Alaskan Husky: Breed Features and Growing

Alaskan Husky is a unique type of dog. Its representatives are considered the most hardy and fastest. They are used to participate in sports driving competitions and are jokingly compared with Formula 1 racing cars, because no one can compare with these dogs. This article is about how these animals look, how to care for them and how to distinguish them from Siberian huskies.

Alaskan Husky is not a breed in the usual sense, but a type of sporting dog. They appeared through the genetic crossing of several breeds - this is the Siberian husky, shepherd, husky, Irish setter. Some believe that there is also an admixture of the blood of real wolves. From each species, animals took only the best - speed, agility, strength, mind, friendly character.

This species was named due to its origin. Brought it in Alaska. It all started with the fact that the fur trader brought bright dogs from Siberia. He was captivated by a combination of compact size with great power. The animals could carry the sled quite quickly, but almost never get tired. These were Siberian huskies.

Specialists were also impressed by the qualities of fluffy handsome men, but decided that they could be improved. In order to increase the strength indicators of dogs in Alaska began to conduct genetic experiments. The appearance of the new species did not matter much, in the foreground stood maximum endurance and quick adaptation to conditions. The experiments were successful.

However, the American Kennel Club did not recognize sports animals as a separate breed. Today it is just a mestizo group.Animals are active, swift, able to develop high speed even in the snow. They are used for transportation in the northern regions, and for participation in competitions.

Since this species contains genes of different breeds, clear standards for appearance do not exist. Alaskans of different nurseries can vary greatly, as the ratio of blood of northern and other breeds varies. Nevertheless, some general characteristics can still be distinguished.

• Animals are well built. Males usually weigh 20–30 kg. Females are more miniature. Their average weight is from 18 to 25 kg. As for growth, the largest males can reach 65 cm. Unlike females, they have a more powerful skeleton. Girls are less stocky, but they cannot be called weak. Animals are distinguished by well-developed muscles. They are graceful, stately.
• The limbs are straight, have an average length, are parallel. Paws are rounded, with strong claws.
• Color is variable. There are both motley and one-color dogs. Wool can have white, red, gray, black colors (or several at the same time). The length of the coat is usually small. The fur is hard, thick, with undercoat.
• American ears usually stand straight, but in Europe there are often fold dogs of this species. The tail is long, it can be either fluffy (similar to foxes) or covered with short hair. Sometimes it hangs freely, but if the animal is wary, it rises.
• The view of Alaskans is clear, beautiful. The eyes are usually brown or hazel, although blue-eyed individuals can also be found.

As is clear from the description, compared to purebred Siberian huskies having a standard appearance, these animals can look different. They are larger, stronger, more adapted to work.

Alaskans are very sociable and energetic animals. They love active games and attention. Dogs are very emotional, do not tolerate loneliness. Pets quickly become attached to the owner, are difficult to experience separation from him. Sometimes in longing they even refuse to eat. If the owner leaves for a long time, the animal can run away to find it.

Dogs are completely non-aggressive, love children. They cannot be used as security guards, because they rarely bark and are friendly, although they are wary of strangers. Representatives of this species easily find common language with other animals. They are friendly, although they can show their leadership skills. This is especially true of males.

And also it is worth noting the independence and waywardness of Alaskans. This must be taken into account when raising. It is important from an early age to instill obedience to the pet, to make it clear that the main thing is not him, but the owner. In this case, one should not be rude. Animals do not tolerate screams, aggressive intonations, and even more so the use of force. In such situations, they are very stressed and very offended.

It is important to remember that mestizos are smart and smart. It is necessary to make it clear to the pet that you love him, you see him as a friend and partner. In this case, the animal will answer you with tenderness, devotion and willingness to help you in any business. Such huskies are considered sporting or working dogs. Usually they are turned on as sleds, but this species successfully participates in endurance races. Animals work fine and in harness, in the north they help to transport not too heavy loads.

Alaskan huskies need room. Their activity requires a lot of space for fun games. If you need a pet, opt for a different breed of dog. In a city apartment, such an animal will be too crowded.An exception can be made only if the room is large, and you have the opportunity to take the pet for long walks twice a day. Remember that husky needs quite a lot of physical activity (running, developing games). And also keep in mind that representatives of this species bark very loudly and sometimes howl, which can cause resentment of neighbors.

Keeping a pet in an outdoor aviary is ideal. Do not be afraid that the dog will freeze. Alaskans are initially frost-resistant, they feel great outdoors in the winter.

The enclosure should be large, and it is advisable to deepen the enclosures into the ground. This is because animals can break tunnels underground if they have a desire to escape. The high fence around the site will also be useful. So that the pet does not get bored, you can get two individuals. This solution will help if the owner cannot devote enough time to communicate with the dog.

Husky's “fur coat” does not need special care. You only need to comb out the hair once a week. An exception is the molting season, which occurs twice a year. During these periods, the dog should be combed every day. To do this, use a special metal brush.

Several times a month (as it becomes contaminated), water procedures should be carried out. For bathing use dog shampoo. In summer, you can periodically wipe the animal’s hair with a damp cloth to remove dust. It is necessary to pay attention to the eyes and ears of the pet. Ear cleaning should be done monthly. To do this, you will need a cotton swab dipped in veterinary lotion. Eyes are carefully treated as needed. The method is similar.

To prevent the dog from being bothered by tooth problems, need to give her solid food. And also it is advisable to purchase dental sticks in the pet store - these are tasty bones that remove plaque. Many dogs grind their claws on their own. If this does not happen, they are trimmed as they grow. A pet should be accustomed to such a procedure from childhood. Of course, vaccinations are required. They are made on schedule.

Nutrition is an important point. Here it is worth considering the lifestyle of the dog, namely - how many calories the animal spends during physical activity. For example, competitors burn 2,000 kilocalories each, running 20 kilometers. If the dog is at home, even with active games and long walks, he is unlikely to spend even 1000 kilocalories per day.

To keep the muscles of the animal in good shape, need to give him protein rich foods. This increases the strength and stamina of the pet. How strange in this case, experts recommend feeding the dog pork. High fat content is only good for him.

Useful vegetables, chowder. Of course, such a dog will not refuse a tasty bone. Finished feed is also acceptable. The latter option is even considered the best, because it is very difficult to correctly calculate the daily ration of an animal using natural food. If the owner has decided to feed the pet with purchased food, it is worth choosing premium and super-premium products. Food should be high-calorie, fortified. Great options created specifically for the husky (this is indicated on the package).

It is strictly forbidden to feed the dog flour and sweet. It is not recommended to give her the rest of the dinner from the host table. Not all products can benefit the animal. Do not spoil your pet with slices between meals. You must adhere to the regime.

Meal should be 2 times a day. Babies up to 6 months old are fed 4–5 times a day. Bowls are filled 3 times a day for older puppies. When the dog reaches the age of one, it is transferred to two meals a day. An animal should always have access to fresh and clean water, regardless of age. Do not pour tap water into a bowl. It is better to use bottled drinking water or water from the source (if available in the immediate vicinity).

Alaskan huskies are strong immunity. They rarely get sick. If you feed the dog well and follow all the rules of care, the risk of any disease is minimized. Only elderly individuals may experience problems with the musculoskeletal system and decreased vision. Otherwise, the animals remain healthy. As for life expectancy, usually representatives of this species live up to 12 years. Long-livers reach the age of 15 years.

Alaskans are smart, easy to learn. However, they always have their own opinion. The dog will execute the command only if he himself sees the meaning in it. Training such a pet will require great patience and understanding from the owner. He must be persistent and domineering, but not too tough. Husky must see in his owner a friend and leader, then he will obey.

First you need to teach the dog to walk in a collar on a leash. In order to socialize, you should often bring your pet to busy places, show him other animals and people, if possible provide an opportunity to communicate with them. Training should begin after the dog reaches the age of three months.

In addition, it is worth knowing a few specific rules regarding the training of such dogs.

• Do not go on to study the next command until the dog has mastered the current one perfectly. He must clearly understand what is required of him, to immediately carry out the necessary actions. If you try to teach two teams at the same time, the pet will get confused and will not understand any of them.
• Training is best done by one person, who will be considered the main owner of the animal. No matter how much all family members want to participate in the training, you should not do this. It is important that the dog has an opinion about the leader who will have the highest authority, which will speed up training.
• In the process of training you can not scold the animal. Persistence and restraint in emotions should be shown, otherwise the dog may be offended.
• If the husky does not understand what they want from him, no need to be angry. It is better to give the dog a break, turn his attention to a fun game. After some time, you can continue training.
• Even if the dog perfectly fulfills all the commands, do not delay the training. Alternate the educational process with game activities, otherwise the animal will become bored from performing monotonous tasks.
• You must be fair. Of course, you cannot beat a pet and deprive him of food for his wrongdoing. However, a strict look and the corresponding intonation of the voice should make it clear that he is wrong. If the dog perfectly executes commands and pleases with exemplary behavior, you need to praise him and encourage him. Such an approach to education will only enhance the animal’s respect for the owner.

About the features of Alaskan huskies, see the next video.