Alaskan Husky: Peculiarities of the Breed and Cultivation

Alaskan Huskies are a unique kind of dog. Its representatives are considered the most enduring and fast. They are used to participate in sports riding competitions and are jokingly compared to 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 Huskies are not a breed in the usual sense, but a type of sporting dogs. They appeared by genetic crossing of several breeds - they are Siberian husky, shepherd, husky, Irish setter. Some believe that there is also an admixture of blood from real wolves. From each species, the animals took only the best - speed, agility, strength, intelligence, friendly character.

This species is named because of its origin. Brought him exactly in Alaska. It all started with the fact that the fur merchant brought light dogs from Siberia. He was captivated by a combination of compact size with great power. The animals could carry a sleigh pretty quickly, with almost no getting tired. These were Siberian Huskies.

Experts were also impressed by the qualities of the fluffy beauties, but decided that they could be improved. In order to increase the power performance of dogs in Alaska, they began to conduct genetic experiments. The appearance of the new species did not matter much, in the forefront were the maximum endurance and quick adaptation to the conditions. The experiments were crowned with success.

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

Since this species contains genes of different breeds, there are no clear standards for appearance. Alaskans of different kennels can vary greatly, as the ratio of blood of the 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 more powerful bones. The girls are less stocky, but they cannot be called weak. Animals have well-developed muscles. They are graceful, stately.
• Limbs are straight, have an average length, stand parallel. Paws rounded, with strong claws.
• Color is variable. There are both variegated and monochrome dogs. Wool can be white, red, gray, black (or more at the same time). The length of the coat is usually small. Fur is hard, thick, with undercoat.
• American ears usually stand upright, but in Europe often there are lop-eared dogs of this species. The tail is long, it can be either fluffy (similar to a fox) or covered with short hair. Sometimes it hangs freely, but if the animal is alert, it rises.
• Alaskan view is clear, beautiful. The eyes are usually brown or hazel, although you can also see blue-eyed individuals.

As is clear from the description, compared to pure-bred Siberian Huskies that have a standard appearance, these animals may 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, hard going through separation from him. Sometimes in anguish 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 guards, because they rarely bark and affably, although they are wary of strangers. With other animals, representatives of this species can easily find a common language. They are friendly, although they can show their leadership qualities. This is especially true of males.

It is also worth noting the independence and willfulness of Alaskan people. This must be taken into account when educating. It is important to instill obedience to a pet from an early age, making it clear that the main thing is not he, but the owner. In this case, in any case can not be rude. Animals do not tolerate shouts, aggressive intonations, and even more the use of force. In such situations, they experience severe stress and are very offended.

It is important to remember that mestizos are clever and quick-witted. It is necessary to understand the pet that you love him, you see in him a friend and partner. In this case, the animal will respond to you with affection, devotion and willingness to help you in any matters. Such huskies are considered sports or working dogs. Usually they are turned into sleds, but this species successfully participates in endurance races. Animals work well in harness, in the north they help to transport not too heavy loads.

Alaskan Huskies need space. Their activity requires a lot of space for fun games. If you need a pet favorite, stop the choice on a dog of another breed. In a city apartment such an animal would be too crowded. An exception can be made only if the room is large, and you have the opportunity to take your pet for long walks twice a day. Remember that Husky needs quite a lot of physical activity (running, developing games). And also note that representatives of this species bark very loudly, and sometimes howl, which can cause outrage among neighbors.

Keeping a pet in an open-air cage on the street is ideal. Do not be afraid that the dog will freeze. Alaskans are initially cold-resistant, they feel great in the fresh air in winter.

The enclosure should be large, and the fence is desirable to be buried in the ground. This results from the fact that animals can break through tunnels underground if they have a desire to run away. High fence around the plot will be useful too. To pet did not miss, you can make two individuals. This decision will help if the owner can not devote enough time to communicate with the dog.

"Fur coat" husky does not need special care. Need only once a week to comb the wool. The 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 far as pollution is concerned) 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. Attention should be paid to the eyes and ears of the pet. Cleaning the ears should be done monthly. To do this, you will need a cotton swab dipped in veterinary lotion. Eyes are carefully treated as necessary. The method is similar.

So that the dog is not disturbed by the problems with the teeth, need to give her solid food. It is also advisable to purchase dental sticks in the pet shop - these are tasty bones that remove plaque. Many dogs grind down claws on their own. If this does not happen, they are cut as they grow.. To such a procedure pet should be taught from childhood. Of course, vaccinations are required. They are made on schedule.

Nutrition is an important point. Here it is necessary to take into account the dog's lifestyle, 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 endurance of the pet. How nonstrange in this case, experts recommend to feed the dog pork. High fat content is only good for him.

Useful vegetables, chowder. Of course, such a dog will not refuse from a tasty bone. Ready feeds are also permissible. The latter option is even considered the best, because it is very difficult to correctly calculate the daily diet of an animal using natural food. If the owner decided to feed the pet with purchased food, you should choose premium and super premium products. Food should be high-calorie, fortified. Perfectly suited options created specifically for huskies (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 remnants of dinner from the host's table. Not all products can benefit the animal. It is not necessary to pamper your pet pieces between meals. Must adhere to the regime.

Eating should be carried out 2 times a day. Children up to 6 months old are fed 4–5 times a day. Older puppies bowl filled 3 times a day. When the dog reaches one year old, it is transferred to two meals. The animal must always have access to fresh and clean water, regardless of age. It is not necessary to pour water from the tap into the bowl. It is better to use drinking bottled liquid or water from a source (if available in the immediate vicinity).

Alaskan Huskies are resistant immunity. They rarely get sick. If you feed the dog well and follow all the rules of care, the risk of any disease is reduced to a minimum. Only in older individuals can there be problems with the musculoskeletal system and reduced vision. The rest of the animals remain healthy. As for life expectancy, usually representatives of this species live 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 meaning in it. Training such a pet will require great patience and understanding from the host. He must be persistent and domineering, but not too hard. Husky should see a friend and a leader in his owner, then he will obey.

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

In addition, you should know a few specific rules regarding the training of such dogs.

• It is not necessary to proceed to the study of the next team, until the dog masters the current one perfectly. He must clearly understand what is required of him, immediately perform 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 to one person who will be considered the main owner of the animal. No matter how much all family members would like to take part 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 can not scold the animal. It is necessary to show perseverance and maintain restraint in emotions, otherwise the dog may be offended.
• If the husky does not understand what they want from him, do not get angry. It is better to give the dog a rest, switch its attention to a fun game. After some time, you can continue learning.
• Even if the dog perfectly performs all the commands, do not delay the training. Alternate the educational process with the game lessons, otherwise the animal will be bored from performing monotonous tasks.
• Must be fair. Of course, it is impossible to beat a pet and deprive him of food for a fault. However, a strict look and appropriate intonation of the voice should be made to understand 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 strengthen the respect of the animal to the owner.

On the features of Alaskan Husk, see the following video.