Alusky

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 20, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© DejaVuDesigns/Shutterstock.com

An Alusky loves to dig, so make sure your fence is planted deep in the ground to prevent any escapes!


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Alusky Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Alusky Conservation Status

Alusky Locations

Alusky Locations

Alusky Facts

Fun Fact
An Alusky loves to dig, so make sure your fence is planted deep in the ground to prevent any escapes!
Temperament
Energetic and friendly
Diet
Omnivore

Alusky Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Black
  • White
  • Silver
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
10-15 years
Weight
100 lbs

Alusky as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,000
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
60-100 lbs
Female weight
60-100 lbs

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The Alusky is excellent at pulling sleds and carts like its purebred parents.

Breed a Siberian Husky with an Alaskan Malamute and you get another dog that loves the cold weather! Specifically, you have a hybrid dog known as an Alusky. Aluskies are friendly, social dogs with a lot of energy to spare. These dogs are strong-willed and often used for pulling carts and sleds like their well-known parents. They need to be where the action is and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. Socialized Aluskies are good with kids and other dogs.

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3 Pros and Cons of Owning an Alusky

Pros!Cons!
Fun-Loving
Aluskies love to run and play with their owners and are always up for a fun game of fetch, chase, tag, or hide-and-seek.
Needs Daily Exercise
Aluskies have a lot of energy and need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day to stay healthy.
Good With Kids
Socialized Aluskies are good with children. But small children should be watched around this canine due to its large size and tendency to get overexcited. It could accidentally knock a small child off balance.
High Maintenance Grooming Routine
It needs to be brushed at least three times a week to maintain its appearance.
Affectionate
Though these crossbreed dogs need plenty of exercise, they like to cuddle on the sofa with family members as well.
A Cold-Weather Dog
This dog is not appropriate for someone who lives in an area with humid, hot weather. It thrives in an average to cold climate.
Alusky sitting on a rock

Aluskies love to run and are always ready for a fun game of fetch or chase.

©DejaVuDesigns/Shutterstock.com

Evolution and Origins

Though it’s uncertain exactly when the Alusky was first developed, this hybrid was created by breeders in the U.S. who wanted a dog with the best qualities of both purebred parents. The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky are two of the three breeds of the Alaskan sled dog (the third being the Samoyed).

The Alaskan Malamute originated in the Arctic region of Alaska, bred by the Mahlemut Inuits to hunt, haul heavy loads over long distances, and guard their homes. In the late 1800s during the gold rush, these dogs pulled sleds carrying prospectors’ supplies and tools. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935. While the Alaskan Malamute continues to be used as a sled dog, it is also a popular family pet.

Siberian Huskies were first present in the 19th century in Siberia, used by the Chukchi people as working sled dogs and pets. They were known for winning sledding races in the early 1900s but gained much more attention in 1925 when a sled dog team — led by Balto, likely the most famous Siberian Husky in history — delivered 300,000 units of diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, ending its diphtheria epidemic. Siberian Huskies were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

Health and Entertainment for your Alusky

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Apart from being family pets, Aluskies today work as sledding, carting, and racing dogs, transporting freight, and assisting in search and rescue missions.

Gray Dog Breeds

The Alusky’s parent breed the Alaskan malamute is a snow dog of great stamina and strength.

©Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight

This dog with its thick, double coat can grow to a height of 28 inches and weigh as much as 100 pounds, full-grown. Alusky puppies that are 7 weeks old weigh around 12 pounds. These crossbreed dogs are considered full-grown between 12 and 15 months old.

Height (Male)28 inches tall
Height (Female)28 inches tall
Weight (Male)100 pounds, full-grown
Weight (Female)100 pounds, full-grown

Common Health Issues

Aluskies have some common health issues. One of them is hip dysplasia. Essentially, hip dysplasia means a dog has a dislocated hip joint. Limping, hopping, and awkward running are all symptoms. Hip dysplasia is hereditary and can be passed down by either an Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky. Responsible breeders who know they have a purebred dog with hip dysplasia won’t breed it. Medications and changes in an exercise routine are both treatments for this condition.

A second common health issue of this hybrid dog is cataracts. This is a clouding of the lens that can cause partial and sometimes total blindness. Surgery is a treatment for cataracts that interfere with a canine’s daily activities.

Ear infections are another health issue. This dog has thick fur around its ears. Dirt, dust, and debris can build up in the ear causing a bacterial infection. A vet can prescribe medication to clear up this type of infection. Also, an owner can make cleaning their Alusky’s ears a part of the grooming routine in an effort to prevent infections. The common health issues of the Alusky include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Ear infections.
Siberian Husky looking anxious.

Parent breed the Siberian Husky can pass down hip dysplasia to an Alusky.

©Konstantin Zaykov/Shutterstock.com

Temperament and Behavior

Alusky owners are very likely to use the word friendly when describing the personality of their pooch. These canines are glad to see anyone who stops by the household! Their behavior is playful and energetic. Aluskies love to run, jump and explore. They also love to dig, which is why it’s best to have a fence that’s planted deep in the ground to prevent any escapes.

Loyalty is one of the most significant traits of this canine. A new owner will quickly notice this dog following them wherever they go. This dog is ideal for an active family that wants an equally energetic pet.

Beautiful Alusky dog sitting on bluffs looking down at the ocean.

Aluskies are friendly and playful.

©DejaVuDesigns/Shutterstock.com

How to Take Care of an Alusky

In order to take great care of an Alusky puppy or adult dog, it’s best to learn about its diet, exercise, grooming, and healthcare requirements. That way, an owner has the information necessary to make wise decisions when caring for this pooch. Of course, Alusky puppies and adult dogs need different types of care. Here are some factors to keep in mind.

The Best Dog Food for Alusky Dogs

Giving Alusky puppies and adult canines the proper diet may help to head off various common health conditions. Consider the nutrients involved in this dog’s daily diet:

Alusky puppy food: Chicken or fish are excellent sources of high-quality protein for this puppy. Protein contributes to a healthy coat, joints, muscles, and cartilage, important for a dog prone to hip dysplasia. Fat is a must in this puppy’s diet to supply them with enough energy to learn and explore. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to a strong heart and healthy immune system. Vitamin A supports healthy eyes and calcium builds strong teeth and bones.

Alusky adult dog food: Protein in the form of high-quality fish, poultry or meat maintains strong muscles and joints in this large dog. A limited amount of fat provides an adult Alusky with the energy it needs without adding extra pounds to its frame. Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant that decreases inflammation. Vitamin A in an adult Alusky’s diet helps to maintain eye health. Calcium keeps this pet’s teeth and bones strong as it grows older. The fiber in their diet helps these dogs maintain proper digestion.

Between the potential eye and joint problems, and all the shedding Aluskies do, the perfect food could be a godsend. There are a number of dog foods that help with excess shedding.

At A-Z Animals, we think Alusky Dogs will live a long, active life on Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Salmon & Cod Formula Dry Dog Food.

Aluskies’ activity level, metabolism, and muscles will benefit from the 30% protein and 20% fat composition of this food. Omega 3s, glucosamine, and EPA help sustain strong joints while vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids keep the fur and skin in good condition.

Here’s where to get Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 on Chewy and Amazon.

Best Fish Recipe
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Salmon & Cod Formula Dry Dog Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Salmon & Cod Recipe
  • High protein dog food contains 30% protein and 20% fat for lean muscle and metabolism needs
  • Glucosamine and EPA for joint health and mobility


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

How much does an Alusky shed? Well, both its Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute parents are big shedders, so it should come as no surprise that Aluskies are too! Their beautiful double coat keeps these snow dogs warm and dry. This amount of shedding requires an owner to brush their Alusky at least three times a week.

One of the most valuable grooming tools this dog owner can have is a slicker brush. This brush removes loose and dead hair from its coat. A brush with soft boar’s hair bristles can be used to stir up the natural oils in this canine’s coat. After finishing with the soft brush, your Alusky’s coat of black, brown, white, silver, or gray will look shiny and healthy.

Another essential step in an Alusky’s grooming routine is to clean this dog’s ears. Dust, mud, and dirt can become trapped in the hair around its ears possibly leading to an ear infection. Using a soft cloth, carefully clean the sensitive skin inside the dog’s ears with a cleaning solution designed for this purpose. Plus, their nails need to be trimmed about once a month.

Some Aluskies have a skin condition called zinc-responsive dermatosis. This is a common issue with the Siberian Husky as well. Symptoms are redness, bald patches, and scaly skin. This condition is an indication that the dog doesn’t have enough zinc in its diet, or its body is not absorbing it in the right way. A veterinarian can help to resolve this issue.

Siberian Husky playing on a beach.

The Alusky is a big shedder like its parent breed the Siberian Husky.

©Sbolotova/Shutterstock.com

Training

Aluskies are intelligent dogs, but they can be somewhat stubborn during training. They are similar to the Samoyed, another snow dog that has a reputation for being smart, but stubborn during obedience training. Patience and lots of positive words are needed during a training session. They will learn if an owner puts in the time and effort.

Samoyed standing on top of a snow hill

Aluskies are similar to Samoyeds in the stubbornness they show during training.

©Ilya Barmin/Shutterstock.com

Exercise

An Alusky needs at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. After all, these dogs are known for their sled-pulling abilities! If you don’t have a sled that your Alusky can pull, they love running on trails in the woods, playing in a dog park, or exploring a nearby field. Keep in mind that these are cold-weather dogs. Trying to jog with your dog or give it strenuous exercise on a hot and humid day can be dangerous to this canine. It can become overheated very quickly.

These dogs are large in size so they are not suitable pets for people who live in apartments.

Alusky dog playing on a beach.

Aluskies need daily exercise and love exploring different environments.

©DejaVuDesigns/Shutterstock.com

Puppies

Aluskies are large puppies that grow into large dogs. So, giving them a spacious, enclosed area to explore is necessary for this pup to get its energy out and build muscle at the same time.

Adorable Alusky puppy dog running at full speed.

Even when the Alusky is a puppy, it is a big dog.

©DejaVuDesigns/Shutterstock.com

Alusky and Children

A socialized Alusky is likely to be good with children. One thing to remember is this dog is big in size. They love to get excited and start racing around. A toddler or small child who steps in its path may get knocked over in all the excitement. So, supervising this dog with small kids is certainly recommended.

Dogs Similar to the Alusky

Some dogs similar to the Alusky include the Samoyed, the Keeshond, and the Collie.

  • Samoyed: Samoyeds and Aluskies have stubborn sides when it comes to obedience training. In terms of size, a Samoyed is shorter and lighter than an Alusky.
  • Keeshond: Keeshonds and Aluskies have friendly, loyal temperaments. Both dogs can have a coat that includes a mixture of many of the same colors including black, cream, dark gray, silver, brown, and white. Keeshonds are smaller in size.
  • Collie: Collies and Aluskies have friendly temperaments and are intelligent. However, Collies weigh less than Aluskies.
keeshond

A Keeshond is similar to an Alusky but smaller.

©Mary Swift/Shutterstock.com

Popular names for Aluskies include:

  • Sonya
  • Sierra
  • Balto
  • Nova
  • Miska
  • Moose
  • Bandit
  • Dakota
  • Nome
  • Luna

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About the Author

Catherine Gin has more than 15 years of experience working as an editor for digital, print and social media. She grew up in Australia with an alphabet of interesting animals, from echidnas and funnel-web spiders to kookaburras and quokkas, as well as beautiful native plants including bottlebrushes and gum trees. Being based in the U.S. for a decade has expanded Catherine's knowledge of flora and fauna, and she and her husband hope to have a hobby farm and vegetable garden in future.

Alusky FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is an Alusky?

An Alusky is a result of breeding a Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. This crossbreed is a social, energetic dog with an affectionate personality. They want to be around their owner at all times and do best in colder climates due to their thick double coat. Their coat can be a mixture of gray, black, brown, cream, white, or silver. The coloration of an Alusky puppy depends on which parent it takes after.

How much does it cost to own an Alusky?

Breeders usually charge a price of around $1,000 for Alusky puppies. The price is high due to the tremendous popularity of the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute.

The yearly vet cost of an Alusky ranges from $400 to $500.

The monthly food cost for an Alusky goes from $50 to $100 depending on the brand and amount purchased.

Is an Alusky good with kids?

A socialized Alusky is likely to be good with kids. Of course, smaller children should be supervised with this large dog that has a tendency to get overexcited and boisterous.

How much is an Alusky?

Breeders charge a price of around $1,000 for Alusky puppies.

How long does an Alusky live?

The lifespan of an Alusky is 10 to 15 years.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/alaskan-malamute/
  2. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky
  3. Wag Walking, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/alusky-alaskan-malamute-and-siberian-husky-mix

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