Alaskan Husky
Narrated from: Dog BreedsThe Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky have much in common, but they are completely different breeds. Both are strikingly beautiful dogs. Much like the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Husky usually has a lean build. Siberian Huskies are well known for one or both eyes being colored blue, whereas the Alaskan Husky usually has deep brown eyes. Though they were primarily bred to work, the Alaskan Husky has greater endurance than its cousin the Siberian but they make fantastic family pets as long as they get plenty of exercise. They are very gentle and playful and they naturally love everyone if they are moderately socialized as pups. As puppies they have boundless energy and will they have lots of energy. They bark very little and they are very intelligent animals. They are trainable but they are strong willed, and his trainer must be firm but loving. Training will take patience and consistency, just as with any dog. They need a strong pack leader and a knowledgeable trainer. They tend to have some difficulty with house training.
Because of their endurance they make terrific running companions. The gentle, loving nature of the breed can cause him to suffer from separation anxiety. If you simply adore this breed and really want to own one, you may want to consider getting two so they will have a constant companion to occupy them when you need to be away. Bored, lonely Alaskan Huskies can be extremely destructive. Not normally recommended for apartment life they can do well in an apartment for someone who is very dedicated to making sure they get as much outside exercise as possible. A high and secure outside fence is also recommended.
Cooler climates are recommended for all of the arctic breeds because they can get over-heated easily. The Alaskan Husky will shed profusely twice a year and will need to be brushed at least daily during their shedding season. Use a special brush for pulling undercoat or brush them from the base of their tail towards their head to make sure you remove as much of the undercoat as possible every time you brush. Make sure you get them accustomed to being brushed as a youngster or you will have a fight on your hands twice a year when they shed. They also like to dig, so prepare before bringing him home by placing a sand box or two around the yard to provide him with an appropriate place for digging. You can attract him to the sand box by burying toys or bones under the sand. If this is not done beforehand you will have a yard full of holes.
You can expect your Alaskan Husky to provide you with twelve to fifteen years of love and loyalty. They are a generally healthy breed with very few health problems. Be sure to provide many toys and playthings, especially in the first year. Spending a little extra and buying tough toys are best. The hardest rubber toys are a little pricey but they are well worth the investment.
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