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Alusky Hybrid Description

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Hybrid Description

The Alusky is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues.

Alaskan Malamute Breed Description - Cross #1

The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed dog often called a northern dog, Arctic Sled dog, even a Nordic dog. This breed was used as an Alaskan sled dog and is quite often mistaken for the Siberian Husky, which is his cousin as is the Samoyed of Russia and the Eskimo dogs of Greenland and Labrador. The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest sled dog known to be in existence.

The Malamute has a double coat with the guard coat or top coat being coarse and varying in length with the undercoat being one to two inches in depth and very dense. The undercoat tends to be oily and wooly. The colors range from light gray to transitional shadings of black, sable, and then shadings from of sable to red. The undercoat can be a variety of shadings as well. There is only one solid color of the Alaskan Malamute, which is pure white. Their coat is never long; it is more short or medium in length along their sides, with the length becoming a bit longer around the shoulders and neck, down their back, over their rump, and in the breeching and plume. Broken colors are expected unless you are talking about the pure white Malamutes.

As a puppy, you will have your hands full, as he will wish to play, romp, and discover his surroundings. The Alaskan Malamute is a very intelligent breed, which is enormously loyal, sweet, and loving to their master. An Alaskan Malamute is not suited as a guard dog because they are overly tender; however, they can be quite aggressive to other animals or even small children until they have had the chance to except them as part of the family. They love the outdoors and plenty of activity; however, they also need to be part of their human family. They can be destructive if left alone indoors, as they need extra attention.

Behavior

This robust, calm, steady dog has great endurance. Though quite independent, he is not as feisty as the Husky. He is playful, affectionate, and gentle with children, making him an excellent pet. The Alaskan Malamute makes a poor guard dog because he rarely barks, is not aggressive, and is very sociable. His pack instinct is still strong, and he is rather dominant with other dogs. Firm training must begin at a very young age.

The Alaskan Malamute could possibly adapt to life in the city, but this dog does not like to be left alone and hates inactivity. If closed in, he will destroy a house. To maintain mental and physical health, this dog must take long, frequent walks, and if possible be allowed to pull loads. This breed does not tolerate heat well. Brushing twice per week is required. A curry comb is needed during seasonal shedding.

Malamutes, like other Northern and sled dog breeds, can have a high prey drive, due to their origins and breeding. This may mean that in some cases they will chase smaller animals, including other canines, as well as rabbits, squirrels, and cats. While Malamutes are, as a general rule, particularly amicable around people and can be taught to tolerate smaller pets, it is necessary to be mindful of them around smaller animals and small children.

Malamutes are very fond of people, a trait that makes them particularly sought-after family dogs, but unreliable watchdogs as they do not tend to bark. Malamutes are nimble around furniture and smaller items, making them ideal house dogs, provided they get plenty of time outdoors meeting their considerable exercise requirements. Alaskan Malamutes also often participate in animal therapy programs, like visiting patients in hospitals, due to their soft nature. If they are year-round outdoor dogs, letting them play in a baby pool filled with cold water in summer keeps them cool. In the winter, they prefer snow.

Malamutes are usually quiet dogs, seldom barking. When a Malamute does vocalize, it often appears to be "talking" by vocalizing a "woo woo" sound. A similar-looking Spitz dog, the Siberian Husky, is much more vocal.

Health

The most commonly reported health problems of Alaskan Malamutes in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey (based on a sample size of 64 dogs) were musculoskeletal (hip dysplasia), and hereditary cataracts. There are additional health issues in the breed whose origins are unknown at this time including varied seizure disorders found in young puppies as well as adults, Epilepsy, congenital heart problems, kidney problems and skin disorders.

Other health issues in Malamutes include inherited polyneuropathy, chondrodysplasia, heart defects, and eye problems (particularly cataract and progressive retinal atrophy).



Siberian Husky Breed Description - Cross #2

The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat, sickle tail, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. Huskies are an active, energetic, and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. Siberian Huskies were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia to pull heavy loads long distances through difficult conditions. The dogs were imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and later spread into the United States and Canada. They were initially sent to Alaska and Canada as sled dogs but rapidly acquired the status of family pets and show dogs. Because of their efficiency as a working breed, most huskies are bred to be able to withstand long work days on little amounts of food. They can travel up to 40 miles per day.

Behavior

Siberian Huskies are loving, gentle, playful, happy-go-lucky dogs that are fond of their families. Keen, docile, social, relaxed and rather casual, this is a high-energy dog, especially when young. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they bark little and love everyone. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they will only obey a command if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. If the handler does not display leadership, they will not see the point in obeying. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. If you are not this dog’s 100% firm, confident, consistent pack leader, he will take advantage, becoming willful and mischievous. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. Does not do well if left alone for a long period of time without a great deal of exercise beforehand. A lonely Husky, or a Husky that does not get enough mental and physical exercise can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog in heart and soul. It is good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed likes to roam. Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals and are willing to put the time and energy into them.

This breed is made for the great outdoors but also makes a wonderful companion. The Siberian Husky needs intense exercise to maintain mental health. Weekly brushing is required. Currying is required during seasonal shedding.

Health

Health issues in the breed are mainly genetic, such as seizures and defects of the eye (juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, canine glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy) and congenital laryngeal paralysis. Hip dysplasia is not often found in this breed; however, as with many medium or larger-sized canines, it can occur. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals currently has the Siberian Husky ranked 155th out of a possible 160 breeds at risk for hip dysplasia, with only two percent of tested Siberian Huskies showing dysplasia.


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