Alaskan Husky

		Alaskan Husky
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Alaska
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

Alaskan Husky dogs are carefully bred to produce the best working dogs possible. Alaskan Husky reproductions are planned and technically pedigreed, but they are not considered pure and are not registered by the AKC or CKC, as they are sometimes crossed with other Nordic and non-Nordic breeds.

Alaskan Huskies are generally a little taller than Siberian Huskies, and leaner than Siberians. Siberians often have blue eyes or any combination of blue and brown, while Alaskan Huskies often have brown eyes.

They are not generally recommended for apartment living, but they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Alaskan Huskies are very active indoors and are best with a large, fenced yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. Common sense should be used in keeping them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.

Alaskan Huskies need plenty of exercise, including long daily walks. Be careful about over-exercising in hot weather. They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence, as they are likely to dig their way out and go hunting.

The coat doesn't need much care, except during the heavy shedding seasons twice a year, when they need to be carefully combed with a metal comb.

Alaskan Huskies are mainly bred as working dogs. They have greater endurance in sled races than Siberian Huskies. Sweet and playful, these cheerful dogs love their families. Puppies at heart, they are intelligent, sociable and loving, easy-going and docile, although they generally have a lot of energy, especially as puppies. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not guard dogs, as they bark little and love everyone. Huskies are highly intelligent and trainable, but they have a mind of their own and will only obey a command if they see the point, and if you don't show leadership, they won't see the point in obeying you. Training requires patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog's character. If you're not a 100% firm, confident and consistent leader of this dog, he'll take advantage of it if he can, becoming willful and mischievous. Huskies make excellent jogging companions, as long as it's not too hot. Huskies can be difficult to domesticate. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. They don't like to be left alone, so if this is the breed you're interested in, you might consider having two. A solitary Husky or one that doesn't get enough mental and physical exercise can become very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog at heart and soul. They are good with other animals if raised with them from an early age. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed loves to roam. Alaskan Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who know what to expect from these beautiful, intelligent animals. While there are exceptions to every rule, there are a number of breed characteristics that are generally present among members of this Arctic breed.

Weights for males: 18-27 kg; for females: 16-22 kg.