Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Alaskan Husky: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

husky outdoor barking

Are you ready for a dog that can run for miles that never tires? If so, the Alaskan Husky is your pooch. These are amazing working dogs with a non-stop motor, and that’s why they’re so popular, but only with the right crowd. And with such a wide range of appearances and personalities, you might’ve seen an Alaskan Husky in person and not even realized it. Let’s get into some more details about this breed, including their looks, temperament, and history.

Breed Overview

Height:

20–26 inches

Weight:

35–70 pounds

Lifespan:

10–14 years

Colors:

Any color/pattern, including white, black, grey and white, sable and white, red and white, black and tan, silver-grey, grey, and black and white

Suitable for:

Active individuals, those looking for a working dog

Temperament:

Loyal, intelligent, stubborn, friendly, social with their own pack

Alaskan Huskies don’t enjoy any official recognition from a breeder’s club like the American Kennel Club (AKC) since they’re not considered purebreds, and with so many potential parent breeds, it’s not hard to see why. Alaskan Huskies can come from Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds, Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherds, and more.

But even with so many variations out there, there are plenty of traits that keep people coming back for these dogs time and time again.

Alaskan Husky Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Alaskan Husky Breed Puppies

Siberian Husky puppy
Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock

While the Alaskan Husky isn’t an officially recognized breed, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find breeders. In fact, since they’re working dogs, the Alaskan Husky is pretty difficult to find in most of the mainland United States.

However, if you live in Alaska, it’s much easier to find a reputable breeder. Just keep in mind that breeding is often done with the purpose of using them as working dogs for a specific purpose, so it’s essential you find a breeder that highlights the traits you want and need.

If you want a racing Alaskan Husky, you’ll need to find a breeder for that, and if you’re looking for an Alaskan Husky to help you with other types of work, you’ll need a specific one who focuses on those traits.

In addition to finding the breeder with the right dogs for you, you’ll still need to ensure you’re getting a pet with a clean bill of health and a health guarantee, all of which should come from a breeder that has references you can reach out to.

Parent Breeds of the Alaskan Husky Mix
Image Credit: Left- Hanna Borysenko, Shutterstock | Right – Sbolotova, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Temperament & Intelligence of the Alaskan Husky

Alaskan Huskies have a wide range of temperaments, but there are a few core traits that almost every Alaskan Husky has. For starters, they tend to excel at work. They’re not lazy dogs at all and require lots of activity to meet their daily exercise needs.

Another trait they tend to share is an eagerness to please their owners. No matter what you’re training them to do, they need to be able to listen, and having an eagerness to please is crucial.

Also, keep in mind that these dogs tend to love being a part of a pack, but they’ll often be wary of strangers and anyone else they don’t view as a part of the pack. But overall, they’re extremely intelligent dogs, which is a core trait of a successful working dog.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

When you think of a good family dog, an Alaskan Husky isn’t what comes to mind. They’ll generally get along fine with kids and other family members, but they’re not a typical lap dog and they can be a bit much for families with smaller kids.

There’s nothing that will keep you from having an Alaskan Husky with kids, though; just keep in mind that they’ll want to spend most of their time completing their tasks, not necessarily hanging out with the kids or cuddling on the couch.

Alaskan husky dog with tongue out
Image Credit: lornadandy, Pixabay

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

When you’re trying to determine if an Alaskan Husky will get along with other pets in your home, you need to ask yourself one question: Will they view the other pet as a member of the pack?

If they do, they’ll probably get along with them; if they don’t, you’ll run into trouble. This means with proper socialization, they’ll generally get along great with other dogs, but they’ll likely run into problems with other types of pets. However, this is all dependent on how well they were socialized from a young age and throughout the rest of their life.

divider dog paws oct 2024

Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Husky:

An Alaskan Husky isn’t quite like most other types of dogs, so it’s no surprise that there are a few surprises you should be aware of when getting one. To help you avoid some of those surprises, we’ve gone over some basic care requirements for you just below.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Alaskan Huskies can vary quite a bit in size, and because of this, the exact amount you need to feed them varies significantly too. Just keep in mind that since these dogs are extremely active, you need to find a recipe that’s high in protein.

These foods tend to cost a bit more, but they’re an absolute necessity. If you’re ever unsure about the best food to pick for such an active breed, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. On top of that, how much they exercise during the day could mean you have to adjust how much you feed them instead of following the packaging directions. Again, speak with your vet about this.

Close up of an alaskan husky dog on the top of a mountain
Image Credit: Valmedia, Shutterstock

Exercise 🐕

If you’re looking for a dog you can walk around the block a few times and then hunker down on the couch for the evening, an Alaskan Husky is not the right choice. These dogs need a lot of exercise, and even if you have a fenced-in yard, you might not have enough space.

The more space they have to run around, the better, and you’ll need to give them ample opportunities to do so. Let them run for miles daily. Otherwise, you’ll have a pent-up pooch getting into all sorts of trouble.

Training 🎾

If you’re getting a working dog, it’s imperative that you take the time to train them. For starters, you’ll need to meet all their daily exercise needs or they’ll be too worked up for a proper training session and won’t be able to focus.

From there, aim for two training sessions a day, and each training session should only last between 10 and 15 minutes. Only use positive reinforcement, and bring along some of their favorite treats to lock in their attention.

Grooming ✂️

Because an Alaskan Husky can come from so many different breeds, their grooming requirements can vary quite a bit too. We recommend brushing them out once a day and brushing their teeth daily to keep up with oral hygiene.

As long as you’re meeting their daily exercise requirements, you shouldn’t need to worry about clipping their nails, but we recommend checking on them about once a month just to be safe.

Alaskan Husky
Image Credit: Paul Brennan, Pixabay

Health and Conditions 🏥

Overall, Alaskan Huskies tend to be healthy dogs, especially if you get them from a reputable breeder. But because they can have so many parent breeds, it’s possible for them to develop all sorts of health conditions, which is why we took the time to highlight a few of them for you to look for.

Minor Conditions
Serious Conditions
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Laryngeal paralysis
  • Canine degenerative myelopathy
  • Obesity

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Male vs. Female

Like most dog breeds, there’s not much of a difference between male and female Alaskan Huskies. Males tend to be a little bit larger, but because there’s no set breed standard, the litter and genetics of the specific pooch tend to play a much larger role than the gender.

divider dog faces oct 2024

3 Little-Known Facts About the Alaskan Husky

1. Alaskan Huskies Look Very Different From Each Other

Some people think that all Alaskan Huskies look like Siberian Huskies. And while they can, that’s certainly not how they all look. They can have a wide range of appearances, come in nearly any color, and have different color patterns.

Alaskan Husky running after a ball
Image Credit: Anna Ter-Martirosian, Shutterstock

2. They Can Be Fiercely Independent

You might think that pack animals like to just go with the crowd and listen to everything you have to say, but that’s not always the case. They have no problem standing on their own when they need to, and it’s up to you to show them you’re the pack leader.


3. They’re Not Good for First-Time Pet Owners

If you’re thinking of getting an Alaskan Husky as your first pet, we highly recommend that you reconsider. These dogs are among the most challenging to own, and while they can be rewarding for the right owner, they’re definitely not right for everyone.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

The Alaskan Husky certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you need an amazing working dog and don’t mind putting in the work, an Alaskan Husky might be just what you’re looking for.

Just keep in mind that they do love living in a pack, so you might want to consider giving them a friend or two that can keep up with extreme energy demands. Not only will this help keep them happy, but I can help you meet their exercise needs too!

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Sanchoz, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Best Winter Jackets for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Unless you own a Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard, Samoyed, or another breed tolerant of cold weather, your pup will enjoy its walks and...

Can Dogs Die From Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Prevention Tips

One of the most common health issues that dogs can experience is flea infestations. While these tiny pests may seem harmless, they can...

Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Doberman Pinscher is a working-class dog breed with an intimidating appearance and reputation that precedes them. While the general public often considers...

How to Get an Allergy Detection Dog: 5 Vet-Verified Steps

An allergic reaction can vary in severity from sufferer to sufferer. Mild reactions can include hives, itchy skin, a stuffy nose, and watery...

More related

10 Best Dog Foods for Newfoundlands in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Feeding a Newfoundland is a bit different than feeding a Chihuahua. While all dogs will have similar protein needs, there are other things...

Why Does My Cat Hate My Dog? Possible Reasons & Vet-Approved Tips

Cats and dogs can get along well. They can live in the same house, share the same spaces, and even form close bonds....

My Dog Ate Saran Wrap: Our Vet Explains the Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps

There are some dogs who will get into and eat anything. I’ve met dogs who have swallowed socks, tinfoil, and even an entire...

How to Remove Dog Poop Stains & Smells Out of Carpet: 4 Proven Methods

If you own a dog, accidents of some sort are unavoidable. Whether it’s during housetraining or when the dog is older, most dogs...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Squid? Vet-Verified Health Benefits & FAQ

Dogs can eat squid in small amounts occasionally. The squid must be cooked to ensure that there aren’t any food-borne illnesses in the squid. Seasonings should also be avoided, as many are toxic to dogs. Squid itself is completely fine,...

Can Dogs Eat_squid

Can Dogs Eat BBQ Chips? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

When you’re enjoying a bag of BBQ potato chips and your dog hits you with those pleading eyes, you might wonder if it would be okay to give your dog a few chips. Are they safe for dogs? Generally speaking,...

Can Dogs Eat_bbq chips

Is Lamb Dog Food Good for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & FAQ

There are a host of dog foods out there to choose from when it comes to feeding your dog and many different meat options available to tempt your pet’s palate. While a good majority of dog foods will contain chicken,...

dachshund dog eating from elevated bowl

Can Dogs Eat Pine Nuts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Considerations

There are many pieces of misinformation floating around the web on what is and is not safe for your canine companions. One of these very topics might have to do with pine nuts. Are pine nuts toxic to dogs? No,...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Pine Nuts

My Puppy Is Overweight: 5 Vet-Approved Tips on What to Do

If you have an overweight puppy, we recommend consulting a veterinarian before implementing any suggestions in this post, as it may be related to diet or health, and making sudden changes to your puppy’s diet may bring on medical issues....

Husky puppy on a weighing scale

Weruva Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and Guide

Review Summary Weruva may sound like an odd name for a pet food brand, but the name was actually inspired by the creators’ cats: Webster, Rudi, and Vanessa. The first syllables of each name were taken and blended to create...

Dogster_Weruva Dog Food Review

Dog Food Sensitivity: Vet-Reviewed Signs & Treatment

Just like humans, dogs can also develop sensitivities and allergies, especially when it comes to their food. However, identifying and addressing the signs of dog food sensitivity can be a challenge for many pet owners, particularly as some aren’t all...

sad golden retriever dog beside food bowl on the floor with no appetite

Merrick vs Acana Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

If you are a pet parent, you know the difficulty of selecting the right food all too well. If you are still floating around in the sea of confusion and endless options, you are certainly not alone. We know it’s...

Dogster_Dog Food Merrick VS Acana