Alaskan Husky - Facts Every Owner of this Dog Breed Should Know

The Alaskan Husky is not truly a 'breed' of dog in the traditional sense. The name is actually a classification for this working and sled dog. There is no written breed standard for Alaskan Huskies and it is not a registered breed or show dog. Alaskan Huskies are the descendants of several dogs: Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Border Collie, German Shepard and possibly a few others.

The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes - toy, miniature and standard. All sizes are relatively small, the biggest of them only about 15-19 inches high. The toy size is indeed a size like any other artificial stuffed animal, and the dogs even resemble the fluffy artificially created stuffed animals you see often in shops. Their fur is always thick and profuse, and usually looks very nice. The dog has great characteristics as well and is loving, loyal and good with children at a relatively understanding age. American Eskimo Dogs live in average between 12 and 14 years, though make it past 20 years or more. This breed is a fairly healthy breed, although close attention should be paid to its eyes and tear ducts. They are prone to hip dysplasia, Elbow and Knee degeneration, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, epilepsy, urinary stones and allergies and especially flea allergies that can lead to acute moist dermatitis. These terms may seem foreign to those who don't know what diseases they specify, but most of them are common disorders that appear as the dog grows older. One thing you might want to pay particular attention to is that this breed has a tendency to develop severe allergies to fleas. One single flea on them can result in frantic scratching and gnawing on its skin, which gives painful "hot spots" and skin lesions.

They do not need a lot of maintenance, as their coats tend to be short to mid-length, but do require extra brushing twice a year during shedding season (particularly in the spring when shedding is the heaviest). The coats are wooly and thick (a protective measure when in their native environment) so they are better suited to cooler climates. Living on average about 10 to 15 years, the Alaskan Husky is good with children, but not other household pets as they have a strong hunting instinct and may turn on them. Though playful, loving and generally docile, the Alaskan Husky is not a good indoor pet. They can be difficult to housebreak, and get bored easily, especially if left alone. Alaskan Huskies will become destructive, tearing things or running around in circles. They also need a lot of room to run as they have a lot of energy and need to exercise frequently.

However any dog can bite, especially if it is not trained or socialised properly, isolated, neglected or encouraged to behave aggressively. Allowing a dog to behave aggressively makes the dog think that this is appropriate behaviour, and if it gets attention on demand it believes that it is the top dog. If a dog thinks that it is at the top of the hierarchy then it may become aggressive if its status is challenged, such as being given a command: it believes that it is the top dog so it should demand attention not the other way around; or if another member of the family receives more attention than it.  

If outside, Alaskan Huskies do need to be watched closely as they will dig under fences in order to hunt or run. They also do not make good watchdogs, as they will greet everyone with friendly barking and have been known to play with any stranger entering their territory. As a result of their mixed heritage, Alaskan Huskies have relatively little health problems, though some are prone to gastric torsion (bloat) and if they do not get enough exercise will quickly become obese, leading to other health problems.

There is a website that has great information on Alaskan Huskies and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

RB59 Software

http://www.rb59.com/software

Siberian Husky Dog Breed Profile

The Siberian Husky can become bored easily, and as a result may howl and become destructive. So if you are going to leave the dog for any period of time, they must be well exercised first. Their playfulness and love of fun makes them a great play companion for children and, with any luck, they will wear each other out.

Health issues: As a breed the Siberian Husky are prone to problems with their Urethra, eyes are another place that they can get problems and their skin. Along with hip dysplasia, which is common in many breeds. Apart from these they are healthy as a breed, living between 12 and 15 years.

History: For hundreds of years, the Siberian Husky was a working dog for the Chukchi tribe of Siberia. Fur traders were responsible for bringing the Siberian Husky to Alaska to participate in sled dog races. The Siberian Husky gained fame during a terrible diphtheria outbreak in 1908. As this occurred during the winter and access to remote villages was nearly difficult, the Siberian Husky was used to take medicine to afflicted populations. This dog was used by Admiral Byrd in his explorations in Antarctica.

Temperament: The Siberian Husky is a dog that enjoys being around its human family as much as possible. It is a gentle dog, but has in independent outlook on life. They are friendly and relaxed and wants to interact with its family as much as possible. This dog has a very strong hunting instinct, so care should be taken with cats and other small household pets. As the Husky is a dog that loves to be active, it can become destructive if it becomes bored through inactivity. It is often suggested that keeping two of these dogs will prevent this negative behavior.

Health Issues: The Siberian Husky is basically a tough, healthy dog, but can be subject to several health problems. The most common concerns the eyes, where the dog can develop cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (which will eventually lead to blindness). Dogs used in sled racing can become ill with bronchitis. Fortunately, hip dysplasia is relatively rare in this breed.

Grooming: The Siberian Husky sheds heavily, so some attention should be paid to grooming this dog. It should be brushed twice a week year round, but every day when it molts its coat twice during the year. Extra care should be given to the feet if the dog is used for sled racing, to make sure there is no build up of ice between the toes.

Living Conditions: The Siberian Husky is most comfortable living in a cooler climate. This dog is devoted to its human family and will be happy living indoors as long as its need for exercise is met. It is especially suitable for families that enjoy taking part in outdoor winter activities. The Husky can easily live outdoors in the most rigorous climate, being able to tolerate temperatures of -76F.