Alusky (Siberian Husky & Alaskan Malamute Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

The Alusky, a hybrid dog breed that is the result of breeding a Siberian Husky with an Alaskan Malamute, is a playful, lively, and smart dog that can make an excellent pet for active families or couples.

A medium- to large-sized dog, the Alusky resembles a wild wolf. With perky ears, a puffy coat, and brightly colored eyes, this gorgeous dog makes a loyal canine companion.

Are you thinking about adding this unique designer breed to your household? Before you do, here’s everything you need to know about the Alusky.

Alusky Characteristics

Alusky Puppies

This curious, active, agile, and intelligent hybrid breed requires a dedicated owner who can provide lots of exercise, stimulation, and affection. The Alusky is not well-suited for apartment living and requires a big backyard with secure fencing where he can romp and roam without making a break for it. If left to his own devices for long periods, this designer dog is prone to separation anxiety and boredom.

Both of the Alusky’s parent breeds, the Husky and the Malamute, are working dogs. This means that the Alusky always needs a job to do. If you’re unable to provide this dog with the mental and physical engagement he so desperately needs, the Alusky is not a good fit for you. The Alusky is great for anyone with an active lifestyle who can handle such an energetic dog.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Alusky 🧠

Thanks to the superior intelligence of both of his parent breeds, the Alusky is one smart cookie. A working designer dog, the Alusky always needs a task to do. Without one, this pooch will easily become bored and resort to bad behavior, such as destructive chewing or excess barking. To ensure your Alusky’s mind is always stimulated, enroll him in a weekly training course, give him plenty of attention, and provide him with interactive toys when you’re away from home.

The Alusky is a highly trainable hybrid breed that can learn basic commands with ease. Due to his intelligence and athleticism, the Alusky dominates agility courses. Positive reinforcement is the best training method for this dog. For more complicated commands, try clicker training techniques. Due to his stubborn streak, consistent training is critical. Establishing that you’re the “alpha” early on will help you to be a trusted leader.

Besides being smart, the Alusky is a kind and loving companion. He is devoted to his family and will interact well with people of any age.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Absolutely! The Alusky is a happy-go-lucky dog that does well with young children and seniors alike. However, this hybrid dog requires an active family. He is not content to simply lounge around on the sofa all day long. Moreover, the Alusky is not suited for apartment living. He requires a large yard with a high, secure fence where he can run and roam. Always keep a watchful eye on him as Alusky dogs are escape artists. Ensure your fence doesn’t have any holes and is high enough so your pup can’t easily jump over it.

Keep a vigilant eye on your tots when they’re playing with the dog. Since the Alusky is a larger breed, he can accidentally hurt a toddler.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes, the Alusky does well with other dogs and even cats. It is essential to slowly introduce your new Alusky to the other household animals as soon as you bring him home.

Things to Know When Owning an Alusky:

As with any other dog breed, the Alusky requires high-quality dog food, plenty of exercise, and routine grooming. Here is everything you need to know about caring for your Alusky.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Alusky is a medium-sized dog with high energy. As such, he would do best on a high-protein, meat-based kibble specially formulated for large, energetic dogs. Feed your pet about four cups of kibble divided into two meals per day.

Exercise 🐕

Your Alusky needs large amounts of vigorous exercise every day. Since he’s a working dog, the Alusky must receive the proper amounts of physical and mental stimulation daily. Aim to exercise your Alusky for at least 60 minutes per day. This time can be divided into several long walks, a run in the backyard, and even indoor games.

Consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling your Alusky in doggy daycare when you’re at work. This way, he’ll never have to be cooped up for long.

Training 🎾

As we stated earlier, the Alusky is an exceptionally smart dog. Training him is a breeze. The Alusky is a natural people pleaser and will do almost anything asked of him. Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to training this breed.

Grooming ✂️

Thanks to his Husky and Malamute parents, the Alusky has a thick, long coat that requires daily brushing. Since he sheds constantly in the spring and summer months, the Alusky is not a good breed for people with severe pet allergies. Brush your dog every day and bathe him weekly. Clip his nails as needed. Be vigilant about keeping his ears clean. The Alusky is prone to ear infections and the first step to combatting this health issue is keeping his ears pristine.

• See Also: 11 Best Dog Shampoos

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Alusky is a generally hardy hybrid dog. However, he is susceptible to eye problems, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. Routine checkups with your vet are important to ensure your pup stays in peak condition.

Male vs Female

The male Alusky will be slightly bigger than the female. There are no large intelligence or personality differences between the two genders.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Alusky

1. They Have Built-In Winter Wear

Since the Alusky’s parent breeds hail from cold climates, the Alusky has a dense coat that keeps snow, rain, and sleet out. While this is a great feature to have during the winter months, your pet can easily get overheated in the summer.

2. Yours Might Have Blue Eyes

Both the Husky and the Malamute are known for their stunning icy blue eyes. Your Alusky may inherit this beautiful trait.

3. They’re Talkative

The Alusky is very vocal and will groan, grumble, and jabber all day long. Be prepared for long conversations with your canine!

Final Thoughts

The Alusky is a fun-loving dog that is perfect for active adults. This smart and sweet breed loves to play, run, learn tricks, and spend time with his human pack. The Alusky needs large amounts of daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to keep him engaged and happy. If you can’t devote a couple of hours per day to yor dog, this breed is not for you.

If you’re looking for an active, agile, and smart dog, the Alusky may be the perfect pet for you!

Featured Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock