Alaskan Husky
Also known as Alaskan Husky
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Alaska, United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An athletic sled dog selected for performance rather than looks, which is why coat colors and builds vary so much. It is not a recognized breed, by either the FCI or the Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club), but a type of working dog known for its exceptional speed and stamina.
History and origins
Developed in Alaska by mushers, who crossed northern dogs (Siberian Husky, Malamute, Inuit village dogs) with European breeds such as the Pointer, the Greyhound or the Saluki. The goal: to combine speed, stamina and the urge to run for sled racing, which it now dominates, in sprint and long-distance events alike.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Zinc-responsive dermatosis
- GM1 gangliosidosis (an inherited disease found in certain lines)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very poorly, 1 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Alaskan Husky FAQ
How big does the Alaskan Husky get?
The Alaskan Husky stands 53 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 27 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Alaskan Husky shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Alaskan Husky live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Alaskan Husky need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Alaskan Husky good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Alaskan Husky live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
