What do you get when you crossbreed a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Malamute?…Aluskies!
The Alusky was originally crossbred in the United States to design a sled dog that would carry the best of both sledding dog worlds, the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the personality traits, training, grooming and all the facts about the Alusky. So keep reading.
By the end of this article, you should be in a position to determine whether or not the Alusky is the right dog for you and your family.
Table of Contents
The Origin of the Alusky
In order to gain a better understanding of the dog, let’s study both parent breeds.
The Siberian Husky:
The first half of the Alusky, is a pure and ancient breed developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia.
Initially used for hunting by the chukchi this Siberian breed was later used to haul goods and pull loads over extremely long distances through the harsh chilly arctic weather of the Siberian arctic.
Once the Chukchi learned to domestic the reindeer which they initially used to hunt, the Siberian Husky learned to herd deer instead of killing them; developing into a strong and agile breed known more for its reliability than brute strength.
The Great Serum Run of 1925 perhaps best illustrates the spirit, resolve and resilience of the Siberian Husky.
100 Huskies led by 20 drivers hauled across 658 miles in 5 and a half days (a journey originally expected to have taken 25 days) to deliver a batch of serum to the city of Nome which had been ravaged by the diptheria epidernic.
The city had run out of serum with the nearest supply being over 1000 miles away in Anchorage.
Thanks to the gallant efforts of these Siberian Huskies, two of whom paid the ultimate price by the way, the lives of dozens in Nome were saved. Such is the fierce loyalty of the Siberian Husky.
The Alaskan Malamute:
The other half of the Alusky, the Alaskan Malamute was initially recognized as a dog breed by the American kennel club in 1935.
Belonging to the Mongoloid people who migrated from Siberia to Alaska, these dogs were initially bred by the Mahlemut people of the Inupiat tribe gaining the name Malamute from them.
Because of the cold weather and food and water shortage, the Mahlemut and their Alaskan Malamutes developed a strong familial bond relying on each other for hunting, hauling of goods and warmth (the Mahlemut would actually place their babies in between their dogs during the harsh Alaskan winter).
Because of this, Alaskan Malamutes still remain very good with children and though not as fast as the Siberian Husky they are very smart and mentally resilient.
Now that you have a little background into the Alusky’s ancient lineage, how then does the Alusky itself fair compared to its two crossbred parents?
The General Appearance of the Alusky
Sturdy and with its majestic coat one would easily be forgiven for confusing this canine for a wolf due to its wolf-like appearance and unique identity.
Aluskies will normally exhibit the characteristics and appearance of both its parents though one may be more dominant than the other.
Their thick and heavy coat may come in many colors ranging from red, silver and light brown to white, grey, cream and golden brown.
Their deep set, almond-shapes eyes may be brown or blue resembling those of either of their parents.
Coupled with a heavily furred tail, the Alusky is longer in length than it is tall reaching about 26 to 28 inches in height. With an average weight of between 27 and 45 kilograms (60-100 pounds).
The Alusky dog has large, erect, wedge shaped ears and a long, narrow wolf like muzzle.
Their noses are dark and fluffy, and they have strong muscular legs. Depending on the influence of either of their parents genes Alusky’s may vary in appearance as they could take on more of one parent’s appearance over another.
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With an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, longer than most other dog breeds, you can expect a lot of fun playtime with your cute furry ball of living cushion.
Character and Temperament
Aluskies are very friendly dogs that get along well with children, other dogs and even cats. They tend to be very loyal, playful, loving and full of energy.
Their hunting instincts may drive them to attack or chase after small pets and animals especially if not properly socialized from a young age so you may need to be cautious while walking your alusky at the park or near small pets.
? The Alusky may also take a while to get used to small children especially if not properly socialized so be keen to always supervise your Alusky around small children.
However once used to a child or family the Alusky is fiercely loyal and protective and will become an almost irreplaceable member of the family.
Like the Siberian Husky, the Alusky has a very good and long memory which makes it very difficult to forget unfair or unpleasant treatment and experiences. Their good memory also allows them to establish a great bond with their owners and their owner’s children a feature that makes them extremely efficient search and rescue dogs.
Despite this they have an inherent drive to hunt down prey which may cause then to instinctively chase after small pets and other animals. This trait can be minimized by raising them from a young age with other puppies so they can be properly socialized and learn not to chase after other small pets.
The Alusky is a pack animal due to its parents’ hunting background so you would need to naturally adopt the role and mentality of a pack leader as it’s owner.
It’s over social nature allows them to interact freely even with strangers so getting the Alusky as a guard or watch dog would be a terrible idea.
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They also rarely bark preferring instead to make a howling sound that would add to their already wolf-like demeanor and an important factor to consider if you were to adopt them while still living in a densely populated flat or building.
The Alusky is a very social dog and loves staying in packs when out in the wild. I would advise that you don’t leave your furry friend alone for long periods of time as he easily gets bored. To combat this consider adopting another Alusky to give your Alusky the perfect companion and partner in crime.
The Alusky is a fiercely loyal dog just like its parents and would quickly become an additional member of your family.
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The Alusky loves attention and genuinely enjoys human company so be sure to include it in a range of family activities like walls and hopes.
The Alusky also prefers to sleep indoors close to their owners as when left alone for long periods they may become destructive due to boredom.
Though loyal, they wander, a lot! So be keen to watch them in any unfenced yards and open outdoor spaces as they may easily roam about and get lost.
It’s hard to describe the energy of the Alusky. Outgoing and playful, the Alusky will need a lot of playtime and physical activities to keep engaged during the day.
They love to dig so a sandbox or space to dig up freely would be a great idea to let them let out all their mental and physical energy. Games that are most similar to their original purpose like racing or sledding would be an even greater fit.
Training
The Alusky has an eager desire to please, a feature that would make it fairly easy to train.
However due to their pack mentality they may at times come off headstrong and stubborn and may not be a good choice for a first time dog owner. They require a firm, experienced hand when dealing with them and owners need to ensure that they remain the pack leader at all times.
Due to their long and good memory they are very sensitive to punishment so be careful to reinforce positive behavior. Negative reinforcement and punishment may be a really bitter poll for the Alusky to swallow and they may easily become resentful.
Instead consistently reinforce positive behavior. Training your Alusky while it is still an Alusky puppy coupled with obedience training techniques will go a long way in ensuring your success in training the Alusky.
Grooming and Maintenance
Aluskies have a fluffy, dense double coat of fur and are suited for life in the cold. They therefore live best in places with cold temperatures.
A house with a lot of space and preferably a fenced yard would also be ideal for them as they love to play and would struggle to do so in an apartment building.
Be sure to dig fences deep into the ground as Aluskies love to dig up ground. Toys should always come in handy to keep your Alusky from experiencing fits of boredom that may easily trigger its more destructive energy if not well engaged.
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Be sure to brush its fur several times a week but on a daily basis during shedding season (spring and summer) to assist with the increased shedding over this period. Bathing will only occasionally be necessary when dirty and be keen to inspect their ears often.
Be sure to use deodorizing wipes to keep his coat and skin clean when you’re not bathing him.
Vacuuming is also an important part of then grooming process if you want to keep your house clean and free of pet hair.
Brushing the alusky’s teeth at least thrice a week and clipping its nails once or twice every month will go a long way in ensuring your Alusky is properly groomed and maintained.
Related: What Is The Best Brush For Shedding Dogs? (Top 15)
Exercise and Activity
Because of their tendency to gain weight if not exercised, proper exercise and activity are essential.
This dog would also be better suited under the care of a more active and energetic owner as it would make a great companion on hikes, long walks and jogs. It loves to play outdoors and interact with other dogs.
Moreover, provide your dog with interactive dog toys to keep his intelligent mind busy and well stimulated.
Feeding Information
Just like us humans, dogs require proper diet and nutrition to remain healthy. Therefore, establish a proper feeding routine and serve only high quality dog food to your Alusky.
Choose nutrient-rich food that contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in order to meet the nutrition needs of your pup.
Buy a dog food that has been specially formulated for large breeds of dogs. Also, go for grain-free dog food to prevent gastrointestinal problems and food-induced allergies.
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four to five cups of quality dry dog food is recommended. You can give him some treats between the two meals. Aluskies do well eating both canned and dry dog food, but it is wise to maintain them at a healthy weight by monitoring their food intake.
Your dog will also need fresh water on a daily basis. You’ll want to keep an eye on your pup to ensure he is drinking enough.
Finding Reputable Alusky Breeders
When looking for a new dog to add to your household, you should always deal with a reputable breeder.
Your breeder should produce all the genetic and health testing records on the parent dogs. They should also allow you to meet and spend some time with each parent dog.
Moreover, visit the puppies and see if they are comfortable around strangers. This will give you a good idea of the kind of personality traits they might have acquired from their parents.
Make sure to ask a lot of questions to establish whether the puppy is right for you. A good breeder will fully cooperate and answer all your questions, offering their credentials and providing you with customer references.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to the Husky Lab Mix (Labsky)
Alusky Adoption
If you are looking to adopt a full grown Alusky, an animal shelter is certainly a good place to start.
Healthy and adorable dogs sometimes end up in rescue centers without any fault of their own, and they need a dog lover who can give them a forever home.
In case you have decided to adopt a dog, please fill free to check these websites:
– PuppyFinder.com
– Adoptapet.com
Health Problems
With a lifespan ranging an average 10 to 15 years the Alusky generally enjoys good health but is prone to suffering from a range of health conditions such as:
Hip dysplasia:
Commonly found in both its parents, the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky, this hereditary disease may be passed down to the Alusky too.
Resulting from an abnormally formed hip joint, that does not function well and is this prone to inflammation. This disease has been known to cause pain and lameness. Physical therapy, an adequate diet and anti-inflammatory drugs are more than enough to fix this though.
Eye Disease:
Cataracts, small opacity of the lens which may not immediately affect vision, are a common example of eye problems that may affect the Alusky resulting in the dog’s blurred vision or partial blindness.
Be careful to observe early warning signs such as your dog bumping into objects or furniture. Surgical treatment is a fast and effective treatment that should get your Alusky back on its feet quickly.
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Ear Infections:
Heavily dense fur cutting across its ears may make the Alusky prone to ear infections as the fur acts as an effective habitat for bacteria.
The lack of air circulation and accumulation of dirt and moisture across the ears due to excess fur may also further contribute to the already bacteria friendly environment around the dog’s ear and lead to ear infections. Proper and constant grooming should be enough to avoid this.
Many diseases that attack and harm dogs later in life are preventable if detected early.
Just like you, your pup by genetic makeup is predisposed to certain diseases like hip dysplasia that have been passed down their family tree from one generation to another.
So why then do so many dog lovers wait until it is too late to ensure their dogs age healthily and live longer?
The truth is just like for you and me, prevention for your dog is way better than cure and the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit helps you do just that!
What if with just one swab of the inside of your dog’s mouth you could test your dog for over 165 diseases ranging from genetic diseases to drug sensitivities?
With a simple cheek swab the embark dog dna test kit will help you identify potential health issues likely to strike your pup long before they occur and ensure that your dog ages healthily and lives longer.
Have you recently adopted your new pup? or do you just want to ascertain your potential new puppy’s breed history?
The embark DNA dog test kit is your new best friend. With over 200,000 genetic markers, this test will screen your dog for over 250 dog breeds in order to ascertain it’s breed history and genetic makeup.
You will also be able to trace your dog’s maternal and paternal family tree and ancestry all the way back to his or her great grandparents as you discover your dog’s relatives through the Doggy DNA relative finder included once you obtain the kit.
All this with just one simple swab of your dog’s cheek.
ALSO READ: All About the Border Collie Husky Mix
Conclusion
Now that you know everything there’s to know about the Alusky, it’s time to search for a healthy and quality puppy with more confidence.
If you train your Alusky puppy properly, you will end up with a loving and loyal dog who will also come to your aid when the situation demands it.
Hopefully, the information provided in this article will help you decide if the Alusky is right for you. Good luck in finding the puppy of your dreams!