Alaskan Husky for Sale: How to Cope with Sled-Racing Specialists

It was once unusual to see an Alaskan husky outside of a snow-covered racing venue. With the trend toward acquiring dogs of mixed ancestry and wild-looking or exotic pets, more owners appreciate the virtues of Alaskan husky puppies for sale. Due diligence is important in acquiring this type of dog because of its strong will, high energy levels, and power.

Overview of Alaskan Husky for Sale

An Alaskan husky can be a medium or large dog. Well-equipped for working in frigid temperatures, Alaskan huskies are double-coated, well-muscled, and powerful. They do not make suitable house pets for the average dog owner.

Background

Alaskan huskies originated with the goal to cross the phenomenal sled-racing abilities of the Siberian Husky with the strength and stamina of aboriginal Arctic village dogs. While the landrace dogs were instrumental in the origin of the Alaskan Malamute, backcrossing with the latter was crucial to many Alaskan husky lineages. As sledding became more of a sport and a race than a necessity for survival, creators of the Alaskan Husky infused Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky blood into their original working dog lines to generate more speed. A few founders also used other Spitz family members such as the Samoyed and Greenland Dog. However, the modern Alaskan husky largely owes its heritage to the Siberian and Malamute. Later, breeders utilized experimental crosses to improve the speed of their dogs even further. Several breeds involved in the creation of today's Alaskan husky for sale include the Greyhound, German Shorthaired Pointer, English Setter, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Saluki, and Pointer. The Alaskan husky is not recognized by any major registries and outcrossing still occurs.

Appearance

An Alaskan husky's mixed ancestry is evident in its variable appearance. However, different lines tend to breed true. There are racing lines that are smaller and faster than average. Racing lines can be further divided into the heavier distance runners (Great Pyrenees, Siberian Husky, Alaskan malamute, and some terrier blood), the ultra-light sprinters (Saluki bloodlines), and standard racers (strong Siberian Husky and Alaskan malamute contributions). Draft lines that pull heavier loads are larger and bulkier and do not have as much Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute influences.

Strong Siberian Lines

Wedge-shaped head
Prick ears that are relatively small
Well-defined gradually sloping stop
Muzzle about the same length as the back skull with medium thickness and obvious strength
Neck rather long with tremendous musculature
Shoulders strong, sloping, and well laid back
Well-rounded croup
Level topline
Well-angulated hind limbs that exhibit great power
Brush tail to just below the hocks in length - often carried straight up when alert and down when at rest; some dogs have tails that curl over the back or to one side or the other

Variations

Longer face can show wolf ancestry, shorter face more in line with some of the gundogs
Larger ears - some breeders used wolves in their breeding programs
Ears are semi-prick or fold over - heavier gundog influence
Flat croup - more Mastiff influence
Pronounced abdominal tuck-up - strong sighthound influence
Steeper stop - gundog influence
Greater body mass - Great Pyrenees infusion for more strength

Regardless of its lineage, an Alaskan husky is heavier with more muscle mass than a Siberian Husky. However, it is lighter and smaller than an Alaskan Malamute.

Coat

An Alaskan husky has a short or medium-length double coat. Its dense fleecy undercoat is designed to withstand subzero temperatures. Like other members of the Spitz family, an Alaskan husky's fur is resistant to moisture from snow and ice. The breed "blows" its coat in the spring, shedding copious amounts of underfur. An Alaskan husky's fur is adapted to both hot and cold seasons, meaning you should never shave your dog.

Colors

Since an Alaskan husky is not a specific breed but rather a type, it can be any color or pattern. The exceptions are merle, roan, ticked, and generalized spots. What follows is a list of several more common colors:

Sable - banded hairs that are light at the roots and dark at the tips; dog looks a mishmash of brown, black, and red
Wolf gray
Black and tan
Tricolor - black and tan with white markings
White
Black with white
Black
Red

Many Alaskan huskies have striking facial patterns including a cap on the head. For example, you will frequently see asymmetrical blazes, expanded brown points (i.e., large brown spots over the eyes and across the chest), extended white stockings, and dramatic spectacles.

Personality

Alaskan huskies are bold, intense, and friendly. They have a long history of cooperating with people and large packs of dogs, so they tend to get along famously with both. Although they are quite vocal, Alaskan huskies do not make effective guard dogs because of their social tendencies. Your dog is likely to be somewhat claustrophobic and may want to spend most of its time outside. However, it is not a breed that thrives on being alone much. Alaskan huskies left too much to their own devices will become destructive through digging, trying to escape the home, and howling excessively. Alaskan huskies tend to be more suited to older children than small kids because of their high energy levels and larger size.

Alaskan Husky Lifespan

An Alaskan husky's lifespan correlates with its size. Large dogs live an average of 10 to 12 years while smaller individuals more frequently live 12 to 15 years. Like other huskies, Alaskans are hardy.