Alaskan husky

The Alaskan husky (AH) is not so much a breed of dog as it is a type or a category. It falls far short of being a breed in that there is no preferred type and no restriction as to ancestry; it is defined only by its purpose, which is that of a highly efficient sleddog. That said, dog drivers usually distinguish between the Alaskan husky and “hound crosses”, so perhaps there is informal recognition that the Alaskan husky is expected to display a degree of northern dog type.

The Alaskan is the sleddog of choice for world-class dogsled racing competition. None of the purebred northern breeds can match it for sheer racing speed. Demanding speed racing events such as the Fairbanks (Alaska) Open North American Championship and the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous are invariably won by teams of Alaskan huskies, or of Alaskans crossed with hounds or gundogs. Winning speeds are often in excess of an average 19 miles per hour over three days' racing at 20 to 30 miles each day. On the rare occasions when purebred teams are entered in such races, they nearly always finish last.

Alaskans that fulfil the demanding performance standards of world-class dogsled racing can be extremely valuable. Top-level racing lead dogs regularly change hands for sums on the order of $10,000-15,000 for a single animal. Conversely, AH that fail to perform effectively are worth nothing, and the high levels of culling practised in many kennels are an issue with animal rights activists.

Alaskan huskies (at least those used for speed racing) are moderate in size, averaging perhaps 46 to 50 pounds for males and 38 to 42 pounds for females. They often resemble racing strains of the Siberian Husky breed (which is undeniably a major component of the AH genetic mix) but are usually taller and leggier with more pronounced tuck-up. Colour and markings are a matter of total indifference to racing drivers; hence the AH may be of any possible canine colour and any pattern of markings. Eyes may be of any colour and, as in the Siberian Husky, are often light blue. Coats are almost always short to medium in length, never long, and usually less dense than the coats of northern purebred breeds; coat length is governed by the need for effective heat dissipation while racing. In very cold conditions, Alaskans often race in “dog coats” or belly protectors. Particularly in long distance races, these dogs often require “dog booties” to protect their feet from abrasion and cracking. Thus the considerations of hardiness and climate resistance prevalent in breeds such as the Siberian Husky and Canadian Inuit Dog are subordinated in the AH to the overriding consideration of speed capability.

Various attempts have been made in the past to organise breeders of Alaskan huskies and to establish a registry for these dogs; such attempts have never received significant support. Although AH kennels tend to be large, with many kennels harbouring over a hundred dogs, and the breed population arguably in excess of one hundred thousand, this canine variety remains an informal and unregistered category of dog.