Alusky
The Alusky is a cross between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Alusky. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest and largest of the Arctic sled dogs, built for strength and endurance rather than speed, reflecting their heritage as freight haulers in harsh polar conditions. According to the AKC breed standard, males ideally stand 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh approximately 85 pounds, while females measure 23 inches and weigh around 75 pounds. However, natural size variation exists within the breed, with some dogs ranging from 50 to over 100 pounds depending on lineage. The breed possesses substantial bone structure, a deep chest, and powerful, well-muscled shoulders and hindquarters designed for pulling heavy loads over long distances in challenging terrain. The Malamute's thick double coat is one of its most distinctive and essential features, consisting of a coarse outer guard coat and a dense, woolly undercoat that can be one to two inches thick. This impressive coat provides excellent insulation in extreme cold, enabling the breed to work comfortably in sub-zero temperatures, but requires regular grooming and sheds heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall. Coat colors include gray, black, sable, and red, always combined with white markings on the underbody, legs, feet, and face. The characteristic facial markings often include a cap or mask pattern that gives the breed its distinctive and recognizable appearance. The head is broad and powerful with a substantial muzzle and triangular, erect ears set wide apart on the skull, giving an alert and intelligent expression. Unlike their Siberian Husky relatives, Malamutes must have brown eyes according to breed standards, as blue eyes are a disqualifying fault that indicates crossbreeding. Their well-furred plumed tail is carried over the back when alert or working, waving like a banner. The feet are large and compact with thick pads, often described as snowshoe-type, providing traction and insulation on snow and ice. The overall impression is one of impressive substance, strength, and dignity, reflecting the breed's distinguished heritage as the freight hauler of the Arctic peoples.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Malamutes have high energy levels and require substantial daily exercise, including activities like hiking, sledding, or weight-pulling that engage their natural working drives. They are notorious diggers and escape artists, capable of excavating impressive holes and scaling or circumventing fences. Their prey drive is strong, making them potentially dangerous to cats and small animals unless raised with them from puppyhood. They can also display same-sex aggression toward other dogs. Malamutes are vocal dogs who express themselves through howling and "talking" rather than barking, which some neighbors may find challenging.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye problems are relatively common in the breed and include inherited cataracts that typically affect young dogs in both eyes and can progress to blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes gradual vision loss beginning with night blindness. Day blindness or cone degeneration is another inherited eye condition that impairs vision in bright light. Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency that can affect Malamutes due to their deep chest conformation. Zinc-responsive dermatosis causes skin crusting and hair loss and is managed through dietary zinc supplementation. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, can cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems. With proper care, the average Alaskan Malamute lifespan is 10 to 14 years, with some studies reporting an average of 11.3 years.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog that exemplifies balance, grace, and endurance, representing centuries of careful breeding by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia. According to the AKC breed standard, males stand 21 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45 to 60 pounds, while females measure 20 to 22 inches and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. Dogs exceeding these height limits are disqualified from the show ring to maintain the breed's moderate size. The breed possesses a compact, athletic body that is slightly longer than it is tall, with moderate bone and well-developed muscles that reflect its heritage as an endurance sled dog capable of pulling light loads at moderate speeds over great distances in harsh conditions. The Siberian Husky's medium-length double coat is one of its defining features, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation and a longer, straight outer coat that lies smoothly against the body and repels snow and moisture. All coat colors and patterns are permitted by the breed standard, ranging from pure white to jet black, with various shades of gray, red, sable, and agouti in between. The distinctive facial markings, which may include caps, masks, spectacles, and various other patterns, contribute to each dog's individual appearance and expression. Merle and brindle patterns are not permitted and result in disqualification. One of the most striking features of the Siberian Husky is their eyes, which may be brown, blue, one of each color (heterochromia), or parti-colored with two colors within the same eye. All eye colors are equally acceptable according to breed standards and add to the breed's unique beauty. The almond-shaped eyes are set at a slightly oblique angle, contributing to the breed's keen, alert, and sometimes mischievous expression. The medium-sized triangular ears are set high and close together, standing erect when alert. The well-furred tail is carried in a graceful sickle curve over the back when attentive, never curled tightly to either side or lying flat. The overall impression is one of effortless power, speed, and endurance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament As pack animals with strong social needs, Siberian Huskies thrive on companionship and suffer when isolated. They are excellent with children and generally friendly with other dogs when properly socialized. However, their high prey drive makes them potentially dangerous to cats and other small animals. Their energy levels are substantial, requiring vigorous daily exercise including running opportunities. Without adequate physical and mental outlets, they become destructive and may engage in excessive digging, chewing, and escape attempts. They are accomplished escape artists who can climb, dig under, or find weaknesses in fences. Huskies are vocal dogs who howl, talk, and sing rather than bark, communicating their emotions freely.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Hypothyroidism is relatively common in the breed, causing symptoms including weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, and coat changes. Uveodermatologic syndrome is an autoimmune condition affecting the eyes, skin, and nervous system that is seen more frequently in Siberian Huskies than other breeds. Degenerative myelopathy can cause progressive weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs in older dogs. Zinc-responsive dermatosis and follicular dysplasia can cause skin and coat problems. Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures without known cause, is also documented in the breed. With proper care and regular veterinary attention, the typical Siberian Husky lifespan is 12 to 14 years.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Alusky may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.