Alaskan Huskies and other Northern Breeds

Little did I know when I got my first Husky that I would discover my life passion. I want to share with you how unique the Alaskan Husky breed of dog is. Most of us know huskies and some even know the difference between a Siberian husky and an Alaskan malamute, but what I learned from my first dog was that I didn’t have either one of those. I had an Alaskan Husky. I now have two Alaskan Huskies and one Siberian Husky.

Through my research I found that Alaskan Huskies are the main breed of dog used for international races like the Iditarod and Yukon quest. Both races were won by musher Lance Mackey the past 3 consecutive years with his team of 16 Alaskan Huskies. During each race, these dogs mushed over a stretch of 1800km of snow and wilderness with temperatures dropping below minus 40’C. To be able to finish (let alone win) this type of race you need hearty dogs bred for speed and endurance. The characteristics of the Alaskan Husky - although not a registered breed – make them popular in Alaska. Mushing means dog powered or dog sledding. The musher is the dog sled driver. Alaskan Huskies may have some Siberian, Malamute, Pointer or what ever breed is necessary to get the job done. Here in South Africa we find Alaskan Huskies too.

What sets the Alaskan Husky apart from other Northern breeds? Speed for one. Alaskans take specific care in breeding a dog that gives them top speed as well as endurance to maintain that speed over a long distance without falling ill or losing drive. These dogs have an intense energy (sometimes this is called “drive”). This energy makes them capable of the mental and physical stimulation needed for long hours on the trail. It’s the drive that mushers look for when choosing a dog for the team.

They also adapt well to change. They are working dogs with a passion for mushing, but they also do well as a house dog as long as they live with a very active family. They are not bred for their specific looks like Siberian Huskies. They come in all shapes and sizes, sometimes looking exactly as we imagine a husky looking, but other times the coat is shorter, in an array of colors, and floppy ears.

Alaskan Huskies are intelligent and independent dogs. As a Dog Behaviour Consultant, many people ask me how to train the recall to their husky. I always start by telling clients that training a reliable recall can take six months to a year. I tell them to start the day they bring their husky home. To always keep their husky on a leash, keep them active, and use food to help motivate them. Make every interaction a pleasant experience. The most common mistake in training the recall is letting their dog off leash to run before they have bonded with you.

In 2008, after visting Alaskan friends Kirsten Frisch (Professional Dog Trainer, and Lynn Orbison (Sprint Musher, Daisy Acres Kennle and Rescue) I decided to open a training centre called Dog Care Centre.

Dog Care Centre provides dog daycare, boarding kennels, and husky specific behaviour training. I also run a husky sledding club called All Breeds Sledding and am actively involved in Husky Rescue S.A.

Everyone is welcome at All Breeds Sledding Club. We come together on weekends during the early morning before the temperature rises over 15’C (so that the dogs do not over heat). We help newbie’s learn to be mushers and help train their dogs. We start dogs around 8 months and older. We also encourage veterans at the sport to join us. Alaskan Huskies can reach ages of 16 years so we encourage everyone to start early and enjoy the process for the life of their dog.

All Breeds Sledding Club does dry land mushing (mushing without snow). There are categories like Canicross - where the dog is attached to a human runner. Bikejoring - where 1 or 2 two dogs pull a bike. Scootering – a wheeled cart is pulled by 2 or more dogs. Safety always comes first. We make use of international mushing cues like Gee (right), Haw (left), and on-by (to pass something). We also provide our mushers with imported Man Mat gear designed specifically for sledding and used by Veteran Iditarod Champion Jeff King.

All huskies are bred to live in cold temperatures. They need extra help to stay cool during our summer months. Shaving them is not recommended because they have sensitive skin under that fur and can become easily irritated by fleas and ticks. The thick double-coated fur protects from harness and collar rubs. Huskies do not need many baths, but huskies like to roll in smelly stuff, the smellier the better. Sea water and mud can easily be rinsed off without using shampoo. The protective skin oil is washed away by shampoo and takes several days to regenerate. Too many baths can create excess oil production leaving the dog with a smelly odour. Save the baths for the extreme stinky days.

As part of Husky Rescue S.A. I help re home huskies and husky mixes. Each dog is vetted, sterilized, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated. Last year, Husky Rescue fostered and re-homed over 200 abandoned and neglected dogs. All potential adopters will sign a contract, pay an adoption fee, and have a home check. We do this for every husky in our rescue.

Having a husky as a pet dog is not like having any other dog. When they get bored they get destructive, sing for hours, dig for days, and find a way to escape. A husky is a commitment for life and they take a lot of time. Once you have entered the world of the Husky you will be forever intrigued by this wonderful Northern breed dog.