Kugsha – The Amerindian Malamute

Reviewed By Julie •  Updated: 07/05/21 •  6 min read
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Are you familiar with the Kugsha dog breed? If you’ve heard about the Kugsha and would like to adopt one, there are some things you must know about these beautiful canines first. They are not a breed that’s meant for everyone.

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In this article, we’ll share facts about the Kugsha’s origin and what you need to know about this breed’s characteristics, personality, and more! Let’s get started!

What is a Kugsha?

You may be wondering what type of dob breed a Kugsha is, with such an unusual name. Well, these are beautiful dogs that are also referred to as Amerindian Malamutes. These dogs are a Spitz-type dog, which has some characteristics of a wolf. You may think you’re looking at a wolf! There’s a reason for that!

The Kugsha originated in Pennsylvania and were bred by the Wolfen Kennels. This is an American breeder who seems to have included wolf genes with Malamute-breeds in the mix when breeding the Kugsha. The result was a very rare wolf-hybrid, the Kugsha. The goal of creating the Kugsha was to a hard-working dog used to pull sleds and more.

Physical Characteristics

These dogs are classified as working dogs. Their average weight is between 60-110 lbs, and they stand between 20-27 inches tall. In other words, the Kugsha is a very large dog! Their average lifespan is between 12-14 years.

When it comes to colors, the Kugsha comes in white, fawn, gray, black, and brown. Their fur is a double coat, medium-length, and brittle (the outer coat). These dogs are made to thrive in extreme cold. So, they don’t do well in areas that become very hot or have high humidity.

The Kugsha strongly resembles a wolf and other types of wolfdogs, but they also look very much like a Husky. They’re larger than Siberian Huskies but a little smaller than Alaskan Malamutes. But it’s important to understand that these are very large dogs.

Kugshas tend to have large heads that are proportionate to their body size. The skull is somewhat rounded and slightly tapers toward the muzzle, which is almost as long as the skull. They have beautiful almond-shaped eyes, which are set apart, which can make them look more like wolves. This breed’s ears are pointed and triangular, which adds to the Kugsha’s wolfish appearance.

Kugshas can have brown, hazel, amber eyes with a black nose.

Temperament & Personality

Kugshas are beautiful dogs, but they’re not meant for everyone. This is because they are “undomesticated,” in that they’re extremely intelligent. They have a very high spirit, too, which is an excellent attribute in sled-pulling dogs. With their intelligence, these dogs are also highly independent.

These dogs are not good for first-time or inexperienced pet parents. A Kugsha requires a pet parent who understands the breed very well and knows how to work with these dogs. This is not a dog where you show you are the alpha. That doesn’t work. Instead, you’re partners in the pack, companions, family, etc.

It’s said some of these dogs have the intelligence of a nine-year-old, with the emotional understanding of some who is 20 years old. So, this is a dog you work with, not a master.

These dogs hate being left alone and quickly develop separation anxiety. If that happens, expect that a large, intelligent, independent dog will know exactly how to act out. You’ll come home to a chewed-up home! This is a dog who really needs to stay with you or another family member. They really can’t be left alone.

Kugshas are also not receptive to strangers. They will not let a new person approve or touch them until the dog decides the person is OK.

These are dogs who also have a very strong prey drive. For this reason, they should never be left alone with kids or other pets. Kugshas prefer to have a structured routine with a quiet life. They don’t do well in a rowdy home environment. These dogs don’t deal well with spontaneity. And you can’t let a Kugsha run off-leash.

For these reasons, the Kugsha needs to be socialized from a very young age. The good news is that these dogs are trainable. But they’re not naturally social, even after being socialized.

Having said that, these dogs are extremely loyal and loving with their own families. They’re also very protective of their homes and their families.

Training

When it comes to training, the Kugsha quickly learns new cues and has an eagerness to learn. But they are very demanding. This dog breed needs to start training at an early age—when they’re puppies.

Exercise

As working dogs, this breed needs plenty of hard exercise. Figure on spending at the minimum 70 minutes a day exercising your dog, but more would be better.

Kugshas enjoy a large fenced yard with wide-open spaces. So, this isn’t a dog breed that does well with apartment living. However, dogs who are well-trained do make wonderful hiking, jogging, and walking companions. The more energy you can help them to wear off, the better.

Health

Kugshas are a very healthy dog breed; however, like all canine breeds, they are subject to certain health issues. Kugshas can develop the following health issues, which are common in working canine breeds:

These dogs live for a long time (for a larger dog breed). The average lifespan of a Kugsha is 12-14 years.

Grooming

Kugshas have beautiful fur that needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week. This keeps the hair cleaned of debris and also keeps the fur from matting and tangling. This is also a great way to get rid of shed hair.

Because their fur is straight, it’s not necessary to bathe the dogs very often. They only need a bath once every few months, unless they become very dirty.

You’ll need to keep your Kugsha’s nails trimmed, and their teeth should also be brushed at least once a week.

So, there you have it! Kugshas are beautiful, affectionate, intelligent, loyal dogs. However, they are a dog that you must partner with, not master. And remember, they’re a very active breed and will need plenty of exercise.

If you do adopt a Kugsha, you’ll have a best bud who will be with you for many years to come!

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Julie

Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.

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