Alaska is considered by many to be the “Last Frontier.” It’s a state that is well-known for its majestic natural beauty and at the same time for being a place that is wild and unforgiving. So it’s no surprise that the dog breeds from Alaska were developed not only to be incredibly hardy but also to be able to withstand the brutal cold. So here are the Alaskan dog breeds and what you’ll want to know about each of these amazing canines.
Alaskan Malamute
While the exact origins of this large wolf-like dog are unknown, it is believed to have been in existence for several thousand years. It was first recorded as being raised by the Mahlemuts a native Inuit tribe living on the northwestern coast of Alaska along the Norton Sound, for which the breed gets its name. Today the Mahlemuts are known as the Kobuk or Kuuuvangmiut people.
The Alaskan Malamute is considered to be a freight dog. It is not built for speed, instead, the large size and incredible power of this big Alaskan dog breed allowed it to pull sleds with heavy loads over long distances. It was also used to help hunt game animals such as walrus, moose, and seals and then to haul their heavy carcasses back to the village.
However, the Alaskan Malamute functioned to protect livestock from ferocious Alaskan predators such as wolves and polar bears as well. Later on, the Malamute’s ability to pull heavy equipment and men over ice and through heavy snow played a vital role in Alaskan history as they were relied upon by explorers, gold miners, and settlers.
Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent and extremely loyal canines. Yet because they can be stubborn and have a strong pack mentality they do require an owner with experience.
Alaskan Husky
Of all the Alaskan sled dog breeds the Alaskan Husky is considered to be the top choice for racing. These dogs are not only amazingly fast but they have extreme endurance which allows them to run quickly over very long distances. However, unlike other Alaskan dogs, the Alaskan Husky is not considered to be a registered breed by any major kennel club. As of now, it’s actually more of a type of dog than an actual breed.
These dogs started out as a mix of various Husky-type dogs such as the Canadian Eskimo Dog, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and native village dogs to name a few. And over time they have had countless other breeds mixed in to increase their racing performance in various ways. Greyhounds, Salukis, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Anatolian Shepherds are just some of the breeds that have been used.
Because so many breeds have been used in its creation and the fact that it is bred for working ability instead of looks, the appearance of Alaskan Huskies can vary greatly. Yet as working sled dogs they do have many similarities. Alaskan Huskies are big, lean, and hardworking dogs.
They all have an intense desire to run, feet that can handle running over long distances on snow and ice, a protective coat, and are social pack animals that are friendly to humans. This truly Alaskan dog’s mixed ancestry has the benefit of making it a very healthy canine, as its genetic diversity means it rarely suffers from the genetic disorders which plague many other standard breeds.
Alusky
As you might be able to guess from its name the Alusky is actually a hybrid breed developed from crossing the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. Unlike the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky is actually a Russian breed. However, because of its superb sled-pulling abilities, it has been an extremely popular sled dog in Alaska since the time of the Nome Gold Rush in the early 1900s when it was introduced.
Crossing the smaller yet more athletic Siberian Husky with the larger and stronger Alaskan Malamute created an ideal working sled dog. These big and agile dogs also make excellent companions. Their temperament is generally more in line with Malamutes which makes them mellower and easier to handle than Siberian Huskies.
As a crossbred dog, the Alusky can display traits from both the Malamute and Siberian Husky which means this large Alaskan dog breed can range in its appearance.
Alaskan Klee Klai
As dog breeds go, the Alaskan Klee Klai is quite young. This small Alaskan dog breed was created in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin. Her goal was to create a miniature size dog that looked like the Alaskan Husky but that would function as a companion instead of a working dog. The breed is aptly named as Klee Klai means “little dog,” in the Inuit language.
The Alaskan Husky along with the Siberian Husky and several smaller northern breeds were used to create the Alaskan Klee Klai breed we know today. These are smart and athletic canines that are also typically long-lived.
And while they may not be big enough to function as guard dogs, Klee Klais do make alert little watchdogs (a job which they can take quite seriously). Unlike other Alaskan dog breeds, this one comes in three distinct sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...
Dogs That Look Like Sheep
Through artificial selection, dog breeders have created hundreds of unique breeds with a range of different physical characteristics. Some even look similar to other animals including sheep. So here are seven dogs that look like sheep, and what you’ll want to know...