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Alaskan Husky Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Alaskan Husky so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Sled Dogs
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Alaskan Husky dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Alaskan Husky known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Husky
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Alaskan Husky? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed

Alaskan Husky Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Alaskan Husky? Learn how big the Alaskan Husky breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does an Alaskan Husky weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Alaskan Husky breed.
Male: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg), Female: 35-48 pounds (16-22 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Alaskan Husky?
Male: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 41.5 pounds (19 kg)
Height
How tall is the Alaskan Husky? Alaskan Husky height:
20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Alaskan Husky?
22 inches (56 cm)

Alaskan Husky Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Alaskan Husky puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Alaskan Husky costs.
$1000-$1500
If you choose to purchase the Alaskan Husky, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Alaskan Husky for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Alaskan Husky gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Alaskan Husky? How many Alaskan Husky are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Alaskan Husky Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Alaskan Husky? Discover the Alaskan Husky's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Alaskan Husky ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Alaskan Husky? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's trainability and response to training methods.
A slightly harder to train than average. Alaskan Husky dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Alaskan Husky as a watchdog? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's alertness and guarding instincts.
Alaskan Husky dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is an Alaskan Husky protective of its territory? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's guarding instincts and behavior.
Alaskan Husky dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Alaskan Husky Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Alaskan Husky have? Learn about characteristic Alaskan Husky temperament and behavior traits.
AgileEnergeticProtectiveAlertPowerfulSensitive
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Alaskan Husky sensitivity:
Sensitive: Alaskan Husky dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Alaskan Husky a good family dog?
Average to High: Alaskan Husky dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Husky need? Alaskan Husky social needs:
Alaskan Husky dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Alaskan Husky to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Alaskan Husky roam?
Alaskan Husky dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Alaskan Husky have high prey drive?
Alaskan Husky dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Alaskan Husky dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Alaskan Husky Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Alaskan Husky bark a lot? Learn about typical Alaskan Husky vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Alaskan Husky is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Alaskan Husky? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Alaskan Husky breed.
The Alaskan Husky is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Alaskan Husky live in an apartment? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Husky breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Alaskan Husky indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Alaskan Husky Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Alaskan Husky to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's flexibility to new situations.
Alaskan Husky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Alaskan Husky be left alone? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Alaskan Husky Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Alaskan Husky biting potential? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's bite risk factors.

Moderate

The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Alaskan Husky mouthy? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's tendency to use mouth during play.
Alaskan Husky dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Alaskan Husky dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Alaskan Husky bite? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Husky bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Alaskan Husky measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Alaskan Husky is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Alaskan Husky bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Alaskan Husky bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Alaskan Husky puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Alaskan Husky, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Alaskan Husky bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Alaskan Husky can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Alaskan Husky Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Alaskan Husky live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Alaskan Husky breed.
9-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Husky: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Alaskan Husky handle different weather? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Alaskan Husky can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Alaskan Husky? Discover typical conditions affecting the Alaskan Husky breed.
Alaskan Huskys tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Alaskan Husky need vet visits? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Alaskan Husky should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Alaskan Husky breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Alaskan Husky breed? Most common health risks of Alaskan Husky:
HyperthyroidismLaryngeal ParesisProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Alaskan Husky Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Alaskan Husky? Understand daily activity needs of the Alaskan Husky breed.
Alaskan Husky dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Alaskan Husky need? How much exercise do Alaskan Husky dogs require per day?

Do Alaskan Husky dogs need a lot of exercises?

Alaskan Husky dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Alaskan Husky breed need?
Alaskan Husky dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Alaskan Husky Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Alaskan Husky prone to weight gain? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Alaskan Husky has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Alaskan Husky weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Alaskan Husky need daily? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's feeding requirements.
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Alaskan Husky Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Alaskan Husky hypoallergenic? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Alaskan Husky dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Alaskan Husky come in? Discover all possible Alaskan Husky color variations.
BlackGray White BlondeOrange
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Alaskan Husky need? Learn about Alaskan Husky coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Alaskan Husky requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Alaskan Husky, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does an Alaskan Husky drool a lot? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's drooling habits.
The Alaskan Husky is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Alaskan Husky smell bad? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Alaskan Husky have? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's fur characteristics.
Dense
Bathing Needs
How often does an Alaskan Husky need baths? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Alaskan Husky dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Husky? Do Alaskan Husky dogs shed a lot?
Alaskan Husky dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Alaskan Husky Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Alaskan Husky good with children? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's behavior around kids of different ages.
Alaskan Husky dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Alaskan Husky get along with other pets? Discover the Alaskan Husky's compatibility with other animals.
Alaskan Husky dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Alaskan Husky temperament with other people:
Alaskan Husky dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Alaskan Husky dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Alaskan Husky breed live with a cat?
Alaskan Husky dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Alaskan Husky good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Alaskan Husky dogs get along with other dogs?
Alaskan Husky dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Alaskan Husky can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Alaskan Husky breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Alaskan Husky breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Alaskan Husky dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Alaskan Husky dogs good office canines? Do Alaskan Husky dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Alaskan Husky is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Alaskan Husky dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Husky temperament with senior people? Are Alaskan Husky dogs good for elderly owners?
Alaskan Huskys are commonly okay with elderly people.

Alaskan Husky As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Alaskan Husky be a service dog? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Alaskan Husky is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Alaskan Husky good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Alaskan Husky is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Alaskan Husky good at detection work? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Alaskan Husky is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Alaskan Husky do search and rescue? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Alaskan Husky is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Alaskan Husky good on boats? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Alaskan Husky breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Alaskan Husky pull carts? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Alaskan Husky is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Alaskan Husky used in military service? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Alaskan Husky Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Alaskan Husky usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Alaskan Husky pregnant? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Alaskan Husky: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Alaskan Husky have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Alaskan Husky Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Alaskan Husky in? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Alaskan Husky in? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize an Alaskan Husky? Learn about the Alaskan Husky's official recognition.
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Alaskan Husky Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The Alaskan Husky has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Alaskan Husky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Dog Friendly: Alaskan Husky dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Cons
  • Training Difficulty: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Health Concerns: Alaskan Huskys tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Alaskan Husky dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Husky breed.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Alaskan Husky dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Alaskan Husky dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Cat Friendly: Alaskan Husky dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Alaskan Husky is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Alaskan Husky dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Alaskan Husky History

The history of the Alaskan Husky begins with the numerous native village dogs of North America that lived in the area long before Europeans and Russians arrived. Before Colombus’s voyages, archeology has proven that there were a wide variety of dogs. There was everything from the small Innu Canoe Hunting Dogs, to Salish Wool dogs who were specifically bred for their wool to make blankets and clothing. In addition to these native dogs, common Indian and village dogs were found all over North and South America, of which the Alaskan Village dogs were a northerly version. It is from these early village dogs, more specifically the Coastal Eskimo dog and the Alaskan Interior Village dog, that the Alaskan Husky was derived.

Both the Coastal Eskimo dog and the Alaskan Interior Village dog are descendants of ancient dogs that migrated with their nomadic masters across the Bering Strait into Alaska over 14,000 years ago. For the early tribal groups of North America, these dogs were a crucial part of survival and fulfilled a variety of roles. As the early nomadic inhabitants of Alaska migrated from one place to another, the dogs were used for carrying loads in the summer and dragging goods on the snow in the winter. It is believed that early sledding technology or the advent thereof played an important role in and had the most significant influence on the development of the modern-day Alaskan Husky. The advent of sled led to small village competitions as local tribesmen wanted to know who had the fastest dog. They began to breed these early sled dogs purposely for strength, endurance, and speed, as well as hunting ability.

Furthermore, besides the ancient breeds, genetic studies have proved a close relationship between the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, and the Alaskan Malamute. However, the Alaskan Husky shows more evidence of cross-breeding with dogs which were later imported to the continent by European settlers. Other breeds implicated in its development include Greyhound, Saluki, and German Shorthaired Pointed, which may go some way toward explaining the slender profile and generally low proportion of body fat in the Alaskan Husky when compared with other Arctic breeds. Today

The Alaskan Husky developed along distinct lines, bred for different features, some for strength, but most for speed and endurance. Due to their lean physique, they are known to require more care and attention than other, similar breeds, but their superior athleticism ensured that Alaskans remained the preferred choice of many ‘mushers’, frontiersmen who relied on their dogs not just to era a living but for their survival. Although the Alaskan Husky is still used to deliver freight in some Northern villages, today’s mushers are mostly competitive sledders.

As a result of the considerable variety in its look and other features, it is not recognized by any of the kennel clubs, but its continuous popularity as a working dog appears to ensure its survival.

Rate The Alaskan Husky Breed

Alaskan Husky Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • gp

    Aug 10, 2021, 4:23:38 PM:

    In many parts very inaccurate.

  • sofia

    Jan 14, 2021, 1:06:10 AM:

    i love huskies and i disagree with you rosella huskies are way better than golden retrievers

  • Rosella Rose

    Oct 26, 2020, 1:22:52 AM:

    Huskies are amazing, but golden retrievers are even more AMAZING! Golden retrievers are way better than huskies, but anyway, huskies are good too.