Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky
When it comes to sled dogs and Arctic companions, two breeds often come to mind: two variants of the breed, which are the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky. However, these two breeds have unique features, which have been described below, despite the similarities that have been described above. In this article, let us briefly discuss Alaskan Husky vs. Siberian Husky in regards to history, physical characteristics, personalities, and others. At the end of the article, you can also tell which breed suits or may be more preferable with your lifestyle.
Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan Husky is not rated in the AKC; as a breed of the sled dog, this animal is raised in Alaska. For example, the Siberian husky is a breed, while the Alaskan is called husky, though it is a breed related to the Siberian husky. What is not sleek or slender is an animal created of several Nordic breeds with all purpose of intent of the breed other than looks.
Alaskan Huskies were bred primarily for drafts, that is, to drag sledge in very cold areas of the Arctic. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, along with point or CBxB hounds or your everyday working dog breed, and occasionally something extra that brings in extra juice and speed—be it a CBxB hound.
Siberian Husky
On the other hand, the Siberian husky is a defined breed of dog, which means that the history of the breed goes back for thousands of years. These dogs are traced back to northeastern Asia and were bred by Chukchi tribes from Siberia, where the founders used the dogs mainly for sled pulling, hunting, and as working companions.
Siberian huskies appeared in Alaska during the so-called Nome Gold Rush at the beginning of the 1900s and immediately became popular due to certain characteristics: on sled dog runs, their endurance appeared to be much longer. While Alaskan husky has been changed during the time in terms of look and temperament, Siberian husky has remained the same and entered into the official record of the international kennel society.
Physical Characteristics: Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky
Among them, one must distinguish between two kinds, the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky. On the side of physical appearance, there is so much that differs, for instance, on this one.
Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Huskies were not restricted by their build, size, or color; that is why different breeds of huskies were bred for Alaskan Huskies. Average body weights are 35–60 pounds, while the average body heights are 20–25 inches to the shoulder. It can be said that they have a short to a medium undercoat, and it is literally seen in almost all shades and colors with different patterns as well.
Another point that has contributed to these strange looks is that Alaskan Husky has eye color variation. They can be born blue-eyed, brown-eyed, or heterochromic, being one of those folks who has two different colored eyes. Their ears are generally brought erect while their tails are curled over the spine, but not as tightly as it is seen in Siberian husky.
Siberian Husky
Eskimo has rather vague outlines, while Siberian huskies are sharp because those are purebred. What is typical for this type of vehicle is its weight distributed between thirty-five and sixty pounds or the height between twenty and twenty-three inches. It has a double-layer coat with medium flowing hairs, and it is chiefly in white among all the standardized coat colors.
Siberian husky has blue, multi-colored, or amber-colored eyes; it is also possible to have a brown eye color. They have erect, triangular-shaped ears and a curled tail, which resembles a brush on the body of the animal.
Temperament and personality: Alaskan Husky vs. Siberian Husky
The basic differences in size, color, or length of fur between the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky are pulled to extremes in their nature and personalities.
Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Huskies are usually associated with the ability to work hard and with high energy. They are smart, do not require much to be told when to do something, and are somewhat hardheaded. These traits are inherited in their background as working dogs, and it was crucial to problem solving and determination.
That being said, Alaskan Huskies can make good family dogs, but it should only be taken by a person with lots of experience, who shall ensure that the dog gets the required amount of exercise and mental work. While they are not as vocal and demonstrative, especially when showing affection for family members, as other breeds are, they are very loyal.
Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies are friendly and outgoing, which we heard early on regarding the breed. They are friendly with kids and other dogs, and it is for this reason that many people prefer having it as a pet. However, they can sometimes be very predatory, and this will not be good news for families with other smaller pets in the house.
Siberian huskies, the natives of Siberia, are also as intelligent and sturdy as the native Alaskan Malamute. They have a playful side and can be real escape artists if you do not keep an eye on them most of the time. It is also famous for its ‘talking’—a series of sounds that most owners like but might not be that welcome to neighbors with sensitive ears.
Exercise and training needs: Alaskan Husky vs. Siberian Husky
Since one might compare Alaskan Husky with Siberian Husky, it is important to note how these breeds differ in exercise and training.
Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan Huskies are hyperactive dogs and need constant exercise every day of their lives, as they are not meant for couch potatoes. One could easily run a marathon distance, go sledding, go skijoring, and do other activities. If they do not find the suitable channel to release their energy, they will become more destructive or develop other behavioral problems.
Rendering Alaskan Husky dogs easy to train may be difficult because of their independence. This breed is best trained using the positive reinforcement approach and should be trained as early as possible. Their intelligence is understandable as they can easily be trained, but their tenacity sometimes may be tiring to the owner.
Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies, like most of the other breeds, are very active and would require considerable exercise. From physical exercises, they love to run, go for hikes, and play with other dogs. Similarly to Alaskan Huskies, they require lots of physical and mental exercises; otherwise, they start to destroy everything in their sight.
It can be as simple as training an Alaskan husky, in this case, the Siberian husky. They are smart but somewhat stubborn, and that is why perhaps it is sometimes difficult to obedience train them. One has to always encourage the dog, and the other must always ensure order so that he does not harm small animals while training him; socialization is essential to avoid territorial issues towards small animals.
Grooming and Maintenance: Alaskan Husky vs. Siberian Husky
Alaskan Husky
The groomers would note that Alaskan Huskies do not have as thick a coat as the Siberian Huskies, and therefore the grooming results could be less complicated. They still moult periodically and need to be brushed occasionally to remove the loose hair and spread the skin oils. It is equally advisable to baptize rarely to reduce stripping the coat of skin oils.
Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies have a medium-long double coat that needs to be groomed, with hair needing to be trimmed at least twice a year. They moult twice a year, blow their coat, and require daily grooming (at least). They are well brushed all year to remove dead hair and minimize shedding. As it is with Alaskan Huskies, they should rarely be bathed.
Conclusion
It can therefore be clearly seen that when it comes to Alaskan and Siberian husky, it cannot be spiritually said that one is better than the other; they are built that way. Alaskan Huskies look different from Siberian Huskies; despite this, they are prized as working dogs, and people do not care about how they look. On the other hand, Siberian huskies look quite similar to sled huskies, and people like them because they are beautiful and because the dogs are friendly.
Both breeds require much time and tenderness, professional assistance, and regular training; what is more, they need an appropriate and caring owner. For the literally oriented person who would love to know more of the working heritage Alaskan Husky or just fancied the beauty of the Siberian Husky, yes, both these breeds can so be of good character to be introduced to a family as a pet.
FAQs
Out of the two breeds of huskies, which one am I likely to suggest for beginners who want new pets: the Alaskan Husky or Siberian Husky?
All of the breeds are not suitable for first-time owners because of the high activity level in these dogs and because the dogs can be quite headstrong. However, to compare these two breeds, it is necessary to state that Siberian husky is better for a first-time owner because they have much more predictable temperance and do not resemble such a menacing breed as the one mentioned above. However, there should be no illusions about the guardian: any potential owner will have to face all the challenges of being a parent to the smart, active representative of the working breed.
