Guide Note: The Alaskan Husky is not an actual breed but rather a type of dog created by mushers and breeders by crossing northern sled dogs and hounds, sometimes even using greyhounds to add speed and endurance to the breed. The husky varies in appearance from one breeding kennel to another since the look of the dog is less important than their running ability. The Alaskan Husky has no breed standard to conform to. They rarely have any noted breed health concerns because they are bred for function, so the sick are quickly removed from a breeding program.
Fast Facts:
- Can run over 19 miles an hour over a 3 day race, running 20 to 30 miles in 1 day
- Alaskan Huskies are the fastest of the northern breeds
- Breed was developed in Alaska
- One of the favored breeds in the Iditarod Dog Sled Race
- Balto is a famous husky/wolf cross that saved many people in Alaska's 1925 diphtheria epidemic
- A Miniature Husky is called an Alaskan Klee Kai
