Types of Huskies: 16 Types You Probably Weren’t Aware Of
Many people love huskies, but the husky dog is not a breed. It’s just a type of dog. Also called sled dogs, huskies are bred to pull sleighs and transport both humans and goods from one location to another. They are domestic dogs that are very loving, which means they make excellent pets regardless of where you live.
In fact, there are dozens of types of huskies – made up of purebred and mixed breeds – and below you’ll find information on a handful of them.
Types of Huskies
1. Siberian Husky
This is the type of husky that most people think of when they hear the word “husky.” The males grow to around 20-24 inches high and can weigh up to 60 pounds. These are beautiful, sturdy dogs that live for 12-14 years and are very intelligent as well. They also have a very thick coat and therefore, they really aren’t suited for areas that get very warm. It’s always best to have one of these dogs if you live in a cold area.
2. Miniature Husky
The miniature husky is genetically similar to the Siberian husky but is much smaller in size, only growing to around 16 inches in height. They are often a challenge to control just like Siberian huskies are, in part because they have a lot of energy. If you’re interested in this type of dog, you should only purchase one from a reputable breeder because some breeders will breed two runts, which results in a dog that is sickly.
3. Alaskan Malamute
If you’re curious about the largest type of husky, the Alaskan malamute is it. They can grow up to a full 26 inches in height and are very affectionate and smart animals. Unlike Siberian huskies that have blue eyes, the malamutes have brown eyes. They are also not good for warm weather because their coats are extra thick and heavy, which can cause them to overheat. They are miserable in hot weather.
4. American Eskimo Dog
Eskies come in three main sizes, with the smallest ones weighing a mere 8 pounds! These are perfect pets for small children, but keep in mind that they need a lot of exercise because of their high energy level.
Eskies are extremely friendly animals and easy to take care of, so if you’re a first-time husky owner, this is a great type to choose. In addition, the AKC claims that eskies can learn new tricks simply by watching other dogs.
5. Agouti Husky
The term “agouti” actually refers to the color of this husky, not the actual type. Their size is similar to that of the Siberian husky, especially if you feed them right, and their fur is a deep blackish-blue color. These are truly stunning dogs that are actually very rare because you don’t often find a husky that is this unique color. Nevertheless, they are good dogs to look at and to own if you can find one.
6. Samoyed
This dog is small but can actually haul roughly 20 times their body weight. They can grow up to 24 inches in size and usually weigh 45-65 pounds. They are also great for very cold weather because the Samoyed can easily handle temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They are very agile and have a permanent smile on their faces, but if you keep one as a pet, remember that they need lots of exercise because of their energy level.
7. Labrador Husky
Weighing up to 100 pounds in some cases, this dog is thought to be a cross between a Siberian husky and a Labrador retriever. They live for 10-13 years and are very active, needing lots of exercise just like most other huskies.
If you have small animals or cats in your home, these are not the dogs you want because their prey instinct is very strong and they can hurt those types of animals. If you train them and keep them in your yard, remember that they need a lot of exercise and room to run.
8. American Klee Kai
When it comes to the cutest huskies, the American klee kai is at the top of the list. They come in three different sizes: toy size, which grows to around 13 inches; miniature size, which grows to 14-15 inches; and standard size, which grows to 16-17 inches. They usually only weigh up to 20 pounds max, and they can live for 15-20 years. They can also have fur coats in colors such as black, white, red, or gray, and they are playful, easy to train, and great with families.
9. Alaskan Husky
These dogs are bred specifically for sled racing, so they are fast and can accommodate the cold weather very well. That being said, keep in mind that these dogs’ coats are thinner than those of many other types of huskies, so when they’re racing, they often need to be outfitted with a coat of some type. They are fast, tall, and lean, and with their pointed ears, they look very similar to a wolf breed.
10. Chinook
This attractive dog has an athletic build and amber-colored eyes, and their rectangular head is worth looking at as well. They are sled pups that were only developed in the 20th century, and they can grow up to 27 inches and up to 90 pounds.
The chinook is easily trained and cheerful and loves being around both adults and kids, but they are prone to ailments such as epilepsy, dysplasia, and allergies, among others. They are slightly similar to a German shepherd in looks, although there are some differences.
11. Sakhalin Husky
This dog is so rare that as of 2015, only seven of them have been recorded. It is thought that the Sakhalin husky is related to the long-haired Akita, and they are now almost totally extinct. In fact, the original breeder of this type of dog died in 2012 and declared that it would be nearly impossible to breed any more Sakhalin huskies because there were so few samples left.
Still, even though they are nearly impossible to find, they are a very attractive husky with black-and-white fur.
12. Akita (Japanese and American)
Growing up to 28 inches in size and up to 75 pounds in weight, the Akita dog is a large sledding dog that originated in not one, but two different countries. Their cute fluffy fur is usually brownish-orange in color and they do very little shedding, which a lot of families love.
If you adopt one, keep in mind that they have lots of energy and therefore need a big yard and plenty of exercise and nutritious food. They live for 10-12 years.
13. White Husky
Huskies come in numerous colors, but white is one of the rarest colors in this husky type, especially when paired with their stunning blue eyes. Also known as the Isabella white husky, this type of husky originated in Northern Asia and Siberia.
White huskies are rare and therefore it’s difficult to adopt one. Nevertheless, if you do find one and decide to adopt it, you need to be ready with a vacuum cleaner because they do a lot of shedding!
14. Utonagan Dog
To end up with the Utonagan dog, three different breeds are crossed; usually, they are a German shepherd, Alaskan malamute, and the Siberian husky. This dog is a wolf-like dog but has been bred to have a domestic temperament.
While it is a very active dog with a lot of energy, it is also friendly and loving, despite its extra-heavy appearance. Their black, brown, and white coat is also a definite eye-catcher.
15. Greenland Dog
With a coat that is usually light-colored but can also be black or gray, the Greenland dog is rare and has a pleasant temperament. They also have very strong hunting instincts and are very territorial.
If you’re interested in adopting a Greenland dog, you should know that they are extremely independent and have to be socialized at an early age. If they aren’t, you might have a dog on your hands that loves to bark constantly. Keep in mind that they also have innate alpha tendencies.
16. Norwegian Elkhound
This dog originated in Norway and grows up to 20 inches in size and 55 pounds in weight. They have been recorded since the 1800s and therefore have been around for a while, and while they are very vigilant, they need early socialization and constant training if you want to keep one as a pet.
And since they are northern dogs, the Norwegian Elkhound does not tolerate hot weather and in fact should be in air conditioning during the summer months.
Conclusion
Huskies are very attractive dogs and for the most part, they have pleasant dispositions as well. Since they are bred to pull sleighs and live in cold-weather climates, it is not good to own one if you live in an area that gets too warm. The Siberian husky is a well-known type of husky, but there are in fact dozens of types of huskies that you’ll love.
