The Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky were developed on two continents, split by the Bering Strait. There are differences between the two Husky dog breeds, besides their names and countries of origin. The Alaskan Husky is not a registered purebred dog breed. And it is shorter and more headstrong than the Siberian Husky, which is registered with the American Kennel Club.
Contents
- Can you tell them apart just by looking?
- Are their grooming needs the same?
- Do they both make good pets?
- Which is the healthier breed?
Which Husky Should You Pick?
I wouldn’t say that one trumps the other. But each Husky has different traditional purposes and behaviors, and so the right one for you depends on your lifestyle. And the activities you want to do together.
Do They Look Different?
If you thought that the Alaskan and Siberian Husky were one in the same breed, then we wouldn’t blame you for thinking so. They look so similar, it’s a wonder that they aren’t related.
Well in fact, Alaskan and Siberian Huskies ARE related! When scientists studied their genetic makeup they found that the Siberian Husky was used to develop the Alaskan Husky, as was the gorgeous Malamute.
With their shared DNA, Alaskan and Siberian Huskies are similar in look and feel, so to speak. But their size and build are where things diverge a bit.
Siberian Husky vs Alaskan Husky – Spot the difference
Both breeds have a very thick double-coat to protect them from the biting cold that can be found in both Siberia and Alaska. But, the Alaskan Husky is generally shorter than the Siberian Husky.
This Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky difference is due to the Alaskan Husky being a mixed breed and the Siberian being a pure breed. The Siberian has been subjected to years of careful breeding and modifying to produce a championship-quality dog, not a hard-working sled dog, like the Alaskan Husky.
Interested to see more contrast between the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky? Here are some pictures of each breed to give you more of a visual.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Size
You can expect a Siberian Husky to reach 40-50 pounds and 22-23 inches tall at the shoulder. Alaskan Huskies reach anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds at maturity, and they usually are shorter than Siberians.
However, in both cases, the females stay smaller than males.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Coat
Both types of Huskies have double-coats to keep them warm in a cold climate. As a mixed breed, the Alaskan Husky can be virtually any color, solid or multi-colored, with any marking. Their coat is also usually short to medium in length, although it is kept shorter if the dog is pulling sleds.
As a pure breed, the Siberian Husky’s acceptable colors are regulated by groups like the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. However, the Siberian can be any color and have any markings – a rare situation in registered dogs! The Siberian’s coat may be medium-length, so a bit longer than some Alaskans.
Grooming and Shedding Variations
Though the Siberian Husky may have a slightly longer coat, both coats are easy to maintain. Keep them brushed weekly, or a bit more during shedding season. If you want to show a championship-bred Siberian Husky, you may need to keep their fur trimmed and presented a certain way.
Since Alaskan Huskies are not a pure breed and cannot be shown in breed-specific tournaments, you won’t have to involve yourself with specific grooming requirements. Unless you choose to use an Alaskan for sporting, which may involve keeping their coat shorter.
And speaking of shedding season, these dogs are both heavy shedders! Unless you’re living in a cold-year-round climate, any Husky will shed daily and profusely during the seasonal changes of Fall and Spring.
Difference between Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky Temperament
Regardless of their lineage, Huskies are all well-known for their wolfy looks and high energy. Does that mean that there is no difference between Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky temperament, though? The answer is certainly “no!” And it’s got everything to do with what the Alaskan and Siberian Husky were each bred to do.
Siberian Huskies were originally bred to be working and hunting dogs. But once they became a registered breed, they were subjected to much more scrutiny and fine-tuning.
On the contrary, Alaskan Huskies were bred to be and remain loyal sled dogs. As such, they may not enjoy life inside the home. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t keep one as a pet. But it does mean that they require a lot of exercise and stimulation in order to keep their minds and bodies healthy.
They may also be want to chase after wildlife, and they are known to leap over fences as gracefully as deer or to dig under a fence as stealthily as a Beagle.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Intelligence
Regardless of whether you get an Alaskan Husky or a Siberian Husky, you’ll be dealing with aloofness and a certain lack of cooperation. This is because Huskies were bred for hunting, running, and pulling sleds.
They are much more interested in doing the first two without human involvement. This may present a bit of a training challenge in obedience, but it doesn’t mean they are totally clueless.
Huskies are known to finagle their way out of enclosures like true magicians; another testament to the sled dog’s long survival. You just may have to alter your training methods a bit to keep a Husky interested (ahem, food, ahem, games that resemble chasing after something that looks like food).
(paid link) Is One A Better Pet Than The Other?
Siberian Huskies need a few hours of exercise each day – they are akin to long-distance runners. And they may also try to escape and chase after wildlife or other pets in your home. However, they are a little less “all work and no play” than their Alaskan counterparts. So they may be slightly more content as family pets.
Both of the Husky breeds are howlers, so unfortunately, you won’t be able to find a Husky who isn’t vocal. However, they are not much for barking.
Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Health
Both types of Huskies are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (gradual vision loss), hypothyroidism, skin problems, and hereditary deafness. However, one hereditary condition which affects Alaskan Husky dogs, but not Siberians, is Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (AHE).
AHE is an incurable brain disease which presents in puppies and causes neurological issues due to the dog’s inability to properly process thiamine received from food. Genetic testing can help to identify carriers of AHE.
Which Is Longer Lived?
However, you can expect healthy Siberian and Alaskan Huskies to live until their mid-teens. They are hardy for large dogs, probably a result of their origins in unforgiving cold and mountainous regions.
Lin Arnold says
My husband & I are blessed to have rescued Siberian Huskies for 30+ years. At one point we had 5 adults and 8 puppies because of a female that surprised us with a litter about a month after a month after we rescued her. We live on 10 acres of woods with an electronic fence and the dogs do absolutely GREAT on that fence …. they have room to run and chase all the various critters, but they can’t got far and always come back to the house to eat & sleep.
Huskies are amazing dogs and absolutely awesome with children. My husband & sons are deer hunters, so the Huskies have had “homemade” food made from ground venison scraps, ground chicken, frozen mixed vegetables and frozen potato hash browns. They have absolutely thrived on it.
But now that we’re in our 70’s and our children are grown with children of their own, we’re down to a single senior male, Alex, that will be our last “fur baby”. We just lost our 16-year-old female, Roxie, last April and since then, Alex, who is 14, has become quite the “Mama’s Boy”. He misses Roxie so very, very much.
So why am I telling you all this? Because I wanted to give potential AND current Husky owners a word of advice. Huskies are, by nature, pack animals. They do not truly thrive being in a single dog home. We learned that quickly from the very first one we rescued. We only had Kishka a month or so when we realized that she needed a playmate. From the moment we brought Reyco home, the change in Kishka was amazing. (BTW, they came to us named, we didn’t pick the names.)
BUT….. having Huskies in your home is an amazing experience. If you are thinking of getting a medium to large sized dog, I definitely recommend the Siberian Husky.
Cj says
I need help. I have a cream blue eyed husky golden retriever mix. She’s spade, chipped. Has all of her shots. I’m older and she is a year old. I just can’t take care of her like she needs. I want a good home for her where she can run.
Mary says
My husky is an Alaskan and Siberian mix, she is not vocal and has never onced howled, is this normal? She is not mute because she does bark (rarley.) Her tail is also ways pinched up tighly, never loose unless she is running or sleeping. Even when she wags her tail it is pinched up, why?
Rick sipe says
We are considering getting a free by one in yr old I think Alaskan by husky she’s in black and white.to look told keep her away from chickens and cats is this a red flag? What are some some questions I should ask the owners that are need to know if questions?
Jennifer LKiskola says
I owned a Siberian female and now I have an Alaskan Husky female who was a sled dog prior to me owning her. My Alaskan does better off leash and knows where we are on the trail and likes to see us. The Alaskan obviously has better endurance. Both of these female huskies have the sweetest and most loving personalities to their people and love children and snuggling on the couch after they exercise. My Siberian (RIP) was more stubborn and more vocal. Just lovely, beautiful animals full of personality. I like the quirky dogs others find hard. Huskies are always entertaining!
Corey says
I have 2 Siberians one boy Maverick 2.5yrs black and white w/brown eyes like my first one. His litter mates were like him, blue eyes or other, and every AKC color. I have a girl i just got that is 4 months as of today and she’s red/brown/copper whatever people might think but her coat might change lighter or darker and she has pretty blue eyes on purpose. I love ones with masks so mine both have beautiful makings. I give them at least 5hrs or more a day and give my girl Maya rest because of her age.
I love these dogs, I love this breed…I want to breed these dogs because I want to see more of them near me. My pups enjoy all other people and dogs, my boy used to live with cats and never harmed them. Since my boy isn’t fixed he’s been attacked by other dogs but he’s shaken off every attack and fought off each dog.
My girl is far more vocal than my boy, she’s very protective of me and potty training took just a few days, her recall is better as opposed to his. Don’t be afraid of the breed but also don’t take on one of these dogs if YOU’RE not an alpha, besides walking behind this ears and tails I love watching them trot or run.
I stop to pet one every time I see one…be that person who can’t live without the thought of Siberian, an Alaskan, a Malamute, a Shiba Inu, an Akita, a Klee Kai or an F1 Pomski because like any other breeds…you can find out ALL the information you need to know!
John McKinney says
I have a pure white Alaskan husky and he is happy,gentle,very sociable with people or other animals. However he is stubborn and a little difficult to trIn.(for me at least)
Erika Persianni says
I have a white Alaskan husky with blue eyes named helo and like yours he is sociable to people and dogs. ( I have 4 dogs). He is stubborn and a furry escape artist but other then that lovable.
Heather says
We have a goberian (golden retriever/ Siberian husky). He is beautiful- all black with pale blue eyes. He is by far the best dog we’ve ever had and I highly recommend this blend if you’re looking for the beauty and intelligence of a husky and relaxed friendliness of a golden retriever! We’d like to breed him with another goberian, husky or golden.
Billiejo clyde says
I have a pure white female Siberian Husky with light blue eyes. I’ve thought about letting her have a litter.
elisabeth salvesen says
Had an Alaska husky. Adopted him when he Was 14months old. He had som Issuses with chewing and Was a bit Much in the start. But with love and long walks he turned i to the greatest husky i have ever met. He Was so loving with the children and really had my back in every situation. He Was not howling when we where out. And went free in the house with one cat. They became good friends and love to cuddle.even when a New born baby came to our like he really was so careful around him and shoved his nose in my but when he Washington crying, to get me to react and check on him. I miss him so Much. He Was almost like and other dog. Just a bit smarter and a lot more fun. Now it has been a year since he passed and I am now waiting on my second husky boy. In a month he Will be coming home. This time it is a mix of both sibirian and Alaska Husky. And both parent are AHE free. I cant wait for my Coda to Come home.
Love huskymom from Norway
Brian D says
We have a 7 year old female Siberian in the family. She is great with the grandkids, other dogs, and playful. Everyone loves her. A bit large as a female sib at 60 lbs she is not overweight, she also has papers and has Alpha traits..
This past Year I rescued a two year old male husky. He is50/50 Siberian/malamute. He has an very high intelligence level, very energetic, extremely strong, has blue eyes, and is very social with dogs and humans [including small children). He weighs 75 lbs and is in great shape per his vet. Sleeps in my bed and is not a bed hog.
Both dogs mare great with kids. They are both very similar in looks with the female having a thicker coat. In my opinion meet your potential husky and become aquanted. Each dog is and individual. Puppies are hard to judge their future temperament. Both dogs need an abundance of exercise. Be honest with yourself before deciding. These dogs are not house lap dogs and you have to dedicate yourself to them in order for them to give you their best.
.we have had huskies and husky mixes for 35 years.
Deborah Nickens says
We are looking for a huskie pup for our family. We can provide a very good home and lots of love to this puppy. We would dearly love to have a huskies pup. Could you give us name or names of people that breed huskies hoping to find a pup. Thank you so very much for any help you can give us.
JO says
Huskies are EXTREMELY intelligent and train well if the method used involves positive reinforcement only. Great with kids too!
Devyn Freeson says
We rescued a husky about 6 months ago and we are trying to find out if she is a Mix. Our other one is part Malamute so he is 2x her size and is more malamute appearance wise. Our lil girl Leia however, is about 35-40 lbs and looks like a husky but had interesting qualities for one. For starters my mom thinks she looks like a coyote which i laugh at but totally is true. Leia is mainly grey and white with hints of brown on her tail. She has blue eyes and is a very lean dog. Leaner than the huskies I have seen. When she lowers her tail she looks like a grey and white German Shepard (which led us to believe she might be part Shepard). Her coat is very very thin. She barely has an undercoat and instead of coming out on huge clumps like most huskies she shed individual strands. Like I said her undercoat is very thin and you’d never know she has one unless you saw how much she sheds and really looked. Many people look at her and say she is for sure a mix while others say she is a purebred. Some say part Shepard, or hound, and some even took my moms joke to heart and says she does actually look like a coyote. She could be Alaskan husky just not sure. Others say that there is a strand of smaller huskies that look just like her, while other say there are mixes that look just like her. We can’t really afford a DNA test to find out so we are just left guessing. Any ideas or thoughts?
Rick McElhinney says
I have the same setup!!
I vote alaskan husky!
🥰
Jordan Carano says
We have a rescue Husky. There’s a good chance She’s a Shepsky. German shepherd husky mix. They’re very commonly breeding for size. We narrowed it down by looking at photos online. Their very expensive and a lucrative market. Very very intelligent and oh yeah very muscular and powerful.
Sandy says
I also have a husky/german shepherd mix. She is 55 lb and a rescue. How do i tell if the husky side is Alaskan husky or Siberian Husky? The people that had her kept her outside with 2 other dogs. She was strictly an outside dog, sad to think here in the central texas heat of summer. When we took her we keep her inside and now she does not want to go outside at all hardly even in the December cooler weather.
Jackie says
Our neighbors have two dogs, “Big Boy” is an Alaskan Husky. “Lala” is a Siberian Husky. The Siberian Husky has a much narrower face with shorter ears, black and white fur with deep blue eyes. The Alaskan Husky has a rounder flatter face, more like a wolf. His fur is grey and white, with light blue eyes. Both get along with our German Shepherd dog! They all love to run.
Peggy says
We have two huskys one long hair one short hair but on the tail of the short hair one looks like there is a pattern a weave on his tail is this normal ??
Michelle says
We have the same pattern on ours! We are thinking he must be Alaskan instead of Siberian