When walking with two dogs looking like they walked off the set of Game of Thrones, we get asked frequently what type of dogs Shadow and Peaches are.
Though the blue eyes and wolf-like appearance should be a giveaway for them being Siberian Huskies, we always make sure people know what type of breed they are and if we can, get Shadow and Peaches to give a friendly lick to show that they’re good doggos.
Of course, if you’re thinking about adding a Husky to your pack, one of the first questions you may ask is whether or not you should get a Siberian Husky, an Alaskan Husky or some other type of Northern breed dog that most people either mistakenly or deliberately refer to as a “Husky”.
The American Kennel Club only recognizes Siberian Huskies as Huskies but 16 different types of dogs are considered to be at least a little Husky. And by that we mean the type of dog, not their weight!
Here’s a quick guide to some of these wonderful breeds of dogs!
1. Siberian Husky
Though we may be a little biased, Siberian Huskies are great additions to any family.
Formerly bred to be sled dogs, these good boys and girls usually grow to be between 35-55 pounds and a height of 20-24 inches though you can always find a Husky that doesn’t exactly follow these measurements.
Siberians are super friendly and can be great family pets as they are outgoing and relatively unlikely to be aggressive.
The biggest thing to be aware of is that Huskies crave exercise and attention so if you’re not able to provide a home with a lot of stimulation, this may not be the breed for you.
2. American Klee Kai
These “mini-Huskies” may appear to be Siberian puppies at first glance from a distance but they are in fact a distinct breed of dog!
About half the size of a Siberian, weighing between 15-22 pounds and around 15-17 inches tall, these dogs were originally from Alaska.
In the 1970s, breeders frequently used smaller, Husky-like dogs to get a companion dog that would be less active to a Siberian.
Even though they may be smaller though, the Klee Kai is just as athletic as a Siberian.
3. Samoyed
Commonly referred to as a “cloud boy” or “cloud girl”, these dogs originating out of Siberia and other parts of Asia are fluffier and all-white compared to Siberian Huskies.
They’re almost identical in dimensions to Siberians and in fact, were also sled dogs at one point.
A key differentiator between them and all-white Siberian Huskies is having a black nose and brown eyes, whereas the white Siberian will have blue eyes and a brown nose.
Another interesting thing to note about Samoyeds is that they have much thicker coats and unfortunately should not be in warmer climates.
4. Alaskan Malamute
If you’re looking for a giant-sized version of a Siberian Husky, you’ve come to the right place. Alaskan Malamutes can get to be as big as 100 pounds and dwarf Siberians standing up to 26 inches high.
As you might guess, their bigger size is due to Malamutes being descended from wolves and the sense of independence their ancestors had has passed down to these wonderful animals.
Similar to Siberians, you should expect to be giving them lots of exercise and playtime.
5. Alaskan Husky
So if you mix an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky, you must get an Alaskan Husky right? Well, not exactly.
Alaskan Huskies are a cross of multiple different breeds including Greyhounds and Alaskan Malamutes amongst others which means they can look very different depending upon the specific dog’s parents.
In fact, the “breed” is not even technically recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Though you might assume these dogs would be good family pets since they’re related to Malamutes and Huskies, these are the definition of working dogs.
Alaskan Huskies are in fact routinely seen on Iditarod teams, as their working heritage sets them apart from their purebred Siberian “cousins.”
6. Labrador Husky
A Labrador Husky must be a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Siberian Husky but again, the name is a bit of a fooler.
In fact, this breed looks very similar to a wolf with a double coat and wild appearance.
Like most of the Husky “breeds” discussed here, these dogs are active but can be incredibly loyal and fun-loving pets. They are good with children but of course, will need to have an owner who can provide lots of mental stimulation!
As noted, there are even lots more Husky-type breeds out there but it is important to do your research and know the particulars about the dog you’re bringing into your pack since you’re taking the responsibility of providing them with their furever home.