Alaskan Husky

Coat and looks how to spot one

usually a double coat, variable

A lean, athletic sled dog, typically leggier than a Siberian Husky and lighter than an Alaskan Malamute. Most have a double coat, though its length and density vary a lot because dogs are bred for performance rather than looks.1

Personality what they are like

Keen, bright and built for teamwork, the Alaskan Husky lives to run. Breeders select for good thinking as well as athleticism, so lead dogs in particular are known for making sensible choices on the trail.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. These dogs are bred to pull and run long distances and need a lot of daily exercise, ideally through mushing, canicross, bikejoring or similar activities.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the coat regularly; double-coated dogs need extra brushing when they shed seasonally.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits active homes, ideally with access to trails and cool-weather outdoor activity.1

Company who they like around

Bred to work in teams, so it is used to living and running alongside other dogs.1

The story where it all began

When sled dog racing became popular in Alaska, mushers took sturdy local village dogs, which had strength and stamina, and crossed them with faster breeds from elsewhere. Over the 20th century this grew into planned breeding programmes with distinct sprint and distance racing lines. Ancestry includes Arctic village dogs and Siberian imports mixed with breeds such as pointers, German Shepherds, Salukis and, in some lines, Greyhounds.1

Recognised by the official bits

Major kennel clubs

Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club and has no written standard; it is a performance-bred type, though DNA tests can identify its genetic signature.1