Alusky Basics
The Alusky is a cross between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, so you’re probably already imaging just how big these dogs are, as well as how stunning they are. With an appearance similar to a wolf, the Alusky will stop you in your tracks, but he will surprise you with his friendliness, playfulness, and loyalty.
Check out the information below to figure out if this energetic and fun designer breed is right for you and your family.
The Alusky is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.
Origin
The Alusky is a designer dog breed from the United States.
Pedigree
The Alusky is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.
Food / Diet
Because the Alusky is a large and active dog, you will need to feed him a high quality, canine-appropriate food that is loaded with the right nutrients for optimal health and vitality.
Choose a dry dog food from one of the many brands available that use whole food ingredients without any allergens or artificial ingredients. Then feed your dog anywhere from 4 to 5 cups of that food every day. Split that amount up into multiple feedings.
If you want, you can also give your Alusky a high quality canned food each day, but just reduce the amount of dry food so he doesn’t end up overeating and gaining too much weight.
An Alusky will be eager to please and smart, so training shouldn’t be too difficult.
Training
An Alusky will be eager to please and smart, so training shouldn’t be too difficult if you are already experienced with handling large dogs. It is important to note that Aluskies can have a stubborn and independent side, so you will need to be firm and consistent in your approach, and these dogs may not be the right choice for first-time dog owners without any experience in dog training
For the best results, make it clear that you’re the pack leader, but be sure to remain positive and patient, using rewards and treats to reinforce good behavior. These dogs don’t respond well at all to harsh training methods.
Obedience training is important for puppies to learn the rules of the house, as well as to learn basic commands like “stay” and “sit.”
Weight
A large-sized breed, the Alusky weighs between 60 and 100 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
An Alusky will be charming, loyal, loving, outgoing, and playful. These dogs enjoy meeting and greeting new people, and they can get along with people they just met. If you’re looking for a watchdog, this isn’t a good choice.
Beware that these dogs have a strong instinct to hunt down prey, so you need to teach your dog to remain near you while walking on a leash, and you also need to raise your puppy with other pets so that he can be properly socialized and not chase after smaller animals.
Also, these dogs won’t do well when they are left alone for extended periods of time. They are far too social, so they will quickly become bored and destructive if they aren’t involved in family activities and given plenty of attention.
Common Health Problems
Because the Alusky is a hybrid canine breed, it might be prone to the same health problems that most commonly affect its parent breeds. Although there is no way to predict an individual dog’s long-term health and there is no guarantee that your dog will inherit any of these problems, it is good to know about them so you can keep an eye out for early symptoms.
Like other hybrid canines, the Alusky is surprisingly hardy and healthy. However, some of the conditions that these dogs might develop include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections.
Life Expectancy
The Alusky has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
Your Alusky could be prone to weight gain if he doesn’t get enough exercise to stay in shape. Therefore, keeping him active every day will be important. Thankfully, this will be easy to do because these dogs enjoy releasing their energy through a variety of physical activities.
If you have a backyard that is safe and enclosed, you can let your Alusky run around off-leash and play, or you could take him to the dog park to run and interact with other dogs.
Your canine companion will also enjoy going on walks, hikes, and jogs with you, but you should avoid letting your dog exercise for too long when the weather is humid or hot, as these dogs are sensitive to high temperatures.
Aluskies like to dig, so be sure your fencing is deep into the ground. A good way to let them dig safely is by giving them a sandbox in the backyard. And when your dog is inside the house, make sure he has a variety of toys to remain occupied and mentally stimulated.
An Alusky will be charming, loyal, loving, outgoing, and playful.
Recognized Clubs
The Alusky is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
The Alusky’s coat is thick and dense, so you will need to brush your pet a few times a week to keep the fur clean and healthy. These dogs shed, and they will shed even more on a seasonal basis. You will need to brush your pet daily during seasonal shedding. Be prepared, too, to clean up fur around your house.
Puppies
Like all other puppies, you will need to treat your Alusky with care and gentleness, as well as give him a clean and safe space where injuries can be prevented.
Start training and socializing your puppy from as early on as possible. Doing so will ensure he’ll grow up to be a content and confident adult who’s able to get along with people of all ages, as well as other animals, including other dogs.
Photo credit: Abramova Kseniya Romanovna/Bigstock; dbvirago/Bigstock
