Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Are you considering adopting an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky? It can be difficult to choose between these two dogs. But what if you didn’t have to choose just one dog?
Have you heard of the Alusky? If not, don’t feel bad! This is a relatively new dog breed!
We’ve put together some information about the Alusky, so you can decide if this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is an Alusky?
The Alusky is a hybrid dog breed that’s a mix of a purebred Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky. Talk about a beautiful dog! Some of these dogs can look very much like a wolf. You can also expect these dogs are a good size, athletic, and strong.
Because the Alusky is a relatively new dog breed, we really don’t know much about their history. However, we can learn more about these dogs by taking a look at both purebred parents.
Quick Overview of the Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute, also called the Malamute, is a dog that comes from the Arctic. They were originally bred to pull sleds and hunt polar bears and seals. So, these dogs had to be strong, durable, and have the stamina needed to pull a sled for miles.
One interesting note about the Malamute is that they’re known for “talking back” to their pet parents! You may have seen some videos over on YouTube with a Malamute talking back if they don’t want a bath, want to go out, and more.
The dogs are also friendly with almost everyone; they don’t make good watchdogs for this reason. They need plenty of room to run and play and need a lot of exercise. The dogs also tend to have an independent nature that can make them a bit stubborn. But they are beautiful dogs that love their families.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowThe Siberian Husky
The other purebred parent of the Alusky is the Siberian Husky. Like the Malamute, the Siberian Husky also comes from Arctic regions. They were developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia. The dogs were bred to transport family belongings and were also beloved family companions.
Siberian Huskies also look like wolves and are beautiful dogs. The dogs are strong, durable, and athletic, too. What’s more, Huskies are highly intelligent and usually get along with other dogs pretty well. However, they can also be stubborn and challenging to train. For this reason, the dogs are not recommended for inexperienced pet parents.
One more note about these beautiful dogs—they are amazing escape artists. They put Houdini to shame! The dogs just love to wander and may try to get out if they are left alone in the yard for too long.
As you can see, the Alusky has some amazing purebred parents!
Aluskies usually stand about 22 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 60 to 100 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
Alusky Appearance
The Aluksy is a medium to large dog that has a sturdy body. They have eyes that are almond-shaped and deep set, with colors that can include brown or blue. The Alusky usually has large, erect ears and long, narrow muzzles that strongly resemble wolves. In addition, the dogs usually have dark noses and fluffy tails.
The dogs also have a thick, double coat that can come in a wide range of colors, including white, red, brown, cream, silver, light brown, gray, golden, or salt & pepper.
Alusky Temperament
The Alusky hybrid dog is highly intelligent and full of energy. That should come as a surprise as both parents of these dogs are very intelligent and energetic. Aluskies are also very loyal to their pet parents.
The dogs are friendly and loving. And because the dogs are so intelligent, they need plenty of mental stimulation. They enjoy working, training, dog puzzle toys, training courses, and more. They also love to have a job to do.
The dogs can also be somewhat stubborn, and they don’t do well when left alone for long periods.
Are Aluskies Good for Families?
The dogs can make wonderful companions for the right family. The dogs are best if they’ve been properly trained and socialized from a young age. And they do best with an active family that understands how to manage and train the dogs.
The dogs can get along with kids; however, they’re best with older kids. And the dogs don’t do well in a small home. They need plenty of room and a yard to run in. What’s more, the dogs are best suited to colder climates. If you live in a warm, humid place during the summer, the dog must stay indoors. They can easily become overheated and develop heat stroke.
Do Aluskies Get Along Well with Other Pets?
Aluskies usually do very well with other dogs. However, they must be trained and socialized from a young age in order to get along with other pets.
Food & Diet
The Aluksy is a medium or large dog that’s very active. So, they need a large amount of food every day. They do best on about 4 ½ cups of food a day, divided into two meals each day.
In addition, the dogs need a dry kibble or wet food that’s formulated for medium to large, active dog breeds.
Training
Aluskies are highly intelligent dogs that require plenty of training and socialization. However, they can have a stubborn streak and be rather independent. This can make training an Alusky more challenging.
While the dogs are eager to please, they need a strong pet parent who establishes themselves as the pack leader. If not, the dog will become dominant. In addition, the dogs thrive with positive reinforcement methods, backed up with rewards and plenty of praise.
Exercise
Aluskies require between 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. However, more would be better, depending on how active your fur baby is. They love to play in the yard, walk, and run. The Alusky also enjoys dog sports such as agility, races, and more.
Summing It Up
Aluskies are beautiful hybrid dogs that are a cross between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. While they can be challenging to train, the dogs can also be loving and loyal. They’re highly intelligent and make great companions for active families who have time to spend with the dog.
We’re pretty sure if you adopt an Alusky, you’ll have a wonderful family companion to share many adventures with!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
