Alaskan Husky: Your Complete Guide
Huskies have a reputation for being dogs that are born to run. You can probably picture them pulling sleds, running in races, or playing outside. While this is common among most husky breeds, the Alaskan husky is a whole different animal.
Alaskan huskies are high-energy dogs that love to play outside, but they also have a bit of a personality. If you’ve been on social media, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a husky episode. These are little meltdowns where huskies whine and almost sound like they’re speaking with their humans.
Aside from having a big personality, it’s not uncommon for Alaskan huskies to hunt down small animals and hunt alongside their humans.
While there is much to learn about Alaskan huskies, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about the breed, from their height down to their grooming needs. Read on to learn more below.
Quick Look at the Alaska Husky
Take a quick look at some of the Alaskan husky’s traits below. Learn about their coat type, height, weight, temperament, etc.
| Weight/Height | 35-75 pounds, 20-26 inches |
| Coat Type | Double coat, multi-color, and pattern |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Strong, loyal, hardworking, born to run |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
What Is the History of Alaska Huskies?
The exact history of the Alaskan husky is not as well-known as some other types of sled dogs. What we do know is that they have been around for several thousand years, which makes them one of the older breeds in existence.
From known history, Alaskan huskies came into existence about 4,000 to 4,500 years ago when travelers from Siberia brought them over to Alaska. Back then, their unique color was not sought-after because they were bred to be work dogs.
Throughout their history, these dogs have been mixed with many breeds. For example, traces of border collie, German shepherd, Inuit huskies, and Labradors can be found in their DNA. Throughout history, one thing that these dogs have been known for is racing. They’re great at sled racing and continue to excel in this area.
What Do Alaska Huskies Look Like?
Your average Alaskan husky looks like sled dogs of the far north from countries like Serbia. This means they have long, black snouts and a flat head between their large, pointy ears (when they’re puppies, these ears are floppy). The color of their coat is also similar to Siberian huskies, so most breeds will have a gray and white coat with some black mixed in at times.
While these coats are unique in color, they’re also unique because of their layers. These double coats insulate heat during the winter but reflect light during the warm summer months. What’s more, both coats can be different lengths.
However, there are some subtle differences. The biggest difference is that most Alaskan huskies have short hair compared to their long-haired cousins.
What Size Is an Alaskan Husky?
Alaskan huskies aren’t big dogs, but they’re medium-sized based on their height and weight. Male Alaskan huskies can weigh close to 60 pounds, while female Alaskan huskies weigh closer to 45 pounds.
Regarding height, there are also some variations between males and females. Male Alaskan huskies are around 26 inches at the shoulder, whereas females are about 23 inches at the shoulder.
That said, their coats and long tails might make them appear taller than they are.
What Is an Alaskan Husky’s Coat Type and Length?
Alaskan huskies have short to medium coats, which vary based on their parents. These coats can be in any color, and they also have an undercoat. However, you won’t see the undercoat often because their topcoat gives them a fully-furred appearance.
There are also some differences between the topcoat and undercoat. The topcoat is more rugged and longer than the undercoat and provides Alaskan huskies with most of their colors. As for the undercoat, it’s softer and more dense. This helps the Alaskan husky insulate their bodies during the winter, but it’s also useful for reflecting light during the spring and summer.
What Is an Alaskan Husky’s Temperament?
Alaskan huskies were bred as work dogs, so they have a strong, independent, and confident personality. These dogs are also vocal, but not with their bark like other dogs. Instead, you’ll find that Alaskan huskies will whine and squeal when they want attention.
Some Alaskan huskies may also howl, so keep this in mind if you plan on living in apartments or homes with noise restrictions.
Their personalities aside, Alaskan huskies are smart dogs. They’re easy to train and work well as service dogs because of their attentive temperament. When it comes to aggression, Alaskan huskies aren’t that aggressive unless they’re trained to be. However, they might get aggressive with other dogs because they like being leaders.
Overall, Alaskan huskies are smart, affectionate, and playful.
Are Alaskan Huskies Good With Kids?
Alaskan huskies are good with children, but only if they’re old enough not to play rough with them by accident. If you plan on having an Alaskan husky around small children, keep an eye on them.
That said, kids over five shouldn’t have any problems with these huskies. Still, it’s not the worst idea to keep an eye on them if they haven’t been trained for socialization.
Are Alaskan Huskies Good With Other Animals?
Alaskan huskies aren’t the best breed to have with other animals. While they’re okay with some small animals, like cats, they might harm or attack smaller animals, like guinea pigs, mice, or other small pets. Their curious nature and playful behavior might lead them to hurt small animals by accident as well.
Alaskan huskies have interactions with larger dogs as well. They have dominant personalities, so they may want to take charge and be the leader in the house. This can lead to fighting and some other problems. If you see your Alaskan husky and another dog playing, keep an eye on them to avoid any problems.
The last thing to note is that Alaskan huskies can also be aggressive with wild animals. If not trained properly, they might chase small outdoor animals and get into trouble. Fortunately, this behavior can be trained away with the right training plan.
Are Alaskan Huskies Aggressive?
Alaska huskies aren’t usually aggressive; they typically have a playful and fun temperament. However, there are times when they can get aggressive. Alaskan huskies will get aggressive with some animals, like other dogs if they want to assert their dominance.
Alaskan huskies may also get aggressive with strangers or if they feel threatened. That said, aggression is a behavior that can be reduced through training, either by you or a professional. It’s best to start young as well, especially as a puppy, if possible.
Do Alaskan Huskies Bark?
Alaskan huskies don’t bark often, but they make a lot of noise. Instead of barking, Alaskan huskies whine and make all sorts of noises to get their owner’s attention or if they feel uncomfortable.
These whines and howls can get loud, so it’s important to warn your landlord or to avoid housing that’s not friendly for pets. Always keep this in mind when adopting an Alaskan husky.
Are Alaskan Huskies Affectionate?
Alaskan huskies have a lot of variation in their personalities. Most Alaskan huskies love to cuddle and will even cuddle with other dogs. In fact, they may walk right up to you and demand it. Alaskan huskies are also vocal with their owners, so they’ll let you know when it’s time for a cuddle session.
Alaskan huskies also form a special bond with their families. They’re loyal and protective, which leads them to spend more time with you whenever possible.
Are Alaskan Huskies Intelligent?
Alaskan huskies are intelligent dogs. They’re smarter than your average pup and love to explore their environment. Alaskan huskies can learn complex commands, and they’re commonly used as work dogs. Curiosity is also a trait that Alaskan huskies have, so don’t be surprised if you see them exploring your backyard and interacting with other animals, plants, or insects.
Alaskan huskies are also emotionally intelligent. They’re great at recognizing and understanding emotions, so they can be taught to comfort people emotionally when necessary.
Are Alaskan Huskies Energetic?
Alaskan huskies are energetic dogs that require a lot of exercise. It’s a good idea to walk them at least twice per day, and if you can’t do that, make sure you play with them or give them space to run around and play on their own.
Aside from physical exercise, Alaskan huskies also need mental stimulation. This can come from playing, training, solving puzzles, and learning new commands. Make sure you tire them out to avoid them being rowdy and obnoxious in the evening hours.
If you’re unsure about how to manage their energy, try starting with a game of fetch. It’s a great way to stimulate their mind and body.
Are Alaskan Huskies Easy to Train?
Alaskan huskies are one of the easiest dogs to train, as long as you know how to train them. They can be a bit independent sometimes, and may shy away from training sessions if you don’t train them often. In these cases, you need to be more firm or bring in a professional.
Alaskan huskies are also easy to train beyond things like obedience training or basic commands. They can be trained to push sleds, function as a service dogs, and much more. Ultimately, the sky’s the limit when training Alaskan huskies.
Are Alaskan Huskies Good Watchdogs?
Alaskan huskies are one of the best breeds available if you’re looking for a watchdog. They’re brave, confident, and protective, which helps them protect and alert their owners to danger.
Alaskan huskies can also be aggressive at times, which can deter strangers and other animals. In fact, Alaskan huskies can be trained to take initiative and charge into situations to protect their owners.
Are Alaskan Huskies Good Service Dogs?
Alaskan huskies make excellent service dogs. These huskies can help people with a wide range of tasks, and they can be trained to do just about anything.
This breed is a great service dog because of their high intelligence and calm temperament. They’re perfect in public settings, and with the right training, they can do complex tasks like open doors or remind someone when it’s time to take their medication.
Some specific examples of tasks that Alaskan huskies can be trained to do include:
- Fetching medications
- Getting help for someone having a seizure
- Pushing wheelchairs
- Providing pressure to relieve stress and tension
- Guiding people out of hostile environments
These are only some of the tasks that Alaskan huskies can be trained to perform.
Overall, regardless of the disability, Alaskan huskies can help. In fact, they can even help as emotional support dogs and therapy dogs. They don’t require as much training for these tasks, but they’re excellent at reading emotions and comforting people who need it.
How to Care for Alaskan Huskies?
Alaskan huskies aren’t challenging to care for, but you must stay on top of their needs. Make sure you take them to the vet for regular checkups and focus on brushing their teeth to avoid dental problems. Brushing their coat can also help you reduce shedding and matting.
Also, make sure they get plenty of exercise and positive reinforcement.
Do You Need to Groom Alaskan Huskies?
Alaskan huskies don’t require as much grooming as other dogs with double coats. However, it’s important to groom them at least once per week. This will prevent matting, shedding, and other problems. You can also bathe them when they get dirty and bring them to a professional groomer for help trimming their nails.
Do Alaskan Huskies Shed?
All huskies tend to be big shedders, including the Alaskan husky. They have a double coat, so they’ll shed more in the spring and fall months. Otherwise, brush them regularly to avoid hair stacking up in your home.
What Health Problems Do Alaskan Huskies Have?
Alaskan huskies struggle with similar health issues as most medium-sized dog breeds. Some common health issues to monitor include issues with their hind legs, like hip dysplasia, which causes inflammation and degeneration in their hips. Conditions like hyperthyroidism are also common in Alaskan huskies, resulting in weight gain and other health problems.
Some other health problems to keep an eye on include:
- Loss of vision as they age
- Hearing loss in old age
- Glaucoma
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Heart disease
- Skin infections
- Certain types of cancer
- Epilepsy
Regular vet visits can help you monitor, treat, and avoid these health conditions.
How Long Do Alaska Huskies Live?
Alaskan huskies have a moderate lifespan compared to other breeds but share many traits with most larger breeds. This means that Alaskan huskies have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. The good news is that properly caring for your Alaskan husky can help you improve their lifespan.
What Should an Alaskan Husky Eat?
Alaskan huskies have a big appetite because they’re big dogs. Therefore, you’ll want to feed them a combination of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats (with an emphasis on healthy fats). You can find these nutrients in kibble or wet food but we recommend feeding your Alaskan husky a combination of both. Who doesn’t love a little crunch sometimes?
As for the source of protein and vegetables, most meats and vegetables are fine. Things like beef, broccoli, chicken, and carrots can all be incorporated into an Alaskan husky’s diet.
Is an Alaskan Husky the Right Dog for Me?
When you’re looking to adopt a new companion it’s hard to know if they’re the right dog for you. While Alaskan huskies might be cute to look at and play with, understanding if the breed is right for you can change your whole outlook. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to determine if an Alaskan husky is right for you.
First and foremost, do you have a lot of space? Alaskan huskies like to play and run around, so having a yard or dog park nearby is essential. You’ll also want to have time to spend with your husky because they can become whiny without it. For these reasons, Alaskan huskies are best-suited for homes in the suburbs.
Another factor to consider is the environment of your home. People who have allergies won’t do well with Alaskan huskies because they shed a lot and Alaskan huskies aren’t great with small children or small animals. While you can pair them with another dog, try to keep their access to animals like cats limited.
Overall, the Alaskan husky is right for you if you live in a temperate climate, have a home with a backyard, and no small children or animals in your house.