What Are the Physical Characteristics of the Alaskan Husky?

Alaskan huskies have a reputation as robust working dogs. They are bred for sled racing, and demonstrate this purpose in their energy levels and physical characteristics. Unlike the Siberian husky, the Alaskan husky is typically a mix of other types of huskies, German shepherds, Inuit dogs and sometimes other dogs chosen for breeding because of their endurance, strength and speed. Alaskan huskies are best suited as pets in cooler climates and in homes with large yards suitable for plenty of exercise.

  1. Coat Features

    • The coats on an Alaskan Husky are typically short to medium in length, and can be less dense than their Siberian husky brethren. The shorter, less dense coat provides better heat dispensation, which is better conducive to sled racing. They do not need to be bathed often, because their coats tend to be self-cleaning, similar to a Siberian husky or Alaskan malamute. Their shedding season is in the spring, but because of their shorter coats tend to leave less clumps of hair in a house than other types of huskies.

    Facial Features

    • The Alaskan husky is a mix of dog that is bred to be well suited to cold temperatures, racing and heavy-duty work, such as pulling a sled. Because of this, the Alaskan husky is a type of dog and not a breed of dog. Thus, its facial features will strongly depend on the lineage of the dogs that were bred to create a particular litter. Alaskan huskies can have the characteristically ice blue eyes of a Siberian husky, as well as pointed ears, or even floppy ears. It can be solid in color or maintain the traditional color markings of a Siberian husky. As the essence of an Alaskan husky is to be a working dog and not a show dog, little attention has been paid by breeders to the appearance a litter of pups will display.

    Health &Well Being

    • Alaskan huskies are first and foremost bred for strength, endurance and speed. Because of this, they require plenty of exercise and are typically not recommended as pets. They are known to jump 6 feet high, and are thus capable of clearing many fences. They can also dig, often to escape from a pen to go hunting. Their natural disposition towards hunting can render them aggressive towards smaller animals they view as prey, including smaller dogs. Since they are not purebred dogs, Alaskan huskies are spared many of the genetic flaws and predisposition toward disease found in many purebred varieties.

    Vocalization

    • An inescapable characteristic of an Alaskan husky is its desire to vocalize. They will howl, especially when communicating with other dogs, including those in their own pack. Because of their tendency toward loud howling, they are not recommended as pets in an urban environment.