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Alaskan Husky Puppy Facts
Did you just bring home a new Alaskan Husky puppy and want to learn more about the breed? Or maybe you are thinking about buying a puppy and want to know if this
is the right breed for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
History
This is not really a breed; it's rather a type of a dog. It possesses many different Northern dog bloodlines (with Siberian Husky the most dominant) and there is no preferred type.
What really defines it is its use as a highly efficient sled dog. In fact, no true purebred Northern breed can compete with it as far as the speed and endurance are concerned!
As you can guess, these dogs are prized for their speed and used mainly for racing competitions.
For simplicity, let's call it a "breed".
Physical Characteristics of Alaskan Husky Puppy
This is a mixed-breed dog and includes many different bloodlines. Though Siberian Husky and other Northern breeds predominate, there is a little bit of everything - from a Greyhound all the way to a wolf!
These are moderately sized dogs with medium length coats that are less dense than those of purebred Northern breeds. The coat can be of almost any conceivable dog color. Eyes too can be of any color, though blue is the most common.
It's a very athletic dog and, as can be expected from a dog that was bred for stamina and speed, it has very strong leg muscles.
In some ways, the Alaskan Husky dog resembles a Siberian Husky but is taller and leaner.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 20 to 24 inches | 46 to 60 pounds | |
| Female | 19 to 22 inches | 38 to 42 pounds |
Temperament
Alaskan Huskies exhibit many different and, sometimes, contradictory personalities and behaviors...
In general, they are gentle but fearless, playful, fun loving and sociable. Most love human contact and tolerate children, but some are shy and don't like to be petted.
Because huskies are pack animals, they work well with each other. At the same time, because of their wolf ancestry, they can't be trusted with smaller animals.
Overall, they can and do make good family pets.
Oh... almost forgot - Alaskan Huskies are gifted diggers! If you have a fenced yard, make sure the fence is set VERY deep.
Best Owner
This is a very active breed and doesn't do well in an apartment setting. An "ideal" owner lives in a cool climate. He or she is active, lives in a suburban environment and has a large, fenced yard.
Some Alaskan Husky breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure they are qualified.
Activity and Exercise
These are very active dogs and require plenty of exercise.
At a minimum, take your pet for several brisk walks every day. Be careful not to over exercise him when the weather gets hot.
Grooming
The Alaskan Husky doesn't shed a lot... most of the year. But twice a year, in spring and fall, it will go through a heavy shedding period and will require daily brushing. When it's not shedding, once or twice a week should be sufficient.
Health Concerns
In general, these are very healthy dogs. Still, buy only from reputable Alaskan Husky breeders.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for the Alaskan Husky is between 12 and 15 years.
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