The Varieties of Huskies You Should Know

Huskies make lovely, active, and affectionate pets. They are popular with families because of their velvety coats, stunning eye colors, agreeable temperament, and fun personality.

Most of the time, when we say "Husky," we mean the Siberian Husky. Nevertheless, there are numerous varieties of Huskies. 

Today, we will learn about all the different kinds of Huskies.

How many varieties of Huskies exist?

The American Kennel Club recognizes only the Siberian Husky under the breed name Husky. However, "Husky" is also commonly applied to various Northern breeds. There are almost 22 distinct breeds of dogs that resemble huskies. Let's explore some of the most popular ones in detail!

Russian Husky

This is known as the "original Husky." Historically, Siberian Huskies were domesticated for pulling sleds. They have extraordinary stamina and are genuine athletes. Although Huskies are most commonly associated with sled racing, they also served in the Arctic Search and Rescue Unit of the United States Army throughout World War II.

Alaskan Klee Kai 

The Klee Kai is a breed of Husky that is much smaller than the Alaskan Malamute, which is a Husky species. This breed's origins are in Alaska, like many other Husky varieties. Klee Kais once helped their masters with a variety of tasks that were far bigger than the present ones. They were used for various purposes, including pulling sleds, patrolling the area, and hunting games.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is related to its smaller canine relative, the Siberian Husky. These dogs are much bigger despite having a very similar appearance. Males can grow to a maximum weight of 95 pounds and a maximum height of 26 inches. It also is among the oldest varieties of sled dogs. 

Chinook

The Chinook may not resemble other varieties of huskies, but he is a sled dog! Prick ears, a curly tail, a velvety coat, and distinctive facial features are shared traits among most of the huskies in this list. The Chinook might make you think of a Labrador instead of a Husky species.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo is the most common Husky species used as a companion dog and another little dog we've included on our list. They are always wholly white, unlike the black-and-white Klee Klai. Furthermore, you're visibly more prominent, with a standard height of 15 to 20 inches and a weight of 18 to 35 pounds. 

White Husky

The white Siberian Husky is the most unique type of the breed. Most light-colored Huskies have brown or black spots, but a real white Husky only has white fur. Their eyes are almost usually blue. However, this doesn't make them albino dogs. Aside from their uncommon color, other traits are identical to other Husky varieties.

Agouti Husky

The Agouti Husky is the polar opposite of the White Husky in appearance, being of a very dark coat and coat pattern. These canines resemble wolves in appearance. Most dogs with this color come from race sled dog lines, not show lines. 

Sakhalin Husky

The Sakhalin Husky, known as Karafuto Ken, is a Japanese sled dog breed close to extinction. No primary kennel association recognizes them because they were initially bred for a specific purpose. Sakhalin Husky rose to fame when a group of Japanese researchers was forced to make an emergency evacuation from Antarctica in 1958. 

Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan and Siberian Huskies are siblings. This "unofficial" breed is a blend of numerous other working dogs, even though the American Kennel Club does not yet recognize it.

Siberian Huskies are mixed with fast breeds and have a lot of stamina to make better sled dogs. 

American Akita

The American Akita has become more prevalent in Noth America in recent years. With heights between 23 and 27 inches and weights between 50 and 90 pounds, these canines are smaller than their Japanese versions. There is no genetic difference between American and Japanese Akitas, as both are now considered to be the same breed by the American Kennel Club. 

Labrador Husky

This breed of Husky has a deceptive name. The Labrador Husky is often mistaken for a hybrid of a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever. In reality, Labrador is the name of both a region in Canada and a specific Husky species.

Other types of huskies you may encounter at dog shelters, kennels, or dog events include:

• Japanese Akita
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Keeshond
• MacKenzie River Husky
• Shepsky
• Utonagan
• Canadian Eskimo Dog
• Hug Dog
• Pomeranian Husky

Conclusion

Do you intend to participate in sled dog races or run long distances with your dog? If so, you should look at adopting the right varieties of Huskies. Remember, when choosing any husky type, you should consider whether you can give your dog the care and attention they need.