There are 5 Types of husky , Considering as such those dogs that adapt to arctic temperatures, and that are strong enough to work pulling a sled.
Husky is the name for various types of dogs that are used to carry a sled in the northern arctic and subarctic areas such as Canada, Alaska and the Siberian region in Russia. In fact, of the latter two areas is that the two most known varieties of huskies come.
If you speak exclusively of husky dogs as a breed, the International Cynological Federation (FCI), which is the organization responsible for stipulating the standards of each canine breed, only recognizes one: the Siberian husky.
The different types of husky
1- Siberian Husky
This is considered as the original husky breed. The Siberian husky comes from northeastern Siberia, specifically from Chikotka, Russia. It is a completely Nordic breed that bears a resemblance to wolves. They were originally bred by the Chukchi tribe, who used them for grazing, to pull the sleds and even as companion dogs.
These dogs are characterized by being always alert. They are robust, but not heavy. On the contrary, they are very light, which makes them very fast. They have a compact and muscular body well covered with hair.
In fact, its coat is usually abundant and dense, but of a medium length. Siberian huskies change their hair twice a year. For this reason they need to be brushed vigorously three times a week at a minimum.
This type of dog needs to exercise a lot, so they prefer to be outdoors. They love to walk and run. As for their personality, they are friendly with people as well as with other dogs. They are usually independent, but not solitary. In fact, because they are accustomed to live in herds, they can not stand solitude.
2- Alaska Husky
The Alaskan husky is not a breed in itself, but a type of dog named so because it is dedicated to the work of pulling a sled. These dogs descend from the Siberian wolves. In fact, many of them carry Siberian husky DNA in their veins. They were brought to this region between 1908 and 1909 by fur trader William Goosak for a sled race.
This type of husky is basically a mixed breed sled dog that is characterized by its ability to work and not by its appearance. Compared to the Siberian huskies, the Alaskans have a thinner texture and have less fur. Its head is also thinner and longer than the variety of Siberia and in addition, have the eyes more separated in the sides.
Like the Siberians, Alaska huskies may have blue or brown eyes. It is worth noting that although huskies are often known to have blue eyes, only 20% of them have this color.
Another 20% have them of mixed color, that is to say, one brown and one blue for example. And the rest is brown. There are also crosses between the Alaskan husky and the Siberian husky. These are called American Eskimo dogs from Alaska.
3-Husky of Sakhalin
This type of husky is also known as Karafuto's dog. It is a breed of Japanese sled quite rare even in his native country. This variety corresponds to a race of type Spitz that was developed at the beginning of century XX.
The origin of Sakhalin's husky is not known with accuracy, but it is believed that it descends of two races of the region: the Japanese Spitz and the Akita.
Like the other varieties of husky, the Sakhalin have been used to pull sleds, for hunting games and as a watchdog. The ears of this type of dog are small, pointed and slightly inclined forward.
As with other Spitz-type breeds, their tail curls upward and places it on the back. This Japanese variety has an average height of 55 to 65 cm and a weight of between 30 and 40 kilos.
With regard to personality, this type of dog is dedicated, obedient, affectionate and very loyal. Therefore, it is usually one of the best breeds to have as a family pet.
Like other types of husky, this variety is very energetic, so keep them busy either working or playing. In case you do not get enough exercise, you can become a dog destroyer.
4- Mackenzie River Husky
This is the name that describes a great variety of dogs from the arctic and subarctic regions of Alaska and Canada.
The huskies of the Mackenzie River were named for a river in Alaska and date back to the 1800s. These dogs are not a breed per se but rather a type of sled dog. They were the result of the crossing of huskies with dogs originating in Europe like the Newfoundland and the San Bernardo.
As for its appearance, it is a large dog with a long tail and a long coat, thick and thick. They can be any color and weigh between 28 and 47 kilos. Its height is between 66 and 73 centimeters.
Regarding their temperament, the huskies of the river Mackenzie usually get along with other dogs and are also easy to train. Of course, they adapt very well to cold climates and require regular brushing. On the other hand, they need to have a moderate level of activity.
5- Husky Labrador
Although by its name it would seem that the husky labrador is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a Siberian husky, is not it. This type of dog is a completely separate breed that has many similarities with very little known wolves.
The exact origin of the husky labrador is unknown. But it is well known that this breed was developed in a region of northern Canada known as Labrador. Hence the name of the race.
They are very intelligent dogs and because they learn fast, they can be easily trained. Regarding their weight can weigh between 27 and 45 kilos. And they can measure between 50 and 70 centimeters. Females of this breed are usually a little smaller than males.
As for their temperament, they are usually friendly and affectionate by nature. They get along very well with children when they are raised together. And although they are quiet, they also need exercise. It is best not to leave them alone for a long time because it could lead to behavior problems.
References
- Kanzler, K. (2010). Siberian Husky. A complete introduction for the owner. Barcelona, Spain. Editorial Hispanic European. S.A.
- Canine Encyclopedia (2011). Mexico. Recovered from animalespfi.com.
- Hetta Huskies (undated). Different Types Of Husky. Finland. Retrieved from hettahuskies.com.
- The Dog Club Online (no date). Sakhalin Husky. U.S. Retrieved from dogspuppiesforsale.com.
- Labrador Husky (undated). Canada. Retrieved from petguide.com.
- Dowling, D. (undated). Mackenzie River Huskies Historical Info. Alaska. Retrieved from sleddogcentral.com.