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United States•working
Alaskan Husky
moderateGood with KidsGood with Pets
Athletic, dedicated, and affectionate. Alaskan Huskies are the premier sled dogs, bred for speed and endurance rather than appearance, excelling in competitive racing.
Weight16-34 kg35.5-75 lbs
Height51-66 cm20-26"
Lifespan10-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
AthleticAffectionateSociableHardworkingGentle
Height
51-66 cm20-26"
Weight
16-34 kg35.5-75 lbs
Lifespan
10-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Athlete - requires intense daily exercise and jobs to do
Trainability
Moderately trainable - learns with consistent effort
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Alaskan51-66 cm20-26"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Alaskan Husky
extreme energy90-180 min/day
The Alaskan Husky was bred for work and needs intensive daily exercise. They thrive with a job to do and can become destructive without adequate physical and mental outlets.
2+ hours daily of vigorous exercise, ideal for sledding and running
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Advanced Training
Complex training routines for mental and physical challenge.
30-45 min
High intensity
Extended Exercise Sessions
Long runs, hikes, or bike rides for serious endurance work.
60-90 min
High intensity
Working Tasks
Herding, tracking, or other breed-specific work they were designed for.
Varies
High intensity
Competitive dog Sports
Agility, trials, or other competitive activities.
45-60 min
High intensity
Multiple Daily Sessions
Split exercise into 2-3 sessions throughout the day.
30-45 min each
Keep in Mind
- Inadequate exercise can lead to destructive behavior
- Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise
- This breed is not suited for sedentary lifestyles
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Alaskan Husky
Moderate Carefur coat
Alaskan Huskys need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Alaskan Husky
Moderately Trainable
The Alaskan Husky is reasonably trainable with consistent effort. They learn well but may need more repetition than eager learners.
Best Approach
Be patient and consistent. Use high-value rewards and keep training sessions short but frequent. Consistency in commands and expectations is key.
Training Tips
Essential
Stay Consistent
Use the same commands and expectations every time. Consistency helps them understand what you want.
Essential
Short Training Sessions
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus and prevent frustration for both of you.
Recommended
High-Value Rewards
Use especially enticing treats for training to maintain motivation and attention.
Recommended
Practice Patience
Some commands may take longer to learn. Stay patient and celebrate small victories.
Common Challenges
- May lose focus during longer sessions
- Can be distracted by environment
- May test boundaries occasionally
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Alaskan Husky
Medium Breed2 meals$40-100/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Alaskan Husky
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Alaskan Husky
Monthly costs
Food
$40-100
Insurance
$33-77
Supplies
$15-30
Monthly total
$88-207
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$432-720/yr
Parasite prevention
$360/yr
Annual total
$792-1,080/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Alaskan Husky's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Alaskan Husky
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research