Alaskan husky

Alaskan Husky
Two Alaskan Husky lead dogs
Country of origin
United States (Alaska)
Classification and breed standards
Not recognized by any major kennel club

The Alaskan Husky is not so much a breed of dog as it is a type or a category. It falls short of being a breed in that there is no preferred type and no restriction as to ancestry; it is defined only by its purpose, which is that of a highly efficient sled dog. That said, dog drivers usually distinguish between the Alaskan Husky and “hound crosses”, so perhaps there is informal recognition that the Alaskan Husky is expected to display a degree of northern dog type. Specializations in type exist within the breed, such as freighting dogs (Mackenzie River Husky), sprint Alaskans, and distance Alaskans.

The Alaskan is the sled dog of choice for world-class dogsled racing sprint competition. None of the purebred northern breeds can match it for sheer racing speed. Demanding speed-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 of Alaskans crossed with hounds or gun dogs. Hounds are valued for their toughness and endurance. Winning 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.

Alaskan huskies that fulfill the demanding performance standards of world-class dogsled racing can be extremely valuable. A top-level racing lead dog can bring $10,000-15,000. Alaskans that fail to meet high performance standards, however, are worth little or nothing. Since many more are bred than are ultimately needed for racing (in an effort to obtain significant numbers of the fastest individuals), there is a high level of culling which attracts attention from animal rights activists.

History

The Alaskan Husky is derived from a mix of northern types, most notably the Siberian husky. It is not considered to be a wolfdog, although distant wolf ancestry is quite visible in several features of many Alaskan Huskies. The history of the Alaskan husky really began with the Gold Rushes of the late nineteenth century; Alaskans of that era were typically heavy draft dogs with obvious Saint Bernard ancestry. The importation into Alaska of dogs from across the Bering Strait in Siberia in 1908 and subsequent years changed Alaskan sleddogs radically and permanently towards a smaller dog with lighter weight and much greater speed. With the increasing prevalence of motorized winter transport in the mid twentieth century, working sled dogs became less common in the northern villages. The Alaskan sled dog experienced a revival in the 1970s. George Attla, a Native Alaskan from the village of Huslia, was largely responsible for this. Many successful racing dogs today trace their lineage back to Attla dogs.

Physical description

The Alaskan Husky is a mixed-breed dog in which northern or husky-type ancestry, such as the Siberian Husky or the traditional Alaskan village dog, predominates. Many other breeds have contributed to its genetic makeup, including the Wolf, staghound, foxhound, greyhound, Dobermann etc.; these diverse breed contributions account for the Alaskan's great variability of appearance.

Alaskan huskies (at least those used for speed racing) are moderate in size, averaging perhaps 46 to 60 pounds (21 to 25 kg) for males and 38 to 42 pounds (17 to 19 kg) for females. Some of them superficially resemble racing strains of the Siberian Husky breed (which is undeniably part of the Alaskan husky genetic mix), but are usually taller and larger with more pronounced tuck-up.

Six-year-old male Alaskan Husky

Color and markings are a matter of total indifference to racing drivers; Alaskans may be of any possible canine color and any pattern of markings. Eyes may be of any color and are often light blue. Coats are almost always short to medium in length, never long, and usually less dense than those of northern purebreds; 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” or belly protectors. Particularly in long distance races, these dogs often require “dog booties” to protect their feet from abrasion and cracking. Thus the considerations of hardiness and climate resistance 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.

Temperament

Racing sled dogs are bred for stamina, strength, speed, and endurance. A positive working attitude is essential. Sled dogs that come in contact with the public at races or in excursion businesses must not be aggressive toward humans. Nevertheless, shyness is a frequent trait in the Alaskan husky.

Alaskan huskies are popular as pets in Alaska, where they are relatively easy to obtain from professional dogsled racers. Puppies judged to be unfit for racing are regularly culled, and as a result they are often available free to any good home, if one can be found. Older dogs that have outlived their usefulness as racing dogs make excellent pets for people willing to exercise them regularly. Older ex-racers tend to be very alert and well behaved, as well as somewhat less energetic than their younger counterparts.

Young huskies make good pets if given plenty of space to run and play, but their high demand for exercise and activity makes them a poor choice for urban residents.

Huskies are often healthier in drier climates such as that of interior Alaska. In the more humid regions, they are prone to develop ear and related infections.

If multiple huskies are kept in the same lot they tend to be vocal, howling and barking at each other and any other dogs in the vicinity unless they are trained to be quiet. In crowded neighborhoods this can be a very irritating nuisance to neighbors. They can be trained for silence, albeit with some effort. They are accomplished diggers and will tunnel underneath fences and houses to hunt burrowing animals or to escape their enclosures.

Huskies make relatively poor household dogs. They shed heavily during the spring and may be hyperactive, running in circles inside a house when bored or cramped. If left alone in a dwelling for long periods they may engage in destructive behavior out of boredom. They enjoy hunting small animals. When they are hooked up to a sled, and will have to stay there for a while they may get bored and start to chew the gang line.

In Alaska and other extreme northern regions they are occasionally killed by moose in the winter, since moose will enter human areas in search of winter browse of willows and mountain ash. True to their wolf ancestors, huskies tend not to back down from such encounters and an angry moose can easily stomp and kick several dogs causing severe injuries. Sled dogs tethered in or near to northern forests may be attacked and killed on their stakeouts by wolves. Professional dogsled racers always surround their lots with high fences to prevent wildlife attacks.

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 an esophagus disorder, termed "wheezers" sometimes occur. This disorder makes the dog unable to bark, but have the ability to produce a low-pitched howling noise. The defect is genetically linked, appearing rarely, and only in white coated blue-eyed dogs. The life span of the Alaskan Husky is usually between 10 to 15 years and many Alaskans, bred for early maturity and high performance as young dogs, tend to deteriorate rapidly after six years of age.

Future of the Alaskan Husky

Various attempts have been made in the past to organize breeders of Alaskan huskies and to establish a registry for these dogs; such attempts have never received widespread support. Although racing sled dog kennels tend to be large, often harboring well over a hundred dogs, and the breed population arguably in excess of one hundred thousand, this canine variety remains an informal and unregistered category of dog.

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