So you love Huskies. Me too! Their fierce, wolf-like appearance and hard-working attitudes make them a go-to for anyone wanting to add a great pet to the family. But what it comes down to most of the time is this: should I choose a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Husky? A lot of potential pet owners simply do not know the difference between the two and may end up making the wrong choice.
What is the difference between Siberian and Alaskan Huskies? There are actually several subtle differences between these two Husky dogs, including the following:
- Siberian Huskies are purebreds, Alaskan Huskies are not.
- Siberian Huskies are slightly larger than Alaskan Huskies.
- The Siberian Husky’s coat may be slightly longer.
- The Alaskan Husky is less of a home-body and requires more exercise and activity than the Siberian.
- Alaskan Huskies may be born with AHE, an incurable brain disease that does not allow the dog to process thiamine when consuming food.
- Siberian Huskies may require more grooming if they are show dogs.
Knowing the difference between these two dogs is imperative when making the right decision. We are going to break down all of the differences between these two wonderful breeds, from their appearance to their temperaments, and so much more.
The Differences Between Siberian and Alaskan Huskies
While the differences between these dogs may be subtle, that does not mean that there are some fairly unique and distinct features that are found below the surface.
Some of these differences may actually surprise you, again, because you are not able to see them on the outside.
The major difference in appearance between these two breeds is for the simple fact that a Siberian Husky is a purebred, while an Alaskan Husky is a mixed breed.
1. The Difference in Appearance
The overall coat is similar between the two breeds:
both sport a thick double-layered coat to deal with the harsh weather conditions of both Alaska and Siberia.
Another major difference between a Siberian and Alaskan Husky is that the Alaskan Husky is generally going to be of a smaller size than their Siberian counterparts.
The Siberian Husky will likely be around 45 pounds, and land 22 to 23 inches in height. The Alaskan Husky, on the other hand, will be slightly shorter but can be heavier at 40 to 60 pounds.
As far as coat color is concerned, it’s actually true that both breeds can have a multitude of different colors. Their hue can range widely and they can even be multi-colored or have markings along with their coat.
2. Temperament Differences Between the Two
Alaskan and Siberian Huskies may have a very similar appearance that will leave you second-guessing, but the differences are still there.
But the differences do not stop there.
Beneath the surface, there are even more differences between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky in terms of temperament.
The temperament of these dogs boils down to what they were originally bred to do.
The Siberian Husky was originally designed to be a working dog that can hunt as well, but in more recent years, they have also become show dogs.
This is why their breeding process is so tactical: they are trying to breed the best.
Alaskan Huskies, on the other hand, were bred to be sled dogs.
And while both breeds love to pull their owner along in a sled, this quickly became the sole responsibility of the Alaskan Husky. This made it more of a challenge for the Alaskan Husky to enjoy a quiet life inside of the home, as they get more enjoyment from working activities with their owners.
If you can believe it, Alaskan Huskies need more exercise and activity than a Siberian Husky.
They are also known to be a breed that loves to chase their prey, which can lead to an Alaskan Husky jumping over the fence with ease in order to catch the animal. They are also great at digging, meaning double trouble for the owner.
Don’t get me wrong: the Siberian Husky still requires a great deal of exercise to keep them happy…it’s just not as much. They are also less likely to chase after prey, although it is a high instinct in the breed as well (so hide your cats!).
3. Is There a Difference in the Shedding and Grooming?
To put it simply, no there is no difference. Alaskan Huskies and Siberian Huskies alike are known for their intense shedding which happens at least once or twice a year. At this time you can expect a downpour of hair all over your home.
Both Alaskan and Siberian Huskies can also get by with a quick brush once or twice a week and be perfectly happy. The major difference in grooming comes from whether or not you want to have your Siberian Huskies in shows.
If you’re planning to groom your Siberian Husky to be a show dog, you will need to take the extra steps necessary to ensure he is looking top-notch for his competitions.
This is not a worry with Alaskan Huskies as they are not purebreds, and thus, can’t be show dogs in the majority of available dog competitions.
4. Is One Breed Easier to Train than the Other?
One of the major downsides to opting for a Husky is that you are going to deal with a great deal of obstinant behavior.
This does not mean that the Husky is not smart, though. They are very intelligent dogs that seem to have a mind of their own and want to do what they want to do, regardless of what you have to say.
This makes training a Siberian Husky and Alaskan Husky equally as challenging.
So if you were planning to find the easier breed of the two, you are out of luck. But with the right persistence and training methods, you can train either two of these breeds the way you need.
5. What About Health Problems?
One thing to consider when choosing a breed, Husky or not, is whether or not one breed is better than the other when it comes to potential health problems.
Well, we have to break it to you: both the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky are prone to several health problems including:
- Retinal atrophy (which simply means a gradual loss of vision)
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin problems (including dry skin, skin that rashes easily, etc)
- Hereditary deafness
The only health condition that is only found in Alaskan Huskies and not Siberian Huskies is AHE, otherwise known as Alaska Husky Encephalopathy. This is a brain disease that is incurable and can cause the overall inability of the dog to process thiamine.
Related Questions
The Alaskan Husky originally was a blend of different Northern breeds. This specifically included other Siberian Huskies, Greyhounds, and German Shorthaired-Pointers. The important thing to remember is that the Alaskan Husky is not a purebred like the Siberian counterpart.
An Agouti Siberian Husky is known for his very rare coloring. They will typically have a brindle looking coat with multiple colors, with lighter markings representing a cream hue and black marking on the tails. Overall, it is a highly unlikely sight and one of the rarest types of coloring in the Siberian Husky.
