Black Alaskan Husky: Complete Guide to Dog Care

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Posted Oct 18, 2024

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Shallow Focus of Siberian Husky with Black Bow Tie
Credit: pexels.com, Shallow Focus of Siberian Husky with Black Bow Tie

Black Alaskan Huskies are a unique and fascinating breed. They originated from the Inupiat people of Alaska who bred them for their exceptional hunting ability.

Their thick double coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat that sheds heavily. This coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Black Alaskan Huskies are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Exercise and Health

Black Alaskan Huskies are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need a lot of space to run around.

If you have a small yard, it's not enough for an Alaskan Husky. They need to run for miles daily to burn off excess energy. Otherwise, they'll get into trouble.

To keep your Black Alaskan Husky healthy, feed them smaller, frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise after eating. This can help reduce the risk of gastric torsion, a life-threatening condition.

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Here are some common health issues to monitor in Black Alaskan Huskies:

  • Hip dysplasia: a genetic condition that can cause arthritis or lameness
  • Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid gland that can result in weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems
  • Cataracts: an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing
  • Eye problems: including corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Exercise Needs

Exercise is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity can help boost our mood, energy levels, and even our sleep quality.

If you're new to exercise, start with small, manageable goals. For example, taking a short walk around the block can be a great way to get started. The more space you have to run around, the better, as seen in the case of Alaskan Huskies that need ample opportunities to run for miles daily.

Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day can have a significant impact on our health. This can be broken down into shorter sessions throughout the day, making it easier to fit into our busy schedules.

Health

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy Alaskan Husky, but it's equally important to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in this breed, causing inflammation and degeneration in their hips.

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Feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating can help reduce the risk of gastric torsion, a life-threatening condition that affects deep-chested breeds like Alaskan Huskies.

Cataracts are a concern for Alaskan Huskies, causing cloudy vision and potentially leading to blindness. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk of inherited conditions like cataracts and hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that can cause blindness, but it's detectable years before symptoms appear. Reputable breeders have their dogs' eyes certified annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist to prevent breeding dogs with this disease.

Some Alaskan Huskies may develop hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland that can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. This condition is manageable with medication, but regular vet visits are essential for monitoring and treating health issues.

Here are some common health issues to monitor in your Alaskan Husky:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cataracts
  • Eye problems
  • Gastric torsion

Care and Feeding

Black Alaskan Huskies are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least an hour to two-hour long walk daily, and a fenced backyard to burn off excess energy.

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A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for these dogs, with a recommended daily amount of 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Fresh water should always be readily available.

To keep your Black Alaskan Husky satisfied, provide them with a "job" to do, such as agility, herding, or other outdoor work. Regular veterinary consultations can help monitor their overall health and dietary needs to ensure they remain fit and active.

Feeding

Feeding your Alaskan Husky Shepherd is a crucial part of their care, and it's essential to get it right to keep them happy and healthy.

Alaskan Huskies are "easy keepers", meaning they require a relatively small amount of food for their size, typically 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

To fuel their high energy levels, they need a well-balanced and nutritious diet, which can be achieved with commercial high-quality dog food designed for active breeds.

Close Up Shot of Black and White Siberian Husky
Credit: pexels.com, Close Up Shot of Black and White Siberian Husky

Regular feeding schedules are vital to maintain their digestive health and prevent obesity, so be sure to monitor their weight and adjust their portions accordingly.

These dogs have a strong appetite, so it's essential to be mindful of overfeeding and ensure they always have access to fresh water.

A diet rich in protein, such as chicken, beef, and fish, can support their muscle development and energy requirements, making them a great choice for high-quality dog food.

It's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best food for your pup and ensure their diet meets all their nutritional needs.

Care

The Alaskan Husky Shepherd needs daily exercise to feel content, and that's a lot more than most breeds. Their ideal exercise routine includes at least an hour to two-hour long walk daily, plus indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war.

A fenced backyard is a must-have for this breed, as they enjoy burning off energy and need a "job" to do, such as agility or herding. They're not a good fit for apartment dwellers, as they easily become vocal and their boundless energy makes them unsuitable for small spaces.

White and Black Siberian Husky Puppy on Rocky Ground
Credit: pexels.com, White and Black Siberian Husky Puppy on Rocky Ground

To feed your Alaskan Husky Shepherd, you'll want to give them a diet consistent with that of a medium to large sized breed with high energy levels. You can also try food-motivated tasks like hidden treats around the backyard or snuffle mats to stimulate their active mind.

Regular checkups with your veterinarian are essential to ensure your Alaskan Husky Shepherd's health and well-being. Brushing their teeth daily can help prevent dental problems, and brushing their coat can reduce shedding and matting.

Brushing your Alaskan Husky Shepherd's coat daily is recommended, and brushing their teeth daily is also a must to keep up with oral hygiene. They may need more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to manage shedding.

Their grooming requirements can vary, but a general rule of thumb is to brush them out once a day and check their nails about once a month. Their coat color and pattern may not be uniform, giving each Alaskan Husky a unique appearance.

To keep their coat in good condition, regular brushing sessions are essential, especially during seasonal changes. This not only helps remove loose hair but also distributes the natural oils that keep their coat healthy.

Personality and Temperament

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Black Alaskan Huskies are highly energetic dogs that thrive on physical activity and outdoor adventures. They have an exceptional work ethic and are renowned for their remarkable personality traits.

Their sociable nature makes them friendly and approachable, both with humans and other dogs. They love being part of a pack and have an eagerness to please their owners, making them highly trainable.

As highly competitive dogs, they can tolerate fatigue and exhaustion well and require lots of activity to meet their daily exercise needs. They're not lazy dogs at all and need to be engaged in physical activities, such as running, which makes them happiest.

Adaptability

Alaskan Huskies are highly adaptable dogs that thrive in a variety of environments. They're not fussy about where they live, as long as they have plenty of space to run around.

They're also highly trainable, which means they can adjust to new situations and commands with ease. Their eagerness to please their owners makes them quick learners.

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Their strong pack mentality means they can adapt to a new family or living situation with minimal fuss. They'll often take their cues from their owners and adjust their behavior accordingly.

Their high energy levels mean they can thrive in active households with plenty of exercise opportunities. They're not suited for sedentary lifestyles, but with regular activity, they'll be happy and healthy.

Character and Temperament

Alaskan Huskies are sociable dogs, which is no surprise given their history of living in groups and working in teams. They love company and thrive on interaction with humans.

Their sociable nature makes them great with visitors, and many people have had the pleasure of cuddling and getting to know them at the Husky Village. However, it's essential to remember that they are not domestic or house dogs, but rather sled and racing dogs, bred to love running on the snow and living in nature.

Alaskan Huskies are extremely competitive dogs, which can sometimes make them stubborn. This is why it's crucial to educate them from a young age and provide them with precise objectives and physical activities to keep them engaged.

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They are also highly energetic and need lots of activity to meet their daily exercise needs. In fact, they tend to excel at work and require lots of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

Their eagerness to please their owners is another key trait, making them highly trainable with positive reinforcement techniques. However, they can be wary of strangers and may take time to warm up to new people.

Family and Pet Compatibility

Alaskan Huskies can make great pets for households with children, but it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling.

Older children who are dog-experienced can get along well with Alaskan Huskies, but younger children may not be a good match due to the breed's high energy.

These dogs typically get along well with other canine family members, provided they are within a reasonable size range match, as they may play too roughly with smaller breeds.

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However, small animals and cats aren't likely to be good matches for Alaskan Huskies due to their high prey drive.

Proper socialization is crucial for Alaskan Huskies to get along with other pets, and it's best to raise them with other pets from puppyhood.

If you plan on having an Alaskan Husky around small children, keep an eye on them, as kids under five may not be a good match due to the breed's high energy.

Kids over five should have no problems with these huskies, but it's still a good idea to keep an eye on them if they haven't been trained for socialization.

Training and Behavior

Training an Alaskan husky requires consistency and a firm approach, especially if they're prone to being independent.

They can be trained to perform a variety of tasks beyond basic obedience, including pulling sleds and serving as service dogs.

It's essential to establish a regular training schedule to keep them engaged and prevent shying away from training sessions.

Trainability

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Alaskan huskies are one of the easiest dogs to train. They can be a bit independent sometimes, and may shy away from training sessions if you don't train them often. You need to be more firm or bring in a professional in these cases.

With consistent training, Alaskan huskies can learn basic commands and obedience training with ease. They can even be trained to push sleds and function as service dogs.

The key to training an Alaskan husky is to do it often, so they don't get too independent. If you don't train them regularly, they may resist training sessions.

Sled Dog Habits

Alaskan huskies are naturally suited for sled pulling due to their resistance to fatigue and cold temperatures.

Sledding dogs can withstand temperatures as low as -40° C, which is a testament to their adaptability.

They can run at average speeds of 18/20 km/h in long distance and 30 km/h in sprinting.

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Their ability to work in a team is crucial for sled pulling, allowing them to pull heavy loads for hours.

Sled dogs can pull 35 to 70 kg for hours, showcasing their endurance and strength.

At Husky Village, the sled dogs are highly selected for their strong pedigree and direct bloodline with champion huskies.

Size and Appearance

The Alaskan Husky is a medium to large-sized dog with a varied appearance. Their coats can be found in a range of colors, with gray and tan being the most common. They may also have a short to medium-length coat, which is soft to the touch.

Alaskan Huskies typically stand between 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder, with some individuals reaching up to 26 inches in height. They can weigh between 35 to 60 pounds, with males often weighing closer to 60 pounds and females weighing around 45 pounds.

In terms of appearance, Alaskan Huskies can have a wide range of looks, with different color patterns and coat lengths. They are often mistaken for Siberian Huskies, but they can have distinct features that set them apart.

Origins and Appearance

Selective Focus Photo of a Black and White Siberian Husky
Credit: pexels.com, Selective Focus Photo of a Black and White Siberian Husky

The Alaskan Husky breed has a fascinating history, with some estimates suggesting it originated as far back as 12,000 years ago. They were likely bred by settlers in North America to create dogs with exceptional endurance and resistance to harsh northern conditions.

Alaskan Huskies are not officially recognized as a breed by the FCI, but rather as a type or category. They share ancestry with Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and other Nordic breed dogs from Inuit villages.

Their appearance is quite distinct from other sled dogs, with a short to medium-length coat that's always soft. Unlike Siberian Huskies, their coat is not long.

The Alaskan Husky's coat color is a key distinguishing feature, with most being dark, grey, or black, and featuring brown eyes. They're not typically white huskies, as many people might expect.

Their agile and powerful musculature, combined with their tall and slender build, makes them ideal for running fast in the snow and pulling heavy weights.

Size

Lying Husky Dog in Black and White
Credit: pexels.com, Lying Husky Dog in Black and White

Alaskan Husky Shepherds are a medium to large sized mixed breed, with coats that can come in a variety of colors including gray and tan.

Their height can vary, but they typically stand around 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.

Male Alaskan Huskies can weigh up to 60 pounds, while females weigh around 45 pounds.

Female Alaskan Huskies tend to be slightly shorter, around 23 inches at the shoulder, compared to males who are around 26 inches tall.

Their coats and long tails can make them appear taller than they actually are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two dogs make an Alaska Husky?

Alaskan Huskies are a mix of Siberian Husky and other breeds, but no single breed makes a pure Alaska Husky. Their ancestry often includes breeds like Greyhound, German Shorthair Pointer, and Eskimo dogs.

How much does a black Husky cost?

The cost of a black Husky can range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the puppy's lineage and coat quality. Prices may vary, so it's best to consult with a reputable breeder for a more accurate estimate.

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.