Alaskan Husky vs. Siberian Husky: Which Is Better?

Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan Husky is not considered a pure breed. It is defined only by its purpose, which is that of a highly efficient sled dog. The husky is a blend of various Northern breeds, chosen particularly for skills such as pulling.

Alaskan Husky Pros

• Bred to work with people and other dogs, Alaskan Huskies are used to having regular contact with both; therefore, they are known for being very sociable and loyal companions. Alaskan Huskies are renowned for being inquisitive and adventurous so if you are an active person then you and your Husky will thrive in the great outdoors.
• Additionally, if you are someone that enjoys long walks or even backpacking, the Alaskan Husky is the seventh fastest dog in the world so they will have no problems with endurance. They have greater endurance in sled racing than Siberian Huskies do.
• Regarding they receive plenty of fresh air, regular walks, and interaction, Alaskan Huskies can fit-in well as a family dog; although they require plenty of exercises, they also have a calm temperament which is ideal around children.
• Possessing such an active nature, Alaskan Huskies are also fairly healthy dogs and they can live for up to 15 years, allowing you to enjoy a long and fulfilling relationship with your pet.

Alaskan Husky Cons

• Deriving from their playful and adventurous nature, Alaskan Huskies can be prone to digging. If left to their own devices, the Alaskan Husky could dig their way out of an enclosed area. Consequently, it is important that you invest in an enclosed area with a high wooden fence and do not leave it alone for long periods. Based on their needs, a small flat or apartment is not suitable for the Alaskan Husky.
• Depending upon your lifestyle and schedule, the highly vocal Alaskan Husky can howl and they are known for generally being excessively vocal; this could become both frustration and interference if you are not always available to provide the Husky with the attention it requires.
• Importantly, Alaskan Huskies are highly intelligent dogs, yet between their extremely independent and flighty nature, they can take a while to train. More often than not, Alaskan Huskies want to be busy and active as opposed to focusing firmly on a task.

Related: 10 Most Common Black and White Dog Breeds

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly-furred double coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears and distinctive markings.

The Siberian Husky was imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and spread from there into the United States and Canada, initially as a sled dog. The breed quickly became a popular family pet and a show-dog.

Siberian Husky Pros

• Siberian Huskies are very smart dogs with an upbeat and energetic disposition. Whether they are developing a strong relationship with their owner or being approachable towards strangers, the Siberian Husky is a very friendly dog. Quite apparently, the Siberian Husky is also an attractive dog, and with their unique eye-coloring and approachable nature, they are great in a range of social situations.
• Similar to many other Huskies, Siberian Husky upholds plenty of stamina, and they enjoy spending time outdoors. Ready to accompany you on long walks or spend time with you when you are involved in sports or camping, Siberian Huskies are very active dogs.
• Siberian Husky's fur coats are quite apparently eye-catching; however, due to their habit of licking themselves regularly, they avoid having the distinctive and unpleasant 'dog odor' and they remain quite clean. With the occasional tendency to leave a meal, Siberian Huskies can be a fairly economical choice too yet it is important that despite this habit, they do still eat a fully-nutritional diet.

Siberian Husky Cons

• When you are looking-after a Siberian Husky you can expect a lot of vocal action from them. The Siberian Husky will likely howl regularly and be vocal in lots of other ways too. Not only can this become tiresome for its owner and family but it won't leave you too popular with the neighbors either.
• One precaution that needs to be taken with Siberian Huskies is ensuring that someone is keeping a watchful eye when they are around smaller pets. Their predatory drive could lead them to pounce on other animals within the home and animals such as cats and hamsters could be at-risk. That isn't to say that this is always the case and there is hope for there to be harmony among all animals in the household: it is just something to look-out for.
• Siberian Husky's independent and outgoing streak can be positive in many ways but it can also lead to stubborn behavior and an unwillingness to engage in training. They require plenty of positive reinforcement when being trained along with being challenged relentlessly.

How to Choose

What is the Difference?

Both known for being highly active, one main difference between Alaskan Huskies and Siberian Huskies is that Alaskan Huskies are predominantly still used as sled dogs whereas Siberian Huskies aren't and they are family pets. Due to this, Alaskan Huskies still tend to be more work-orientated.

When it comes to shedding, both the Alaskan and the Siberian Husky each have double-coats. They will shed throughout the year, including two times of the year, around summer and winter, when they will shed an even larger amount. Based on their genetics. Alaskan Huskies can sometimes have smoother coats which can also lead to less shedding.

Although, based on their active and energetic nature both dogs generally lead fairly healthy lives, they are sadly not entirely immune to all illnesses. Both Huskies are at risk of cataracts, hypothyroidism, and other health defects; however, Alaskan Huskies are at risk of Encephalopathy (AHE) which is an incurable brain disease.

Which Makes a Better Family Pet?

Equally, the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky both enjoy spending plenty of time outside running around and being taken for walks. The Siberian Husky can enjoy balancing out work and play slightly more than Alaskan Huskies so therefore they may be better suited for spending more time as a family pet.

Nowadays, the Siberian Husky is an extremely popular dog in America, so more information and feedback about having this dog as a pet is more accessible and maybe even reassuring. The Alaskan Husky is not as popular as the Siberian Husky and as a result, is still not as well known.

Final Verdict

Both the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky require an abundance of time, attention, and patience and each requires regular daily walks. Each of the dogs is suitable for family pets or pets for individuals that spend large amounts of time outdoors. Similarly, both types of Huskies are loyal and affectionate dogs but their strong and independent personalities should not be overlooked nor underestimated.

The subtle differences between the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky's weight, eye color, shape, and height may be personal to what you prefer for a family dog, whilst also taking into consideration the fact that Alaskan Huskies can possess smoother fur. Plus, both dogs are at risk of health problems, yet the Alaskan Husky is susceptible to a more serious neurological condition.

Overall, in America, the Siberian Husky is much more popular as a family pet than the Alaskan Husky. Both dogs possess incredible traits that should be considered before deciding which is better and adding an extra asset to the family.