The Alaskan husky is not considered
a pure breed. It is defined only by its purpose, which is that of a highly
efficient sled dog. The husky is a blend of various Northern breeds, chosen
particularly for skills such as pulling. Specializations in type exist within
the category, such as freighting dogs (Mackenzie River husky, Malamute), sprint
Alaskans (Eurohound), and distance Alaskans.
The
Alaskan husky is the sled dog of choice for world-class dog sled racing. None
of the purebred northern breeds can match it for sheer racing speed.
Sprint-racing events such as the Fairbanks, Alaska Open North American
Championship and the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous are invariably won by teams of
Alaskan huskies, or Alaskans crossed with hounds or gun dogs. Hounds are valued
for their speed and endurance. Winning sprint racing speeds often average more
than 19 miles per hour (31 km/h) over three days' racing at 20 to 30 miles (32
to 48 km) each day.
Huskies
that fulfill the demanding performance standards of world-class dogsled racing
are extremely valuable. A top-level racing lead dog can be worth
$3,000–$10,000. Alaskans that fail to meet the performance standards of the
musher who bred them often go on to be sold to less competitive mushers,
allowing them to continue to run.
Lineage
The
first dogs arrived in the Americas 12, 000 years ago, however people and their
dogs did not settle in the Arctic until the Paleo-Eskimo people 4,500 years ago
and then the Thule people 1,000 years ago, both originating from Siberia. In
2015, a study using a number of genetic markers indicated that the Alaskan
husky, the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute share a close genetic
relationship between each other and were related to Chukotka sled dogs from
Siberia. They were separate to the two Inuit dogs, the Canadian Eskimo Dog and
the Greenland dog. In North America, the Siberian Husky and the Malamute both
had maintained their Siberian lineage and had contributed significantly to the
Alaskan husky, which showed evidence of crossing with European breeds that was
consistent with this breed being created in post-colonial North America. The
modern Alaskan Husky reflects a century or more of cross-breeding with
Pointers, Shepherds, and Salukis to improve their performance.
Description
Alaskan
huskies are moderate in size, averaging 40 to 60 pounds (21 to 25 kg) for
males, and 35 to 55 pounds (17 to 19 kg) for females. Some of them
superficially resemble racing strains of the Siberian husky breed (which is
part of the Alaskan husky genetic mix), but are usually smaller and leaner with
a more pronounced tuck-up.
Color
and markings can vary; Alaskans may be of any possible canine color and any
pattern of markings. Eyes may be of any color. Coats are almost always short to
medium in length, never long. The shorter coat length is governed by the need
for effective heat dissipation while racing.
In
very cold conditions, Alaskans often race in “dog coats” and/or belly
protectors. Particularly in long distance races, these dogs often require “dog
booties” to protect their feet from abrasion and cracking. The qualities of
hardiness and climate resistance which are prevalent in breeds such as the
Siberian husky and Canadian Inuit Dog are subordinated in the Alaskan husky to
the overriding consideration of speed. On long-distance races, they require
considerable care and attention on the trail at rest stops.
Health
The
Alaskan husky is generally a healthy dog. Some strains are prone to genetic
health problems similar to those found in purebred dog breeds. These may
include PRA, hypothyroidism, etc. Dogs with a congenital deformation of the
larynx, termed "wheezers", occasionally occur. This disorder
typically causes the dog to make a wheezing noise when breathing. The defect is
suspected to be genetically linked. Theories of common exterior traits among
"wheezers" abound, but are conflicting and undocumented. Because
Mushers have selectively bred Alaskan Huskies to not be picky eaters, Alaskan
Huskies are prone to be garbage eaters in urban settings. This tends to cause
frequent stomach and bowel issues in urban Alaska.
The
life span of the Alaskan husky is usually between 10 and 15 years. And if they
are extra healthy they can live for many years longer that 15 i had a Husky
that was 19 when it had to be put down.
Characteristics
Alaskan
Huskies tend to vary as greatly in personality as in color and appearance.
However, generally speaking, the Alaskan Husky is a very affectionate dog.
There are several types of Alaskan Husky, varying in disposition and appearance
due to the variety of breeds used to create them according to their intended
function. Ameri-Indian Alaskan Husky is a focused breed type that shows strong
family focus as well as being multi-functional disciplined, reflecting the dogs
once owned by Native Americans. Alaskan Huskies, like Siberian Huskies, tend to
wander.
Alaskan
Huskies are generally very good with other dogs and gentle with people. They
are ferocious eaters and can be food fixated.
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