Husky Colors, Patterns and Coat Types

Alaskan vs Siberian Husky Colors

The Siberian and Alaskan Husky both have thick fur coats, erect ears and piercing eyes. However, there is a key difference! The Siberian Husky is a purebred dog breed that is bred to conform to an official standard. This breed standard details everything from Siberian Husky colors to eye colors to temperament traits and more.

In contrast, the Alaskan Husky is not a purebred dog. The Alaskan Husky is actually a mixed breed dog bred to work as a sled dog. Therefore, Alaskan Husky colors can vary a great deal. Their colors aren’t important as long as the dog has an aptitude for sledding.

Technically the Alaskan Husjy could be any combintion of canine colors in a variety of patterns. But in reality they are usually black or brown and white, in the same bi color pattern as the Siberian Husky.

History and Origins of Husky Colors

Genetic studies show the Siberian Husky is very closely linked to an ancient Siberian wolf that lived more than 35,000 years ago. Modern Siberian Huskies can display a variety of different Husky colors and patterns. However, these are often similar to the colors and patterns still seen in wild wolves today.

Standard vs Mini Husky Colors

Interestingly, one thing has changed between modern Siberian Huskies and their wild wolf ancestors. Siberian Husky dogs today are bred in two sizes: standard and miniature. However, mini Husky colors and standard Husky colors are the same for the most part.

Husky Color Genetics

The genetics of dog breeding can quickly become complex. For starters, it can be challenging to identify single genes that are responsible for producing certain Husky colors. Often, the same gene(s) that control for coat color may also influence other developmental processes. In particular this includes the development of vision or hearing.

Are Some Husky Colors Healthier Than Others?

There are no disallowed Husky colors, patterns or markings due to health issues. However, some breed clubs have identified the “merle” and the “brindle” pattern of markings as concerning.

The Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA) has released a statement indicating that these marking types may be the result of genetic influence from other dog breeds. In other words, dogs bearing these markings may not be true purebred Siberian Huskies.

Health Issues in the Merle Husky

In addition, the SHCA states they are not supportive of the merle pattern. This is due to its association with certain known canine genetic health issues. These include:

• immune system dysfunction
• eye disorders
• deafness

Double Merle Husky Colors

These health issues can become more severe. For example, when a breeding pair of Siberian Husky dogs is each carrying the gene that contributes the merle pattern. This produces what is called a “double merle.” Health issues resulting from a double merle are not always fatal. However, they can be particularly life limiting to the point of requiring euthanasia. Examples of such health issues include:

• missing eyes
• poorly developed eyes
• deafness
• puppies being born both blind and deaf

Siberian Husky Color Chart

The Siberian Husky color chart is so varied it has been nicknamed the “Siberian Rainbow.” The following colors are standard:

• agouti and white
• black and white
• gray and white
• red and white
• sable and white
• white

Other Purebred Husky Colors

The following colors are recognized but not standard on the Husky color chart:

• black
• black/grey and white
• black/tan and white
• brown
• brown and white
• brown/black and white
• copper and white
• grey and black
• tan
• black and tan
• white and tan

Pedigree Husky Markings

The breed standard states that the following markings are not standard but are recognized:

• black points
• pinto
• piebald

Rare Siberian Husky Colors

Husky colors vary massively from one dog to the next. In fact, no unusual or rare colors, patterns or markings have been identified!

AKC Colors

The current American Kennel Club (AKC) Siberian Husky breed standard allows for all colors, including pure white. The breed standard specifies that it is quite normal to see a wide variety of visually striking patterns and markings on the head.

This means there can be literally infinite combinations of colors and patterns and markings. None of them will disqualify a pedigreed purebred Siberian Husky from competing in the show ring.

Solid Coats

Colors can range from a single solid (self) color to a multi-color pattern or solid colors alternating with markings in a vast array of variations. These colors are generally acknowledged as the most common coat colors in the purebred Siberian Husky today:

• Black
• Grey
• Red
• White

Black Siberian Husky

Black can appear to be jet black, matte black or dilute black. Dilute black can appear closer to blue or grey.

Grey Siberian Husky

The gray color can be dark “wolf” gray, matte gray or a dilute gray that appears yellowish. The
Siberian Husky color silver is another form of dilute grey.

White Siberian Husky

The white color can be solid pure white, or white with a yellowish or cream cast. There may also be black guard hairs. Typically the undercoat is pure white.

Red Siberian Husky

The red color range can span the gamut from a dark rusty brownish red to a light, strawberry blonde red. Copper is one form of red.

Bicolor Husky Colors and Patterns

Husky coats can be single-color (self color) or solid. Alternatively, they can form a pattern with two or three colors that all appear on the coat. Two of the most common colors and patterns are black and white and a pattern called “splash.”

• Black and white
• Grey and white
• Red and white
• Sable and white
• Agouti and white

Black & White Husky

The black and white color pattern is a quite common one for Siberian Huskies. The black color can show up as jet black, black banded or dilute (can appear silver).

Gray and White Husky

The gray colors can range from dark wolf gray to a yellowish gray to silver gray alternating with white.

Red and White Husky

With a red and white color pattern, there generally will not be any black in the coat. However, the red can range from a deep reddish brown to a light coppery red alternating with white.

Sable and White Husky

Sable is a color pattern formed when the undercoat is reddish/copper and the top coat hairs are banded with red nearest the skin and black at the tips. This pattern alternates with white.

Agouti and White Husky

The wild wolf “agouti” is described more below. With this pattern, agouti alternates with white.

Siberian Husky Markings

The official Siberian Husky breed standard highlights the three most frequently seen colors and markings. However, even within these three types of markings, it is possible to see nearly infinite variations!

Agouti

The agouti marking is also called the “wild” or “wolf-like” marking. Several colors contribute to create the look of the agouti markings.

Typically the undercoat (the soft, thick, insulating under-layer) is dark in Siberian Huskies with agouti markings. The outer coat has multi-colored hairs. They are dark at the base (nearest the skin) and at the tip. In between is a lighter color.

Sable

The sable marking starts with a reddish or coppery undercoat. The outer coat hairs are reddish at the base (nearest the skin) with black coloration at the tip.

Piebald (Pinto)

The piebald markings, called “pinto” in the AKC breed standard, are quite different from either agouti or sable. In piebald Siberian Huskies, one coat color will predominate and one or two other colors will show up as a pattern of markings.

Piebald or pinto markings are also called the “Siberian Husky colors splash.”

Husky Coat Types

Most Huskies have a standard double coat. This has a downy undercoat and an outer coat that feels smooth to the touch. It’s medium length and shaggy looking. However, occasionally purebred Huskies have what is known as a wool coat. This is longer than the standard coat, and feels denser and fluffier.