What is the Difference Between Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky?

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The Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky are both popular dog breeds, but they have some key differences:

  1. Purebred status: Siberian Huskies are purebred dogs registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), while Alaskan Huskies are not considered purebred and are not registered by the AKC or CKC.
  2. Size: Siberian Huskies are usually larger than Alaskan Huskies, with a height of 24 inches, while Alaskan Huskies can grow up to 25.5-26 inches in height.
  3. Coat and coloring: Siberian Huskies have a wider variety of coat and eye colors, including tan, black, white, red, and bi-colored. In contrast, Alaskan Huskies typically come in solid black or solid white colors. Siberian Huskies also have longer coats than Alaskan Huskies.
  4. Weight: Siberian Huskies generally carry more weight (40 to 65 pounds) than Alaskan Huskies, which typically weigh between 40 and 60 pounds for males and 35 and 48 pounds for females.
  5. Lifestyle and purpose: Alaskan Huskies are primarily used for working purposes, such as sled pulling and dog racing, while Siberian Huskies are used for both show and working purposes.

Despite these differences, both breeds share a thick double-coat to protect them from cold weather and have a similar lifespan of 12 to 15 years for a healthy dog.

Comparative Table: Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Husky

Here is a table comparing the differences between Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Huskies:

Feature Siberian Husky Alaskan Husky
Weight 40 to 65 pounds (on average) Typically lighter than Siberian Huskies
Height & Length Similar to Alaskan Huskies Similar to Siberian Huskies
Color Various colors, including solid black or white Solid black or solid white
Coat Length Slightly longer than Alaskan Huskies (subtle) Shorter than Siberian Huskies (subtle)
Temperament Friendly, thrives on human interaction More independent, considered an adventurer
Intelligence Expected to exhibit greater intelligence Can be trained with some effort
Trainability Known for intelligence and trainability Known for intelligence and trainability using positive reinforcement
Exercise Requires a moderate amount of exercise Requires an athlete's exercise regime

Please note that Alaskan Huskies are not an official breed distinct from Siberian Huskies, and they share many similarities. However, the differences listed above can help distinguish between the two types of huskies.