Alaskan HuskyCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says that sled-dog racing began with the arrival of European traders and settlers in Alaska. The local people's dogs were very strong and hardy, but not fast enough. So they were crossed with faster breeds, including dogs brought from Siberia, the ancestors of the Siberian Husky.

Most of today's lines carry Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky blood. In the second half of the 20th century, sledding became mainly a sport. Breeders then added, for speed, the blood of the Pointer, Greyhound, Saluki or German Shepherd.

A 2015 DNA study showed that the Alaskan Husky, the Siberian Husky and the Malamute are close relatives, all linked to the sled dogs of Chukotka (Siberia). Distance lines have more husky and malamute blood. Sprint lines have more Pointer and Saluki blood.

How the breed developed

• 19th century – Settlers in Alaska start racing with the local people's dogs.
• Early 20th century – Dogs brought from Siberia win the races; breeders try different crosses.
• Second half of the 20th century – Sledding becomes a sport; sighthound and hunting-dog blood is added.
• 2015 – A DNA study shows its kinship with the Siberian Husky and the Malamute.
• 2020 – The largest blood-test study on canine athletes, covering 4,804 Iditarod dogs.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The Alaskan Husky has no standard and no kennel club profile; the rating is based on Wikipedia and varies a lot from one line to another.

Wikipedia says it is generally taller than the Siberian Husky and lighter than the Alaskan Malamute. As a cross selected over many generations, its appearance varies widely. Some lines have pointed ears and a curled tail, like a spitz. Others look like hunting dogs or sighthounds, with drop ears and a tucked-up waist.

General appearance

Breeders choose dogs for how well they pull the sled, and tough feet are highly prized. In long races the dogs often wear coats and booties to keep warm and protect their feet from the ice.

All colours and patterns are found, as looks do not matter in breeding.

Wikipedia says Alaskan Huskies are chosen for intelligence and the ability to solve problems on their own. The lead dog must read the trail without the musher (the sled driver) touching it. For this it needs instinct and experience.

A sled dog must be well balanced. It stays close to other dogs in harness and is handled often by people. In races it runs past spectators and other teams. A family husky needs the same socialisation and reward-based training.

Tips for effective training

• Give it a job. It is bred to pull and run.
• Use rewards. It learns quickly.
• Keep it on the lead in open areas. Its urge to run is very strong.
• Socialise it with other dogs. It is used to working in a team.

It is an athlete. Wikipedia says sprint teams reach 45 km/h. A distance team finished a 1,510 km race in 8 days and 3 hours, including rests. Such a dog needs running or pulling every day, for example canicross (running attached to its owner) or bikejoring (pulling a bicycle).

Tips for a balanced life

• For very active owners.
• A yard with a secure fence.
• Portions matched to its workload.

Coat and skin care

The coat should be brushed once a week, and more often when it is shedding. Sprint lines have a shorter coat, so they lose heat more easily.

Common health problems

It is bred for performance, and Wikipedia says its stamina far exceeds that of an ordinary dog. A 2020 study of 4,804 dogs trained for the Iditarod found that training improves their blood results, on average up to the age of 6.6 years. Problems to watch for are:

Other care

• Check its feet after every run.
• Use booties on ice or salted roads.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

Wikipedia says that during long efforts its body quickly switches to fat and protein for energy. A sled dog needs plenty of high-fat food. A family husky, however, eats much less, depending on how active it is.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• A good appetite: breeders select for it.
• Increase the portion only during training periods.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. Only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance should be used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• No standard. All that matters is how well it pulls the sled.
• 45 km/h. The speed of sprint teams.
• 1,510 km in 8 days. The record of a distance team, including rests.
• Related to sighthounds. Sprint lines have Pointer and Saluki blood.
• A mascot. It is the mascot of Louis E. Dieruff High School in Allentown, USA.

Is it the same dog as the Siberian Husky?

No; the Siberian Husky has a standard, while the Alaskan Husky is a cross chosen only for performance.

Can it be a family dog?

Yes, if it gets plenty of hard exercise every day, such as canicross.

What races does it run?

Sprints and long-distance races such as the Iditarod, the Yukon Quest and the Finnmarksløpet.

What sports suit it?

Canicross, bikejoring and, in winter, sledding.