speed.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Tail
Siberian Huskies have a bushy, signature tail curled over their back, commonly referred to as a “sickle tail.” So, they may have shorter, less plume-like tails, whose carriage and thickness depend on heritage and breeds blanketed by it.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Temperament
Alaskan Huskies are extremely friendly, extremely energetic, and extremely intelligent dogs. Hence, these dogs bond very strongly with their human companions and like to have a job and companionship. They are not as ready to please as some of the more traditionally well-mannered breeds, however, because of their independent personalities.
They are pack animals, and this makes them comfortable around other dogs. A sled team has to work together, so they tend to be social. that being said, they are mischievous and curious — a bored Alaskan Husky tends to be a destructive one.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation Needs
This is not the type of dog for a lazy pet owner. The Alaskan Husky is a high-energy work dog that needs more than going around the block with them. Without proper exercise, they get fidgety or have behavioral issues.
Alaskan Husky Things best suited to them are:
- Running (long distance specifically)
- Sled pulling or skijoring
- Agility training
- Hiking
They are most content when they have a “job” to do, be it pulling a sled or competitive sport such as dryland mushing or canicross.
Training an Alaskan husky
Alaskan Huskies are intelligent and can be trained, but they do possess a stubborn streak. They must be patiently, consistently, and positively trained. Harsh training will not work, but they will respond to a fair, confident leader.
Because of their intelligence, they also require mental stimulation. Hence, puzzle toys, training sessions, and learning tricks or commands will keep them stimulated.
Living Environment
Alaskan Huskies are ideal for those households that have:
- Room to run
- Lower temperatures
- An energetic owner or family
- A safe yard (They’re fabulous escape artists!)
- They are not suited for apartment life, unless the owner is very devoted to providing them with proper daily exercise.
They also don’t cope well with being left alone for extended periods — they need a companion and can develop separation anxiety if left by themselves.
Health and Lifespan
Alaskan Huskies are hardy, healthy dogs overall, with their mixed heritage and being specifically bred to be healthy. They are less likely to carry genetic illnesses than many purebred animals.
That said, some problems still arise:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Stomach problems due to poor digestion or overexertion
- Under ideal conditions, their life span is 12 to 15 years on average.
Regular check-ups at the vet, a very good diet that is specifically designed for high-energy dogs, and regular exercise can keep an Alaskan Husky in top condition.
Alaskan Husky vs. Siberian Husky vs. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Husky is usually mistaken for other northern breeds, namely the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. Below is a brief overview of how they compare:
| Trait | Alaskan Husky | Siberian Husky | Alaskan Malamute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Status | Not an AKC-recognized breed, | AKC recognized | AKC recognized |
| Bred For | Racing & working capability | Transport, companionship | Heavy pulling, |
| Size | 35–60 lbs | 35–60 lbs | 75–100+ lbs |
| Appearance | varies a lot | Wolf-like, erect ears, striking eyes | Bulkier, deep chest, powerful build |
| Temperament | High energy, goal-oriented, | Friendly, independent | Strong-willed, loyal, calm, but stubborn |
| Best For | Athletes, mushers, endurance racing (e.g., Iditarod) | Active owners | Strong, seasoned handlers |
They all have their uses, but the Alaskan Husky is the king of distance sled dog racing, such as the Iditarod or the Yukon Quest.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Price
<p>Alaskan Husky will cost between $500 and USD 1,500, depending on breeding, training, and breeder reputation. Alaskan Huskies bred for work specifically, working bloodlines (i.e., quality sled dogs) are more expensive.
Conversely, Siberian Huskies as working stock breeds registered AKC range from $600-USD 2,500 USD. So, championship quality or best-of-the-line Siberians will be higher based on breed worth and show value.
Everything being equal, Siberian Huskies may be higher in one lump sum, but Alaskan Huskies are higher for the quality of work versus heritage value.
Final Thought
The Alaskan Husky is a good working dog, valued for its endurance, intelligence, and personality. Hence, it is not a pet but a partner, companion, and athlete. However, it is not right for anyone. They need exercise, stimulation, and attention every day. If you have time, room, and dedication, and you are an active individual or family, then the Alaskan Husky can be a most rewarding companion. Their disposition, work ethic, and looks attract mushers and sled dog aficionados. They are well-behaved when they receive good care and are rewarded with tenfold affection.
FAQs On Alaskan Husky
- Q: Is an Alaskan Husky a purebred dog?
- No, Alaskan Huskies are a performance-bred cross.
- Q: Are Alaskan Huskies good family dogs?
- Yes, they’re friendly and outgoing, particularly to active families.
- Q: How much exercise do they need?
- They require a minimum of 1–2 hours of high-intensity exercise daily.
- Q: Do Alaskan Huskies shed excessively?
- Yes, they are heavily coated and seasonal shedders.
- Q: How long do Alaskan Huskies live?
- They live 12–15 years if well cared for.