17 BREEDS HUSKIES FOR ADORABLE AND ACTIVE
Huskies are attractive, lively, and affectionate pets. They are popular among families for their fluffy fur, unique eye shades, sociable demeanor, and amusing personality.
When we mention Huskies, we usually mean the Siberian Husky. Nonetheless, there exist various breeds of Huskies. Today, Petlandloves aim to delve into all the different types of Huskies.
How many type of Huskies are there?
The Siberian Husky is the only breed officially recognized as “Husky” by the American Kennel Club. However, there are several other Northern breeds that are commonly known as Huskies. In total, there are 22 different breeds of dogs that resemble Huskies. Let’s explore each of them in depth!
Siberian Husky
The original Husky is the Siberian Husky, which was originally bred to work as sled dogs. They are known for their incredible endurance and athleticism. While they are commonly associated with sled races, during World War II, they also served in the US Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit.
Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 35-55 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall. They need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. Many owners are surprised by the amount of shedding Huskies do. If you plan to get a Husky, be prepared for daily brushing and providing them with physical activities.
Huskies are known for being friendly, outgoing, and vocal. When treated well, they are gentle and not prone to biting. However, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their high need for stimulation and activity.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is the larger relative of the Siberian Husky, although they look very similar. Males can grow up to 95 pounds and stand as tall as 26 inches.
Alaskan Malamutes are among the oldest sled dog breeds, originating from wolves around 2000-3000 years ago. They were named after the Mahlemut tribe who first bred them.
These dogs were versatile, used for hunting, hauling, guarding, and providing warmth. They have a strong resemblance to wolves, with some tribes even allowing wild wolves to mate with female Malamutes to increase their wolf-like traits.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935, Malamutes are no longer commonly used for their original purposes. They maintain their independent nature inherited from wolves, which is evident when crossed with other breeds like the King Shepherd.
Due to their strong-willed nature, Alaskan Malamutes are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. Proper care and ample space are essential for raising this breed effectively.
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Malamute is a large type of Husky, while the Klee Klai is a small version of the Husky breed!
Like many other Husky breeds, the Alaskan Klee Kai originated in Alaska. In the past, Klee Kais were bigger and helped their owners with various tasks such as pulling sleds, guarding property, and tracking game.
During the 1970s, a breeding program was initiated in the United States to selectively breed smaller and lighter Husky-type dogs. The aim was to develop a companion dog that resembles a Husky but is smaller in size and requires less exercise.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is indeed a petite dog, weighing between 15-22 pounds and standing at 15-17 inches tall. These dogs are ideal for owners who desire a Husky-like pet but may be concerned about meeting the exercise demands of a Siberian Husky.
Despite their small size, these dogs are agile and intelligent. They excel in activities like agility and nosework.
Chinook
The Chinook may not have the typical appearance of other Huskies, but it is still a sled dog breed. Most dogs on our list have erect ears, curled tails, thick coats, and facial markings. However, the Chinook resembles a Labrador more than a Husky.
These dogs are large, measuring 22-26 inches in height and weighing between 55-90 pounds. Despite being recognized by the AKC in 2013, the Chinook breed is very rare, ranking 190 out of 197 breeds registered with the American Kennel Club.
Chinooks were developed in the late 1900s through a mix of Mastiff-type dogs and Huskies. Their place of origin is New Hampshire, where they are also the official state dog.
Known for their friendly nature, Chinooks typically get along well with both dogs and humans. They are independent thinkers and need a skilled and experienced trainer.
Similar to other Husky breeds, Chinooks require plenty of exercise to prevent destructive behavior or behavioral issues.
American Eskimo Dog (Standard)
Another small dog breed on our list is the American Eskimo, which is a popular choice as a companion dog for Husky enthusiasts. Unlike the Klee Klai, American Eskimos are always pure white with no black markings and are slightly larger in size. The Standard American Eskimos weigh between 18-35 pounds and stand at 15-20 inches tall.
Originally from Germany, American Eskimos have gained popularity worldwide for their intelligence and friendly nature as companion animals. They are known to be highly intelligent and form strong bonds with their owners.
For those interested in a smaller version of a Husky-type dog, there are also Miniature and Toy versions of the American Eskimo available.
American Eskimo Dog (Mini & Toy)
Like many other dog breeds (such as Poodles, Goldendoodles, or Schnauzers), the American Eskimo also comes in various size categories.
After the original American Eskimo breed was established, some breeders continued to breed smaller dogs. This led to the creation of the Miniature and Toy American Eskimo Dogs. These tiny Huskies can be as small as 12-15 inches (Mini) or 9-12 inches (Toy).
They are known for being friendly dogs with lower exercise requirements compared to other types of Huskies. This makes them popular choices for people living in apartments or big cities.
Mini and Toy American Eskimos are highly intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks. They are eager to train with their owners daily. Due to their small size, they shed much less than full-size Huskies.
White Husky
The white Siberian Husky is the most uncommon color variation of the breed. While many light-colored Huskies may have brown or black markings, a true white Husky has no other colors besides white.
Typically, white Huskies have blue eyes and are not albinos. Apart from their unique coloring, they share the same characteristics as other Huskies.
Some people choose to own white Huskies because of their rarity, but it is important to remember that these dogs are not just for show – they are working dogs that require daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation.
Due to their light color, white Huskies tend to shed more than darker ones, so be prepared for regular grooming and cleaning.
Finding a white Husky can be challenging and they may come with a higher price tag compared to standardly marked Huskies.
Samoyed
The Samoyed may resemble a white Husky, but they are a distinct breed. These dogs are medium-sized, standing around 21 inches tall and weighing between 34-55 pounds.
Originally from Asia and Siberia, the ancestors of today’s Samoyed were used for reindeer hunting. They later became herding dogs for domesticated reindeer herds and sled dogs.
Similar to Huskies, Samoyeds are known for their friendly and cheerful nature. Their thick coat makes them unsuitable for hot weather and they should not be left outside during the summer.
Samoyeds typically have black noses and brown eyes, which sets them apart from white Siberian Huskies. While blue eyes can occasionally be seen, they are not accepted in show competitions.
Agouti Husky
The Agouti Husky is basically the complete opposite of the White Husky, as it has a very dark coloration. These dogs resemble wolves in their appearance. This coloring is uncommon in show dog breeds and is more commonly seen in sled dog racing lines.
Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan Husky is closely related to the Siberian Husky, but it is not officially recognized by the AKC. This breed is a mix of various working dogs, resulting in a unique and versatile sled dog.
To create Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies are bred with breeds known for their endurance and speed, such as Greyhounds, German Shorthair Pointers, and Alaskan Malamutes. The appearance of Alaskan Huskies can vary widely depending on the specific mix of breeds, with different coat lengths and colors. Unlike purebred Huskies, there is no set standard for this unofficial breed.
Alaskan Huskies are not recommended as pets for families who are not active or do not engage in outdoor activities. They thrive as companions for running or backpacking adventures, but without enough exercise, they can exhibit destructive behavior. These dogs are athletic and require a rigorous exercise routine to stay healthy and happy.
Sakhalin Husky
The Sakhalin Husky, also known as Karafuto Ken, is a rare sled dog breed from Japan that is on the brink of extinction. Originally bred for sledding purposes, they are not officially recognized by any major kennel clubs.
The Sakhalin Husky gained fame during a 1958 Antarctic expedition when Japanese researchers had to evacuate and left behind their team of 15 sled dogs, including the Sakhalin Huskies, hoping they would be rescued soon. Unfortunately, no one came to their aid after a severe storm hit, leading many to believe the dogs had perished. Surprisingly, a year later, two Sakhalin Huskies were found alive.
There are only a few remaining breeders of this unique Husky breed in Japan, and the exact population of these dogs is uncertain.
Encountering a Sakhalin Husky is highly unlikely!
Labrador Husky
The name “Labrador Husky” can be misleading as many people think it is a mix between a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever. However, the Labrador Husky is actually a type of Husky that originated in Labrador, Canada.
The breed began to develop in the 1300s and has had various other breeds added to its gene pool over time, such as the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd. Labrador Huskies are large dogs that can weigh up to 100 pounds.
They are generally friendly but require a lot of exercise. Labrador Huskies have a strong prey drive, so they may not be suitable for households with cats or very small dogs.
Japanese Akita Inu
The Japanese Akita Inu is a breed that has evolved from dogs with various roles dating back to the 1600s. Originally used for tasks such as hunting bears, guarding homes, and even participating in dog fights, this type of Husky was highly popular over the centuries.
In present times, the Japanese Akita Inu is not as prevalent. They are known for their large size, typically standing between 24-28 inches tall and weighing 75-120 pounds. If you do not have ample space and experience dealing with independent Northern breeds, this may not be the right choice of dog for you.
American Akita
The American Akita is more common in North America nowadays. These dogs are slightly smaller than their Japanese counterparts, standing at 23-27 inches tall and weighing between 50-90 pounds.
The American Kennel Club currently acknowledges the American and Japanese Akita as two variations of the same breed. However, many breeders are advocating for them to be classified as separate breeds.
American Akitas can exhibit dominant behavior and may engage in conflicts with other dogs.
They can be challenging to train, especially for individuals who are new to owning a dog. American Akitas are popular as guard dogs and will effectively protect your property.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is closely related to the Samoyed, both belonging to the Spitz-type group. This breed is particularly popular in its country of origin, Holland.
Unlike many other original Northern breeds, the Keeshond is known for being easily trainable. These dogs enjoy pleasing their owners and are skilled in various sports like competitive obedience and agility.
Keeshonden, the correct plural term in Dutch, are medium-sized dogs: standing at 17-18 inches tall and weighing around 35 pounds, they are considered smaller compared to other Husky breeds.
A Keeshond forms a strong bond with its owner and doesn’t cope well with being left alone for extended periods. If you have a busy schedule that keeps you away from home frequently, this may not be the ideal dog for you.
Norwegian Elkhound
This breed originally comes from Norway, where it was bred for hunting moose and also served as a protector of properties, defenders of their owners, and herders of livestock.
Today, Norwegian Elkhounds are popular as family pets and companions. Despite their hunting abilities, they are friendly dogs that get along well with other dogs and their owners. They require less exercise compared to other Northern breeds like the Husky, but still need daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
Elkhounds are known for their independent nature and may challenge inexperienced owners. They are excellent watch dogs due to their loud bark.
Utonagan
Similar to Huskies, the Utonagan resembles a wolf with its thick coat, as it was specifically bred to achieve that look. Its name comes from the Chinook Indian term for the spirit of the wolf.
A combination of Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky, the Utonagan is a relatively new breed that originated in the 1980s. The founder, Edwina Harrison, aimed to create a dog that resembled a wolf but was also trainable and good with families.
Unlike typical Huskies, the Utonagan has a gentle nature that makes it well-suited for family life. Despite this, they are active dogs that require regular exercise and exhibit the independent behavior commonly seen in Huskies.
While not originally bred for sledding or hunting, the Utonagan excels in physically and mentally challenging activities and possesses the same high energy levels as its ancestors. Standing up to 30 inches tall and weighing up to 110 lbs, the Utonagan is larger than the Alaskan Malamute but remains affectionate and relaxed around its owners.
What is the rarest breed of Husky?
The Sakhalin Husky is the most uncommon type of Husky. There are only a few remaining dogs of this breed. Although the exact number is unknown, it is believed that there are fewer than 50 Sakhalin Huskies in existence today.
Because of their small population and the fact that they are not widely used as sled dogs anymore, it is unlikely that the breed will significantly increase in numbers over the next ten years.
What is the best Husky breed?
The best breed of Husky for you will be determined by your lifestyle, experience with training, and ability to provide exercise for your Husky.
Before choosing a specific Husky breed, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you previously owned or worked with a Northern breed?
- Are you prepared to handle significant shedding, especially during seasonal changes?
- What activities do you plan to engage your dog in (sled dog racing, agility, obedience, running, or simply as a companion)?
- Do you have a spacious, fenced-in area for your dog?
- Is it important for your dog to be sociable with people and other animals?
- Do you have cats or small dogs at home?
If you are seeking a strong guard dog, an Akita would be a suitable option.
For first-time dog owners, selecting an easy-to-train Husky type like an American Eskimo or Keeshond is recommended.
If you intend to participate in sled dog races or take your dog on long runs, an Alaskan Husky or Siberian Husky would be the ideal choice.
Just like with any dog breed selection, consider if you can commit to meeting your dog’s needs and caring for them throughout their life.
