Alusky (Alaskan Malamute & Siberian Husky Mix)

The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Mix is an energetic, playful, and friendly dog that will make a great pet for an active family. Better known as the Alusky, this medium to a large-size dog requires a lot of space to run and play. They are very loyal to their owners, and with the right training, make excellent pets for families with children.

If you live in a colder climate and have an active lifestyle, this breed may be a great fit for you. Before you make any final decisions, however, you must learn all the details about this pet and their care. In the article below, we will share all of the important information you need to determine whether or not this is the right canine for you.

We will go over the details about the Alusky’s puppy years, grooming needs, diets, temperament, and much more. We will also give you some food for thought on why this dog may not be the right fit for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Alusky Puppies – Before You Buy…

The Alusky is a medium-size puppy with a lot of energy. They are curious, rambunctious, and are prone to get into anything and everything that is left unattended. These tiny tykes are full of adventure and energy in their young years. You must provide them with a lot of attention and exercise, as they can also exhibit some destructive behavior.

The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are both working breeds that come from colder climates. Each one has a long-distinguished line dating back hundreds of years. The Alusky’s parents are both used to pulling sleds, herding animals, and other jobs. As a puppy, this breed does need mental stimulation as well as outlets for their abundant energy levels.

The Alusky is known as a designer breed, which is the hybrid of two purebred canines to create a new breed of dog. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they have become popular pets for those active individuals that want a playful and affectionate companion.

As puppies, they will require training right away for obedience and socializing. They are not prone to barking, but other mischiefs can include chewing, digging, and getting into other trouble.

What’s the Price of Alusky Puppies?

The average price for an Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky mix puppy is about $1,000. This number can vary, however, depending on the breeder. What’s more, you also want to take into consideration other costs that are associated with new puppy ownership.

When all is said and done, the cost of shots, food, leashes, crates, and all the other puppy paraphernalia needed can average out to be around $600. Also, keep in mind that this number does not signify other costs that may come into play. For example, unforeseen illnesses, grooming expenses, and even training assistance can add up quickly.

If you are well able to handle the expense, the other important factor that you need to consider is the breeder. Finding a reputable kennel is important. A good breeder will give you all the information you need on your puppy’s parents including their health and upbringing. Another good way to judge a kennel is by looking around. Take a look at the living conditions of the other animals. Also, if you can meet with the parents of your puppy, it can give you a better understanding of the temperament and personality traits your pet may come to have.

3 Little-Known Facts About Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Mix

1. They talk to strangers.

It seems that no one has clued these dogs into “stranger danger” as they are perfectly happy to get to know a new face. Many people assume that larger, energetic dogs are aggressive towards newcomers. The Alusky, however, is friendly and open to meeting someone new.

2. They are healthier than their parents.

The Alusky does not have many health concerns and is typically less prone to illnesses than their parents. In fact, hybrid breeds tend to have fewer ailments and longer healthy years than their purebred ancestors.

3. They are wolf-like.

Due to both of their parent’s appearance, the Alusky has been mistaken for their wolf ancestors by unsuspecting passersby.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Alusky

The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky mix is a very intelligent and active pet. They are loyal to their owners and can be affectionate yet calm. They enjoy a lot of activities and are very at home with loud and rambunctious families. They also do well with children, although their size can cause a few accidents. For that reason, it is important to monitor this breed if you have small children. What’s more, it is not a breed recommended for elderly adults.

Besides that, the Alusky is loving and friendly. Their intelligence also leaves them to be active in their mind as well as in body. They enjoy mental stimulation in the form of puzzles, training courses, and even jobs such as herding. It is also important to note that this dog has a great memory.

One thing this pup is not great at is being a watchdog. Their friendly and laid-back nature allows them to be curious and open to new faces. They are more apt to beg for a treat from a newcomer than sound the alarm.

You should also be aware that this breed can have a stubborn side. They also do not do well with extended periods of alone time, and it can lead to destructive behavior.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Alusky can make an excellent family pet with a few quid pro quos. As mentioned, if trained early this dog is great with children. Their patience and laid-back manner make them great companions for kids, Plus, they enjoy the daily activity of a large family. Something you always want to keep in mind, however, is that these are large and very strong animals. Although they are not aggressive towards children, their size can cause them to knock little ones over by accident.

Something else that is important for this breed is large open spaces. They do not do well in apartments or condos as they require a large yard where they’re able to run and play. What’s more, their herding and wandering instincts, courtesy of their ancestors, requires that you also have a sturdy fence in place to keep them safe inside of your yard.

Also, due to their warm coats, this dog is better suited for colder climates. During the warmer summer months, you mustn’t leave your pet out in the backyard too long. They can become ill from the sun. Besides that, if overheated they can become irritable.

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Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If trained early, the Alusky will get along well with other pets in the home. They are friendly and sociable with other dogs but can be reserved with new faces. That being said, they are typically not aggressive unless they perceive a threat.

This breed is also good with other smaller pets such as cats and rabbits. Due to their herding instincts, however, you may take note of this behavior with your smaller ankle-biters. As mentioned, the Alusky enjoys a lot of different activities, and they do not mind extra furry feet running about that they can chase or herd.

Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

As a medium to large size dog, the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky mix require a decent amount of food each day. It is recommended that they get about four and a half cups of food split between two meals morning and night. It is equally important that the food contains nutritious vitamins, minerals, and other supplements to ensure their overall health.

As a general guideline, your dog should get anywhere between 20 and 30% protein with each meal; plus, between 10 and 20% fat, and up to 10% fiber. These things combined will ensure that they are getting all the necessary nutrients to remain active and healthy. Also, note that your pet should consume 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. Again, it is important that you speak with your vet to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrition.

Active dogs require a good amount of lean protein and healthy fat in their diet to keep their energy level strong. Additionally, you should also pick treats and snacks that have protein and other health benefits. Try to keep sugars, unhealthy fats, carbohydrates, and calories low. Also, avoid feeding your pet table scraps, as they can be predisposed to weight gain in their later years which can also cause joint and hip pain.

• Try: Best Foods for Alaskan Malamutes

Exercise

The Alusky requires a good amount of daily exercise. They should be taken on long vigorous walks twice-daily, plus they should also get playtime in the yard, as well. Although we have already mentioned it, these dogs also do well with mental stimulation added to their exercise routines.

Giving your pet jobs such as herding animals can benefit their overall well-being. They also enjoy puzzles, races, agility courses, and toys that will have multiple functions. This will keep your dog from destructive behaviors that can take over if they become bored. Unfortunately, boredom is one of this dog’s personality quirks.

If they are not given the proper attention and daily activity, they will quickly turn their energies into behaviors that are not appropriate. They have been known to chew, dig, burrow, and engage in other behaviors that will leave you shaking your head.

Training

As a very intelligent animal, the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky mix are well able to be trained in the field of obedience, housebreaking, and behavioral commands. That being said, they have a stubborn streak and independent nature that can make training a little bit more difficult. Most Alusky pet parents have found that patience and an early start are the best way to get the job done.

The Alusky is eager to please their owners, but they require a pack leader and a firm hand. We did mention above that this particular canine has a good memory. This is particularly important when it comes to training. Aggression or violence towards the dog will be remembered long after the time has passed. Not only will it not aid you in their proper training, but they are less likely to follow your commands.

Like most independent dogs with a dominant nature, setting yourself up as the leader is important from the get-go. You need to have patience and time, as well. Positive reinforcement and a reward system are very effective with this breed, too.

If trained early and properly, the Alusky will make a great family pet. Their overall intelligence will allow them to pick up tricks and obedience training quickly, plus it will allow them to interact freely with children, pets, and other people.

Grooming ✂️

With their thick coat of fur, the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky mix will require some grooming. Also, as they are not a hypoallergenic breed, they are not recommended for households that have allergies, asthma, and other breathing difficulties. That being said, this breed has average to normal shedding except during the shedding season. During this time, it is important that you brush them twice-daily to keep the bulk of the hair from your furniture and other upholstery.

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You can also bathe your Alusky when they are dirty. Regular baths, however, are not required. As this breed has a thick undercoat, it can take a considerable amount of time to dry. If they are going to be spending time outdoors during the cold weather, you should make sure they are fully dry or put off bath time before allowing them out for any extended periods.

Besides their coat, you also want to brush their teeth weekly, as well as, clean out their ears to prevent infections. You will also need to keep their nails clipped. With proper exercise, nail maintenance should be minimal as they will naturally ground down the nails on their own.

Health and Conditions

If you read the little-known facts about this breed above, you may have noticed that the Alusky is a fairly healthy canine that is not prone to a lot of illnesses. As a matter of fact, they tend to be healthier than their purebred Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky parents. That being said, all dogs can develop ailments depending on their genetics, lifestyle, diet, and exercise.

When it comes to the Alusky, there are a few things that you want to keep an eye out for. First is ear infections and wax buildup. In the grooming section above, we mentioned that it is important to clean your pet’s ears weekly. This will help decrease the risk of infection.

Something else to be on the lookout for is weight gain as your dog ages. Keeping them active with a healthy diet will also keep the chances of this happening low, but it is something to be on the lookout for, nonetheless. With weight gain also comes the possibility of hip dysplasia which is something else that this breed can develop.

Besides those ailments, this breed is also prone to other minor concerns such as eye and skin infections. Consistent ear infections can also cause hearing problems in their golden years. Finally, keep an eye out for tangles and mats in their fur that can be painful.

Male vs Female

A hybrid designer breed can have different traits and characteristics based on which parent is more dominant. It is also difficult to tell whether the Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky will be more evident in the Alusky’s personality.

Male and female dogs can exhibit different behaviors depending on their characteristics and temperament. As an example, the female Siberian Huskies can be more standoffish while the male Alaskan Malamute can have a more dominant personality.

These things are all subjective to your pooch and how they were raised. Early handling and their lifestyle make a difference, as well as, whether or not they have been spayed or neutered. As far as appearance, the female Aluskys tend to be a bit wider in the middle. The males, on the other hand, are bigger and slimmer in the hips.

As far as personality traits, like their ancestors, males can tend to be more dominant and stubborn. They can push the boundaries especially when they are young and figuring out who is in charge. Females can be a bit grouchy if they have not been spayed. They can also be a bit more territorial.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky mix makes a great pet for active pet parents and families. They are friendly, laid-back, and social. They enjoy the hustle and bustle of daily life, and their intelligence lets them fit right into your family.

If training is done at an early age, this pet will be great for families with children and other animals. Although we do not recommend apartment living for this pooch, large yards with fences are great along with daily outdoor activities. In general, this is a great pet to have as a companion in your life.

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